The exact process varies depending upon the domain name extension and the controlling authority for that extension. For a .com domain name (which is typical), if the domain is not renewed then the domain name will stop functioning after the expiry date. It will still be possible to renew it at the standard price for the following four weeks (the grace period) in which case it will start to work again. If it is not renewed during the grace period, the name will be returned to the master registry for deletion. For about a week it will still be possible to get the domain name back but at an increased cost (the redemption fee). After deletion, the domain name is offered within the industry at an auction. This lasts about 4 days, during which someone else might buy the domain by bidding for it. If nobody bids for the name, it will become available again to buy at the normal price.
Yes! Many people own domain names without web hosting. If you want the name to point to a website, then you will need to have a web hosting product.
These are special domain names that use non-roman characters, such as Chinese or Arabic characters.
A register must transfer a domain name so long as there is no money owing on it. Other common misunderstandings are that the domain name is locked or that you are not listed as the person owning that domain name. If you have a problem releasing a domain name that you want to transfer to us, then please send us an email or a ticket.
We have more than 560 different type of domain name extensions. There are, however, some country domain names that have unusual qualification requirements that we don't sell. If you cannot find what you are looking for, then please contact us.
If you buy a domain name, then what you are actually doing is renting the use of that domain name for a given period of time that you can use to as a way of bringing people to your website. You will also own the right to renew that domain name and to sell on you rights to that domain name. You will need to pay the renewal fee at the end of the each period to retain your rights to the domain name or else you will lose any rights you have to using that domain name.
It is important to understand that owning a domain name does not allow you use nor abuse a trademark that does not belong to you. If you buy a domain name that is similar to a trademark and start using it in a way that infringes the rights of that trademark owner then you might have your domain name taken away from you.