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While many may wonder how to buy a domain name permanently, true permanence of domain ownership is actually not achievable, it requires annual renewals up to 10-years at a time.
This could be a concerning thought seeing as a domain name is key to securing a unique space online. But don’t worry. You can purchase a domain for an extended duration and ensure that you never lose it. This guide aims to provide insight into the acquisition and maintenance of a domain for a long-term period.
The Purpose of a Domain Name
A domain name serves as the distinctive address that identifies a website’s place on the internet. Comprising characters including letters (A to Z), numbers (0 to 9), and limited special characters like hyphens (“-“), each domain is unique to a specific website.
This distinctive identifier is important in web development as it is used to point to the web server where the actual content of the website is hosted.
Domain names are the start of a business’ journey online and can help them reach a wider audience. While being able to buy a domain name permanently might not be possible, having your own website address, helps to create an exclusive identity for a business, which is important for its branding and promotion.
Types Of Top-Level Domains (TLDs)
Top Level Domains (TLDs) or domain extensions form an important part of a domain name or website address’ structure. TLDs are the suffixes that follow the domain name such as ‘.com’ or ‘.us,’.
Understanding the purpose and characteristics of TLD types can help individuals and businesses choose the most suitable domain for their specific needs. Common types of TLDs include:
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
A gTLD, or Generic Top-Level Domain is the most common type of domain extension, intended for widespread use and are not tied to a specific country or region. These include .com; .net; and .org.
Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)
These top-level domains are reserved for specific countries or territories and include extensions such as .us for the United States and .uk for the United Kingdom.
Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs)
sTLDs are sponsored domain extensions by private or public organizations and are used to serve a specific community or promote a particular cause. These extensions are often subject to restrictions. Examples of sTLDs include: .gov, for government agencies; .edu for educational institutions and .mil, reserved for the military.
New Generic Top-Level Domains (New gTLDs)
The introduction of new gTLDs was initiated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to increase availability of domain names and promote online diversity. New gTLDs include extensions such as .app, .blog, .guru, .tech, etc.
Dynamics Of Domain Ownership
The roles of the Registrant, Registrar, and Registry in being able to buy a domain name permanently, or as close as possible to ownership are distinct but interconnected:
Registrant
An individual or organization that registers a unique TLD (Top-Level Domain) through a registrar when establishing an online presence.
Registrar
A company or organization that facilitates the registration of domain names on the internet and are accredited by organizations responsible for managing and overseeing specific top-level domains, or TLDs called Domain Registries.
Registry
An organization that manages the registration of domain names within a specific top-level domain (TLD). It is responsible for maintaining the authoritative database of registered domain names under that TLD and ensuring the proper functioning of the domain namespace.
Why You Cannot Buy A Domain Name Permanently
The notion of being able to buy a domain name permanently is a common misconception, as one can never truly be owned. Most hosting providers who offer ‘permanent’ ownership are providing a service whereby the domain name is renewed automatically, prior to the date of expiration.
However, domain ‘ownership’ is more of a lease in which the registrant pays for the right to use the domain name for a defined period.
Unlike physical assets, domain names are subject to registration periods, typically ranging between one and ten years and when you purchase a domain, you are registering the right to use that domain for that specific time.
Every individual or entity has the option to renew the registration before it expires, thereby extending ownership of the domain name. Failure to renew it within the specified time, can result in the loss of the domain.
Domain registrations are governed by Registry and Registrar policies that dictate the conditions for acquiring and maintaining a domain, including renewal procedures.
Although you can’t buy a domain name permanently in the literal sense, vigilant management, timely renewals, and understanding the policies governing domain registration will allow you to maintain your online presence effectively.
Maximum Duration of Domain Name Ownership
The duration for which a domain name can be owned, depends on the registration period chosen by the Registrant. This time frame is selected when purchasing the right to use it from the registrar or hosting company and can vary based on packages from the service provider.
Commonly, registration periods range from one year, two years, and up to a maximum of 10 years – making it as close as possible to buy a domain name permanently.
Domain registrars may offer longer registration options, and automatic renewal processes across all ownership durations. However, all registrants have the option to renew their domain name before it expires, allowing for continuous ownership beyond the initial registration length.
Who Owns My Domain Name
It is natural for a business owner to want to buy a domain name permanently. One can not risk losing the name you’ve build for your business online. So if you can’t own it, who does? Well, during the period you’ve selected to use your domain name, you obtain the right to use it. You may be referred to as the ‘Registrant’ or ‘Owner’ of the domain, but you are only leasing it for the chosen duration.
ICANN is responsible for overseeing domain name registrations worldwide and when registering a domain, the Rregistrant enters into an agreement with a Registrar, which is an accredited organization authorized to sell domain names.
This means that domain ownership should be viewed more as a leasing arrangement with the responsibility of timely renewals. It is therefore important to maintain accurate registration information, including contact details, to ensure you receive renewal notifications.
If you choose not to renew a domain, it will eventually become available for registration by others.
Seven Tips to Maintaining Long-Term Domain Ownership
Ensuring an extended period of use for your chosen domain name is a straightforward process. By following a few strategic tips, purchasing of your domain could be just as good as being able to buy a domain name permanently.
1. Select a reputable domain registrar
Choosing a reputable domain Registrar or an ISP, or hosting provider that sells domains, is vital step for maintaining a longer term of ownership over your domain. With scores of Registrars available, doing research and selecting one with a good reputation and track record of providing reliable services, will go a long way.
2. Select for longer registration periods
When you first register your domain, you have the option to choose the registration period. It is recommended to register your domain for a longer period, preferably 5 to 10 years, to ensure its long-term ownership. This will also save you from the hassle of renewing your domain every year, and you will not have to worry about forgetting to renew it on time.
3. Keep your contact information up to date
An important step to maintaining long-term ownership of your domain is to keep your contact information up to date. This includes your phone number, email address, and physical address.
It is essential to regularly check and update this information, especially in the case that you change any of your contact details. By doing this it will ensure that you receive important renewal notifications and other relevant information concerning your domain ownership.
4. Enable automatic renewals
Most domain registrars offer the option of auto-renewal to registrants, which automatically renews your domain when it is about to expire. This is a convenient and effective way to ensure that you do not accidentally lose ownership of your domain.
However, it is important to keep your payment information and credit card details updated to avoid any issues with the auto-renewal process.
5. Create expiration reminders
In addition to enabling auto-renewal, it is also helpful to set up domain expiration reminders. These reminders can be in the form of emails, text messages, or alarms, and will notify you before your domain is about to expire. This will give you enough time to renew your domain manually if needed.
6. Secure login credentials
It is important that your domain’s login credentials, including your username and password are as secure as possible. These details should not be shared with anyone and if you must share them, make sure it is a trusted person, and consider changing your password periodically.
You can also make use of a setup 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security over your credentials. We recommend using the Google Authenticator app, which is available for both iOS and Android.
7. Renew your domain on time
Finally, the most crucial step to ensuring and maintaining long-term ownership that makes being able to buy a domain name permanently more of a reality, is to renew it on time.
Most registrars or hosting providers will offer a grace period of around 30 days after the expiration date, during which you can still renew your domain without paying any additional fees or penalties.
Despite this, failing to renew your domain after this could result in your domain name going into a redemption period. After this you may have to pay a high fee to retrieve it and if you still fail to renew your domain, it may become available for anyone to register – resulting in a complete loss of ownership.
By implementing these tips, you can have peace of mind that your domain name will remain yours for even after the maximum period of 10 years.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Permanently owning a domain name is a misconception as they are leased for specific periods, typically ranging from one to ten years.
- The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees domain registrations globally, and registrants enter into agreements with registrars for domain use.
- The key to long-term domain ownership is timely renewal as Registrants have the option to renew their domain before it expires, preventing the loss of ownership.
- Automatic renewal options and reminders assist in prevention of the loss of a domain name.
- Selecting a reputable domain registrar is crucial for maintaining ownership.
- Opting for longer registration periods, keeping contact information updated, enabling auto-renewal, setting up expiration reminders, and securing login credentials contribute to prolonged domain ownership.
FAQs
Why is my domain name important for my online presence?
Can I really buy a domain name permanently?
Can I buy a domain without hosting?
Do domain names expire?
Can I transfer my domain to another registrar for long-term management?
What happens if I forget to renew my domain after the grace period?
What happens to my email if my domain name expires?
Other Blogs of Interest:
– What Next After a Domain Name Purchase? Follow these 6 Easy Steps
– How To Buy An Expired Domain
– Web Hosting Versus Domain Name – All The Facts Explained
– International Domain Name Registration: What You Should Know
– How To Buy an Email Domain – 6 Tips When Choosing
- About the Author
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Chantél Venter is a creative writer, strategic thinker, and a serious gesticulator. She’s passionate about storytelling, small businesses and bringing color to the world – be it through her words or wardrobe.
She holds a four-year degree in Business and Mass Media Communication and Journalism. She’s been a copywriter and editor for the technology, insurance and architecture industries since 2007 and believes anybody can run a small business successfully. She therefore enjoys finding and sharing the best and most practical tips for this purpose.