Your domain is more than just a web address - it's your online identity, your digital storefront, and your brand.
Naturally, you want to protect it, hold onto it, and keep it forever.
So, can you buy a domain name forever? In short, no. But don't worry! We'll explain how you can safeguard your domain name and keep it secure for as long as you need it.
Can You Buy a Domain Name Forever?
As much as you might like to have permanent ownership of your domain name, it's simply not possible to secure a domain forever.
You might think that big companies like Facebook or Nike own their domains outright, but even they don't have permanent rights. These major brands also have to renew their domain registrations periodically, just like everyone else.
It all comes down to the rules set by ICANN. As the organization that oversees all registrations worldwide, this non-profit regulates that domain licenses cannot be permanent, regardless of the registrant.
A common misconception comes from the phrasing of "buying a domain." In reality, you are only leasing the rights to use a domain name for a specified number of years.
Registering a domain is more like renting than buying. Just as with renting an apartment, you only have the right to use the domain as long as you keep paying for it.
You can hold onto your domain for as long as you keep renewing it. If you fail to renew, it'll expire, meaning your ownership isn't permanent.
Why Do Some Companies Advertise Forever Domains?
You might have heard of companies like Unstoppable Domains. They offer something that sounds like permanent ownership but it's not quite the same thing. They work in the web3 space. They offer domain ownership as an NFT (that's a fancy way of saying a unique digital item). Since it's on the blockchain, it's meant to last forever.
But here's the catch: these websites won't work on a standard web browser. You need a special decentralized app to use them. So, they're not the same as regular domain names.
Other companies, like Epik, say they offer domains "forever." What they usually mean is that they'll automatically renew your domain for you at the end of each period. It's convenient, but it's not the same as permanent ownership.
How to Register a Domain for as Long as Possible
While it's true that you can't own a domain forever, that doesn't mean you ever have to give up a domain you want to keep.
There are steps you can take to make sure you keep it for as long as you want. Let's explore how you can secure your domain name for the long term.
Register for the Maximum Allowed Term
When you register your domain, you'll see an option to register for just one year. That's the minimum.
The ICANN domain name policy states that the maximum registration term is 10 years. Registering your domain for the entire 10 years right off the bat makes good sense. Doing so guarantees another decade of secure domain ownership. Some registrars even offer discounts for longer registration terms, which makes this option even more attractive.
Note: Some companies might offer longer registration periods. But be careful. ICANN sets the rules, so companies offering more than the 10-year maximum registration period may not be reputable.
Set up Auto Renewal
You'd be surprised at how many people unintentionally lose their domain names simply because they forget to renew them manually.
If you want to prevent the same thing from happening to you, enable auto-renewal on your domain when first registering it. This will automatically renew your domain for another term whenever the current one expires.
Auto-renewal is a simple setting with most domain providers. Just make sure your contact information stays updated in case they need to send you reminders about upcoming renewals.
Add Expiration Protection
For extra peace of mind, add expiration protection to your domain registration. This protects you from accidental or sneaky changes to your domain registration.
Expiration protection works like a safety net. If something goes wrong with your renewal, it gives you extra time to fix the problem. Some companies even promise they won't sell your domain to someone else for up to a year after it expires.
When choosing where to register your domain, look for a reputable registrar or web host. Check out our list of best web hosting providers for options.
How a Domain Name Works
Simply put, a domain name is an easy-to-remember alias for the unique IP address, or string of numbers, that identifies a website. Every device connected to the internet has an IP address. Domain names make these tricky IP sequences much simpler to recall.
For example, an IP address might be 172.217.26.110, which is not very memorable. Registering a domain name as Google.com to point users to an IP location is much easier on the eyes.
When you type a domain name into your browser, the domain name system (DNS) translates the name into its matching IP address. Your computer uses that IP to locate and display the correct website.
The domain naming system traces back to 1985 when symbolics.com became the first .com domain ever registered. Domain extensions like .com and .net became available to the public in 1986. ICANN began governing all domain registrations in 1998 to standardize policies across registrars.
Domain names help map memorable web addresses to less friendly IP addresses behind the scenes. Understanding this link helps illustrate why domain registration policies exist the way they do today.
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How to Register Your Own Domain
Here's a quick overview of how to register a domain:
- Choose your domain name.
- Check if it's available.
- Pick how long you want to register it for.
- Pay for your registration.
Before you do all this, you need to choose a registrar. A registrar is a company that manages the reservation of domain names. Some web hosting companies also act as registrars.
When you're picking a registrar or web host, make sure they're reputable. Look for companies with a long-standing presence in the industry, positive customer reviews, and accreditation from ICANN. Check for transparent pricing, reliable customer support, and essential features like domain privacy protection.
Once registered, you officially have the rights to that domain name for your website, email hosting, online brand, and more. Registering multiple domains to protect your brand identity across extensions like .net is also common.
If you're not ready to build a website yet, you can "park" your domain, meaning you own it, but it doesn't go to a working website.
You'll also have the opportunity to create subdomains. (You can learn more about this in our piece about domain vs. subdomain.)
Choose Your Domain with Confidence
Wading through the endless options for registrars and web hosts can be a headache.
Here at Softailed, we understand how challenging this decision can be. That’s why we offer unbiased reviews and comparisons of top providers with the best web hosting features. Our user-friendly comparison tool for web hosting allows you to easily view side-by-side comparisons. You can also check out our list of best web hosting services to filter top hosts based on your needs, such as budget, functionality, security features, etc.
We'll help you make sense of these services so you can confidently choose the best fit for your domain and site. Our blog also shares tips for getting the most value out of your new website.
FAQ
When I register a domain, should I register all the extensions?
For long-term domain ownership, focus on registering the primary extension you need, typically .com. While registering multiple extensions can protect your brand, it's not necessary for most users.
Big companies with deep pockets might register all available extensions to prevent others from leveraging their brand name. For the average user, that might be overkill. Plus, new domain extensions are released regularly, so it's not practical to register all available extensions.
Another solution is registering your brand name as a trademark, which gives you legal protection if someone tries to do business under a similar name.
What happens to my domain name once it expires?
Once expired, the domain becomes inactive, and all the services attached to it cease to function. Nobody will be able to visit your website (or that address) until you renew the domain registration.
In most cases, the domain will first enter a grace period, typically lasting 30-45 days, during which you can renew without additional fees. After this, it enters a redemption period, during which renewal costs may increase significantly as a redemption fee is charged. It will then be auctioned off to the highest bidder or returned to the open market.
How do I renew a domain name?
The process to renew your domain will depend on your chosen hosting provider, although most follow a similar approach. You'll likely have to log into your registrar account and locate the renewal option for your domain.
If you want to ensure you keep your domain for a long time, renew for the maximum allowed term of 10 years. Many registrars offer discounts for longer renewal periods. Most importantly, turn on auto-renewal to make sure you never lose your domain.
Can someone steal my domain name?
Unfortunately, yes. Domain theft, also known as domain hijacking, is a real threat to long-term domain ownership. While rare, it can occur through various means, with phishing being the most common. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals send deceptive emails that appear to be from your domain registrar, tricking you into revealing your login credentials.
Once they have access to your account, they can transfer your domain to another registrar under their control. To protect against this, always verify the authenticity of emails requesting account information. Use strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication if your registrar offers it.
Software engineer with a weakness for collecting too much data. I live for web hosting and cloud computing. If I’m not online, I like to go fishing and create weird things with my 3D printer.
