Do I own my domain forever?
No. Domains are registered for 1-10 years at a time. You must renew before expiration or lose it. Enable auto-renew to protect yourself.
What happens if I don't renew?
After a grace period (0-45 days), it enters redemption (expensive to recover), then gets deleted and becomes available to anyone.
Can I transfer my domain to another registrar?
Yes! Unlock it, get an auth code, and initiate transfer at the new registrar. Takes 1-7 days. Must wait 60 days after initial registration.
Will I lose my website during transfer?
No. DNS continues working during transfer. Your site stays online. Just don't change nameservers mid-transfer.
Why is .com more expensive than other TLDs?
Verisign (the .com registry) sets wholesale prices. Their contract with ICANN allows price increases. Most registrar markup is minimal for .com.
What's WHOIS privacy?
It hides your personal info (name, address, phone, email) from the public WHOIS database. Should be free—don't pay for it.
How do I connect my domain to my website?
Either change nameservers to your host's, or add A/CNAME records pointing to your host's IP/domain. Your host provides specific instructions.
What's the difference between domain and hosting?
Domain = your address (example.com). Hosting = where your website files live. You need both, but they can be at different companies.
How long do DNS changes take?
Usually 1-4 hours. Can take up to 48 hours globally. This is called "propagation."
Can someone steal my domain?
Yes, through social engineering or account compromise. Protect yourself: enable 2FA, use strong passwords, enable registrar lock.
What's the best registrar?
Cloudflare (cheapest), Porkbun (great UX + cheap), Namecheap (good all-around). Avoid GoDaddy due to high renewals.
Should I use .com or something else?
.com first if available. Alternatives: .co, .io (tech), .net, .org (nonprofits). Avoid obscure TLDs for businesses.
Is a $1 domain really $1?
First year only. Check the renewal price—that's what you'll pay every year after. Often $20+ for domains advertised at $1.
How do I get an email at my domain?
Options: Google Workspace ($6/mo), Zoho Mail (free tier), or email forwarding to your existing email (often free at registrar).
What's an SSL certificate?
It encrypts your website connection (https://). Most hosts include free SSL via Let's Encrypt. Essential for any website.
Still Have Questions?
Check our detailed guides on specific topics, or explore our domain registrar comparisons to find the best option for your needs.