Domain Name Registration FAQs

How much do domain names cost?

It depends on where you get them. If you get a domain name directly from one of the registrars, you will pay only their fee, which varies. A number of registrars have followed the pricing structure set up by Network Solutions and charge $70 for the first two years, then $35 per year after. If you go through another company, such as your local ISP or hosting provider, rather than directly to one of the registrars, you may pay an additional fee (typically $49) for their registration service.

Do you charge for your registration service?

No. Now that there are many different companies that can register domain names competing with Network Solutions, it no longer makes sense for a "middleman" to charge a fee just for sending your registration information to one of the registrars when you could go directly to one of the registrars yourself. Even if they charge only $25 (such as at eHost.comyou are still paying $95. If you go directly to one of the new registrars, you can avoid the additional fee. That's why some web sites are advertising "free" domain registration. The trick is finding out which companies are active accredited registrars that can register domain names directly, which is why we're here.

What does it cost to register a domain name?

The domain name registration fee varies by registrar. In addition, if you register a domain name through an ISP or other registration service (rather than directly through one of the registrars), they may charge an additional fee for submitting the registration information to a registrar. For more information, see Domain Names and Domain Name Registration on VirtualDomains.net

What's the difference between a registration service and a registrar?

A registrar has been accredited by ICANN allowing them to provide domain names directly to their customers. A registration service is a service provided by an ISP or other company which handles registrations by sending them to Network Solutions or to one of the other registrars.

Should I let my ISP register my domain name?

Most ISPs still register names with Network Solutions. You can get them cheaper from other registrars.

What does "Free" Domain Registration really mean?

Web sites which advertise "free" domain name registration do not register names themselves. They are acting as a registration service, submitting your name and other registration information to one of the registrars. "Free" simply means they do not charge you for submitting the registration to a registrar; the registrar processes the registration and bills you for it. It's the "registration" of the name that is free, not the domain name itself. So you need to pay attention to the difference between a registration service and a registrar. Or go to NewRegistrars.com where you will find information on the registrars that can register domain names themselves.

Why do web sites advertise "Free" Domain Registration?

Rather than charging you a registration service fee directly, these web sites may receive a portion of your registration fee from the registrar who processes your domain name registration. They may also charge you to use their domain name servers.

What's wrong with that?

If you sign up through a "free" domain registration service, you are letting them choose the registrar for your domain name. You are better off choosing the registrar yourself, and will probably save some money as well.

What information do I need to process the registration myself?

Besides your personal or company information, you need the name and address of your ISP or hosting provider, and the names and IP addresses of two of their name servers. If you don't have the name server information, most registrars can provide them and will automatically put them in the registration form.

I just registered a domain name, but the registry domain name "whois" query says "No match". Didn't my registration go through?

There is typically a delay of up to 48 hours for Network Solutions to update the registry whois database. However, most registrars update their databases immediately, so if you query the registrar's database directly, you will probably see your registration for that domain name.