Obtaining a domain name is acquiring a domain registration—Regulators delegate commercial domain name sales to registrars, companies that manage top-level domains.
Registries manage top-level domains.
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a private, non-profit organization that works with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority to manage the domain name system.
It also operates the root name servers, the address blocks used by the Internet Protocol to send data. It contains the Internationalized Domain Name System or DNS.
There are three top-level domains: country-code top-level, infrastructural, and sponsored top-level domains. Each type of top-level domain has unique requirements for registration. Some are safer than others and are suited for specific purposes.
Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are two-letter ISO 3166 codes used to identify the country. Typically, these two-letter codes are reserved for governments and are usually displayed in their native script. In some cases, they can be shown in Latin, and non-Latin character sets.
Infrastructural top-level domains are used for the Internet’s infrastructure functions. These domains were initially created as temporary domains. They have since evolved into a more permanent domain name system. The gTLD is one such domain.
The gTLD registry is an integral part of the expansion of the Internet. It is a way for companies to register domain extensions. Choosing the suitable TLD is critical for establishing trust with your target audience.
ICANN manages sponsored top-level domain accredited registrars. These top-level domains are based on community theme concepts. Private organizations support them. ICANN’s board approved final plans for.biz and.info last month.
The usTLD namespace is a locality-based namespace consisting of a traditional second-level registration space and a hierarchical locality-based namespace. Registry Services, LLC oversees it.
The company has been managing the usTLD since 2001. Its code of conduct is designed to keep it neutral and to ensure its continued integrity. It is a model for managing future geographic city-based generic top-level domains.
Regulators delegate commercial sales to registrars
Historically, domain name registries operated on a first-come, first-served allocation system. But as Internet users grow, regulators are delegating commercial sales to registrars. This has created some new challenges.
The industry includes registry operators, domain name registrars, and dispute resolution providers. These companies handle hundreds of TLDs. The Australian DNRI is expanding at a fast pace.
Internet usage has grown by leaps and bounds in the past five years. With the proliferation of TLDs, managing these networks has become a critical infrastructure issue. There are hundreds of domain name registrars supporting over 1500 TLDs.
While the best approach to addressing these issues may differ from one jurisdiction to the next, some standardized guidelines can help a registry decide which direction to take.
The security measures it employs are an essential part of any DNS implementation. Documenting zone access and ensuring that the right people have access to the proper accounts is necessary. It is also required to verify that the registrar’s online portal is adequately secured.
While the ICANN has not yet published a formal “best practices” guide, several resources can help a registrar evaluate and implement their network security policies. These include documentation on the registrar’s website, the registrar’s official security policies, and the registrar’s email account.
Organizations can help guide the industry toward more appropriate and efficient practices. The Association for Competitive Alternatives (ACA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) are among these.
If they disagree, they are obliged to cooperate. The ACA’s website offers a wealth of information on how to protect your business from unscrupulous operators.
Transferring a domain to a new website
Depending on the registrar, the process may take as little as 24 hours or as long as a week. Typically, the domain’s nameservers stay pointing to the pre-transfer nameservers.
Some registrars offer a web interface to manage domain data. Some offer free Whois Privacy.
When transferring a domain to a new registrar, you will want to check the contact information associated with your environment. A part locked by a registrar can prevent you from transferring it. To unlock it, you must have the correct administrative email address.
In addition to the contact details, you will also want to consider the registrant’s TLD. The TLD is the part of the URL that is relevant to your domain. It’s also a good idea to keep your TLD up to date.
You must get authorization from your new registrar to successfully transfer a domain. They will likely email you a confirmation. If they do not, you will need to approve the transfer manually.
Similarly, you will want to get your DNS information transferred over. You can do this by setting up your domain nameservers before the transfer. In some cases, a new registrar will copy the records above, but in other cases, you’ll need to enter the information manually.
The octave of the right registrar can ensure a smooth domain transfer. The best registrars have customer service and offer helpful tools for setting up your domain. They might even offer you a free year of registration on qualifying domains.
The domain transfer process is a relatively small feat, but you will need to wait at least five days before using the newly registered domain.
Reactivating a domain name after the expiration date
Expired domains are preserved for good. They can be renewed and reactivated, depending on the registrar’s rules. Generally, the grace period for reactivation is up to 45 days after the expiration date.
During this time, websites and email services will not work. You can renew your domain, reactivate it, or transfer it to another registrar. You can also buy the field from a third party.
During this time, registrars reserve the right to charge a recovery fee. The fee will vary based on the extension of the domain. In addition, some domain recovery services will charge a fee to restore the environment.
You can get the details of the Expired Registration Recovery Policy from the registrar’s website. You will need to open a ticket through the Customer Portal and select the nature of your inquiry. The billing icon is displayed on the customer portal. The recovery fee varies but is pretty high.
The Expired Registration Recovery Policy requires registrars to notify registrants of important information. This includes the domain’s expiry date and the time since the last renewal. You can contact your registrar if you are still waiting to receive this information.
After the expiration of a domain, it is not available to the public. The field is not listed in Whois but remains on the domain deletion list. The domain deletion list divides the expiry dates into time periods. The first is Day 0, the next is Day 11, and the last is Day 35.
ICANN requires the Expired Registration Recovery Process. It is found in ICANN Registrant Rights & Responsibilities Under the 2009 RAA. The renewal of a domain name is the cheapest insurance for your business.
Can I cancel a domain registration?
Whether you want to cancel a domain registration or not, there are a few things you need to know about the process. First, you need to make sure you can get a refund for the annual fee. This will depend on the registrar you are using. If you cannot do this, you may need to contact their customer support to see if you qualify for a refund.
You can get a refund for a domain name if you cancel it within 96 hours of its purchase. You can do this by logging in to your account, clicking the red “X” in the “Cancel” column, and following the steps below.
You must provide proof of domain name ownership and write a request on legal letterhead. You can find more information about cancellation policies on a registrar’s website.
Domain names in a 30-day Redemption Grace Period can be redeemed before the end of the Grace Period. There is also a redemption fee that varies by the registrar.
You can still renew your domain if you are still waiting for a refund. You will have to pay additional fees if you choose to do this. If you do not, the registrar can terminate your lease.
When you cancel your domain, you will have to transfer it to another registrar. Once your domain is transferred, you will no longer have control over it. You must get a refund to be able to register it again.
If you are interested in transferring your domain, check the registrar’s terms and conditions to determine how the transfer works. Usually, you are only able to share a part once.
