How can I search for available domain names?

To search for available domain names go to the top of this page, enter the name you want, hit "Search" and review the results for availability and pricing by extension (TLD, or "top-level domain," like .com or .io). If the domain is available, add it to your cart and complete the checkout to register it.

What details can I get from a domain search?

A domain search shows whether a name is available to register or already registered, along with the current registration price if it’s available. It may also show alternative extensions (TLDs) and suggested names that are similar, which can help with branding options and acquisition cost tradeoffs.

Can I customize which TLDs show up in my domain search results?

Yes, you can control which top-level domains (TLDs) are shown in your domain search results through your account settings. To customize your TLD search preferences, follow these steps: 1. Log in to your Dynadot account. 2. Select "My Domains" from the left-hand sidebar, then click "Domain Defaults". 3. Open the "Search TLD Settings" section. 4. Adjust your preferences to choose which TLDs appear when you perform a domain search.

Where can I see all the TLDs that are on sale?

You can view all domain extensions on sale by visiting Dynadot’s TLD sales pages, which provide a complete and up-to-date list of discounted top-level domains (TLDs) available for registration.

Can someone else register a domain while I’m checking out?

Yes, adding a domain to your cart does not reserve it, and it can still be registered by someone else until your order is completed and processed. If another buyer registers it first, the domain will show as taken when you attempt to finish checkout.

Why might a domain look "available" in search results but still be unregistrable?

A domain can appear available but fail at checkout if the registry (the organization that operates a TLD) rejects the registration due to naming rules or character restrictions that aren’t fully validated in search. This can happen with IDNs (internationalized domain names, which use non-ASCII characters), where certain characters or combinations are not supported. If the registry rejects the request, Dynadot issues account credit for the failed registration attempt.

Will domains from the Dynadot aftermarket show up in my search results?

Yes, domains listed in the Dynadot aftermarket are included directly in domain search results. Domains from expired auctions, user auctions, the marketplace, and backorder auctions will appear when you search for a domain. These listings are clearly identified by a "Place Bid" link next to the notice indicating that the domain is already registered, allowing you to participate in the relevant auction or listing immediately.

How do I register a domain name?

To register a domain name, start by entering your desired domain into the domain search bar on this page and click "Search". If the domain is available under your chosen domain extension (TLD), select "Add" to place it in your cart. When you are ready to complete the purchase, open the shopping cart icon in the top-right corner of the website and choose "View Cart". From there, follow the checkout steps to finalize your order. Once complete, the domain name will be registered under your Dynadot account.

Can I register a domain name for free?

Sometimes, a domain can be free for the first year through a promotion or as part of a bundle, but domain registration usually requires payment. Even if the first-year price is $0, you’ll still need to pay the renewal fee after the initial term to keep the domain registered with the registrar. Common "free" scenarios: first-year coupons, web hosting bundles, limited-time campaigns. Ongoing costs to plan for: renewal pricing, privacy add-ons (if used), and premium renewal rates for some TLDs.

Is there a way to search or register domains in bulk?

Yes, Dynadot provides multiple tools that allow you to search for and register domains in bulk, depending on your volume and technical needs. Available bulk domain options include: 1. Visit our Bulk Domain Search page, that allows for multiple entries in the search box. 2. Use the Dynadot API to conduct larger searches through API calls. The API does require some technical knowledge to utilize but it allows for more advanced options when searching for and registering domains. 3. Our Insta-Reg tool will allow you to register domains quickly in bulk. By using your account balance, you can enter your desired domain names into this tool and instantly register the domains that are available.

Can I register a domain name permanently?

No, domains cannot be registered permanently because registrations run for fixed terms, typically 1 to 10 years, and must be renewed to remain active. While you can't register a domain forever, you can set it to auto-renew, ensuring it stays active as long as you continue to pay the renewal fees.

What should I do if the domain I want is already taken?

If the domain is already registered, you can still try to acquire it through the aftermarket (secondary market) or directly from the current owner. Common options include: Aftermarket marketplaces: Check listings on Dynadot’s marketplace or other platforms (such as Afternic or Sedo) to compare pricing, liquidity, and comparable sales. Broker outreach: Use a broker service to negotiate with the current owner, which can reduce friction but adds service fees to total acquisition cost. Whois checks: Find the domain owner’s contact details by using Whois (a domain registration directory) to create your offer. Alternative names: Test different TLDs, slight variations, or synonyms to manage valuation and resale value expectations. Monitoring: Add the domain to a watchlist to track status changes, potential expiration, or new listings.

How do I check a domain for trademarks?

Use trademark searches to assess trademark risk before registering or buying a domain, especially for brandable names intended for commercial use. A practical workflow is: USPTO checks: Use Dynadot’s USPTO trademark search and/or the USPTO TESS database. International checks: Use the WIPO Global Brand Database to scan for international marks. Registration alerts: Review any trademark notice shown during registration, which may indicate a match against known marks. Common-law screening: Search the web for unregistered but established brand use (often called "common law" trademarks). Professional review: If there’s meaningful overlap in name and industry, consult a trademark attorney before proceeding, since enforcement risk can affect long-term value and transferability.

What steps should I take right after buying a domain?

Right after purchase, confirm the domain is in your account and decide how you want to use it: website, redirect, email, or holding for resale. Your next steps depend on your goal (branding, SEO, or liquidity in the aftermarket). Choose a use case: Build a site: connect hosting and set DNS (Domain Name System, the records that route your domain to web/email services) Redirect: forward the domain to an existing website or social profile Park: display a placeholder page while you decide next steps Resell: list it on an aftermarket (a secondary market for already-registered domains) and set pricing based on valuation, demand, and comparable sales.

How do I set my domains to auto-renew?

To set your domain to auto-renew in Dynadot, follow these steps: 1. Sign in to your Dynadot account, select "My Domains" and click "Manage Domains". 2. Check the box next to the domain(s) you want to auto-renew, then select "Renew Options" from the "Action" menu. 3. Set the drop-down to "auto-renew", choose your payment method, and click "Save Settings" to confirm. 4. You can find more detailed instructions in this help file.

What additional services come with my domain at no additional charges?

When you register a domain with Dynadot, we make sure you have the essentials at no extra cost. These include: Free domain privacy to prevent your contact information from showing in Whois Lookups. Free tools: one-page website using our powerful website builder tool, free email service and free logo builder. Full access to our domain management platform, which will allow you to easily accomplish all your domain management needs such as domain forwarding, parking, managing DNS settings, portfolio folder management and much more!

How to set up a DNS record when buying a domain?

If your domain uses Dynadot DNS (Dynadot's name servers), you can add DNS records in your Dynadot account; if it uses third-party name servers, you must add records with that provider. Here's how you can set up Dynadot DNS: 1. Sign in -> "My Domains" -> "Manage Domains" 2. Select the domain -> "Action" -> "DNS Settings" 3. Choose Dynadot DNS 4. Add your record (A/CNAME/MX, etc.) in the right section: Domain Record = the root domain (example.com). If instructions say @, use Domain Record (don't type "@"). Subdomain Records = things like www, blog. 5. Save Settings DNS changes may take time to propagate. Check this file for more info.