Domains Help

How do I register a domain with GoDaddy?

The perfect domain lets people know at a glance why you're online (and why you're awesome). Search for and register the perfect domain now to grab more attention and visitors.

Select a question to see its answer

How do I register a domain with GoDaddy?

Search for your domain on GoDaddy's homepage in the domain search field. When you find the domain you want and it's available to register, add it to the cart and complete checkout. Register multiple domains with GoDaddy's bulk domain check tool and search up to 500 domains at once.

What domains are available to register?

GoDaddy offers hundreds of domain extensions for registration, and you might be familiar with some of the more popular extensions, like .com, .net and .info. But there are hundreds of other domains available, such as .design, .shop and .today. These are known as gTLDs, or generic top-level domains, and refer to the extension at the ending of a website address, like .com, .org or .net. Generic top-level domains can be registered and used by anyone and aren't restricted to a geographical region.

ccTLDs, or country-code top-level domains, are unique to different countries, such as .uk for the United Kingdom, .jp for Japan, and .au for Australia. Some ccTLDs have residency restrictions, such as requiring registrants to live or be located in a specific country or region. Other ccTLDs, like .it for Italy, allow anyone to register them, but require a trustee service if the registrant is not located in a specified country or region. Finally, some ccTLDs can be registered by anyone, such as.co for Colombia or .ai for Anguilla, which has no residency requirements at all, even though .ai domains are mostly used for artificial intelligence projects or businesses.

There are also rTLDs, or restricted top-level domains, like .aero, .edu, .mil, .museum, .name and .pro. These domains require the registrant to represent a certain type of entity, or to belong to a certain community. For example, the .name TLD is reserved for individuals, and .edu is reserved for educational entities.

Take a look at the domain extensions currently available to register through GoDaddy and find the one that works best for your online venture.

Back to top

What are domain bundles?

Domain bundles give you the flexibility to start your online venture by paying a lower monthly fee rather than paying an annual term up-front. And when you bundle your domain with your other products, you don't have to worry about mismatched billing cycles, saving you time and energy to focus on the important stuff. Check out our FAQ on domain bundles for more details.

What are Lease to Own domains?

Lease to Own is an option that lets you buy domains over time, making it possible to secure the domain of your dreams right now. You'll be able to make mothly payments, rather than paying the full price up-front. This option can give you the flexibility to get the domain you need right now, even if you're still working on getting your business or venture up and running.

Not all domains are eligible to be leased. Check out our Lease to Own FAQ for more details.

What if the domain I want is already taken?

Don't fret—there are some alternate options for you if the domain you want is already registered. You can try another spelling of your domain, or you could try a different extension that fits your specific online venture. For example, using the number 3 instead of the letter E in your domain, or going with a unique extension like .studio or .design.

Back to top

We also offer Domain Broker Service as an option to attempt acquiring a domain that is already registered on your behalf. After purchasing the service, our dedicated broker agents will take every reasonable step to attempt to secure the domain on your behalf.

Why do some domains cost more?

Some domain names may come back with a price higher than expected. These domains are known as premium domains, and they're considered valuable domain real estate. Premium domains might be more expensive, but the benefits often make up for the initial cost investment.

What's included with my domain registration?

Every domain registered with GoDaddy gets access to standard domain features and functions, including Online Pay Links, free DNSSEC, and Domain Privacy on eligible domains. You'll be joining 21+ million customers with 84+ million registered domains, and you'll have access to our award-winning GoDaddy Guides through both chat and phone support, whenever and wherever you need it.

What can I do with my GoDaddy domain?

Having your own domain name can help you appear more legitimate to people who search for you or your business online. With a domain name, you can:

Are there any limitations or restrictions?

Yes, some domain extensions have specific registration requirements. For example, some ccTLDs have residency requirements, and some gTLDs have organizational requirements. These requirements are outlined in detail in each domain extension's respective help article, such as About .uk domains and About .studio domains.

The maximum registration length for any domain is 10 years. To continue your domain registration, you must renew your domain before expiration, either by turning on auto-renew or manually renewing your domain. Every domain must have current and accurate details for the Registrant contact type. This is a requirement from ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, that all domain registrars must adhere to. This contact info will stay private on our public WHOIS directory as long as you have Domain Privacy turned on.

Back to top

Related steps

More info

Share this article