How to Find the Owner of a Domain Name

Before creating a Web site, you must register for a domain name. Most Internet users have Web sites these days. Subsequently, getting the domain name of your choice is not easy. There are several Web hosts though, that buy domain names without using them. If you’re desired domain name is taken, you can contact the owner of the domain name and inquire if they would like to sell it to you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go online and find domain name research Web sites. These sites provide information about availability of domain names and owners of domain names, in case they are taken. For more information see Resources below.

2. Use the appropriate search tools to find options on how to get unavailable domain names. The sites mentioned in the Resources section will give you options for buying an unavailable domain name. You can either make a certified offer to the seller (offering them a price for buying out the domain name) or backorder (assume the domain name after it expires and the owner does not renew it). Note that you can get an unavailable domain name only if the existing seller sells it to you or does not renew it.

3. Contact the owner of the domain name that you want through e-mail. Find if the Web site is active. Sometimes a domain name owner will be ready to sell the Web site for a higher price than what has been paid for it.

Tips & Warnings

• Research the market rate of a Web site in case you want to buy from an owner. Do not end up paying in excessive amount. The best way to do so is contact the Web sites mentioned in the Resources. These may be able to give you a good sense of what you should offer.
• Negotiate with the seller directly.