How to Renew Domain Names

Domains are similar to street addresses in that they make it easier for visitors to find a site.

Unless you register a domain name for multiple years up front, you generally have to renew your name every year. Many people forget to perform this yearly renewal, however, and as a result lose their valuable domains. It only takes a few minutes to renew a domain, but once it expires, it may be impossible to get the name back. Renew your domain name to avoid this needless hassle.

Instructions

1. Navigate to the the homepage of your registrar. This is the company you initially registered the domain with.

2. Login with your user name and password. Most registrars will redirect you to a domain management page. If not, look for a link on the site with a title similar to "My Domains," "My Account" or "Domain Management."

3. Renew the domain. The exact steps to do this vary greatly between registrars, but typically this involves clicking on the domain and selecting "Renew." Sometimes you must check off a domain and click "Renew Selected." Other registrars require you to click a "Renew Domains" link on the domain management page.

4. Choose a payment method and ensure your contact information is up-to-date after selecting "Renew."

Tips & Warnings

• Most registrars allow you to set up automatic domain renewal. Some unscrupulous providers do this without your knowledge. Make sure you know whether your domain renews manually or automatically.

References

• "Wordpress for Dummies"; Lisa Sabin-Wilson: 2010
• "Domain Name Disputes"; Robert A. Badgley: 2003