How to Register Web Site Domain Names

With a few exceptions, you can register a domain name for a website.

Any available domain name can be registered by an individual or organization through an ICANN-approved domain registrar. There are a few exceptions due to trademark and copyright law, but in general, as long as the name is not infringing on the legal rights of another entity, it can be registered.

Instructions

1. Search for available domain names. All registrars provide a search tool to find available domain names. Use this tool to see what is available for registration.

2. Fill out the registration form on the registrar's website to initiate the registration process. The registrar will require the identification of the person registering the domain, including accurate contact information. It may also require technical information about the server that will host the domain.

3. Pay the required registration fee. Officially, domain registration costs about $15 per year (as of July 2010). In reality, many hosting companies are willing to provide free domain registration when you buy a hosting package. This can actually cost less than $4 per month for the entire domain and hosting package (as of July 2010). Shop around for the best registration fee deals.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have a server to host the domain, many registrars offer a server known as "domain parking" for free until such time that you do have a server to host the domain.

References

• Network Solutions: Domain Name Registration
• SiteGround: Web Hosting
• Bitlaw: Domain Name Disputes