Should You Let Your Web Hosting Company Register Your Domain Name?

A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Raj Rao

Domain Name is Not Just a Name

A domain name is not just a catchy address for your website. It is your business identifier on the Internet, just as your brand name serves as your Business identifier offline. In many cases, the Brand name serves as your domain name. However, due to shortage of domain name, your brand name and your domain name may be different.

Domain Name Registrar V/s Web Hosting Provider

A Domain Name Registrar is a service provider who specializes in domain registration. The Domain Name Registrar is accredited by a global organization called ICANN. Whereas, there is no accreditation of Web Hosting companies. Web Hosting companies offer domain registration as an add-on service to their main business of Web Hosting. In many cases, they offer free domain registration to attract Web Hosting clients.

Your domain name can be a matter of dispute if the same is registered by a Web Hosting company, especially for free. You may be tied-down to using their web hosting services as long as your domain name is stuck with them.

Transferring Domain Name between Web Hosting Providers

Registering your domain name through an ICANN accredited registrar has the benefit of transferring your domain name from one Web Hosting company to another. This requires a simple change in the Name Servers. Most of the registrars provide you a web-based interface for changing the Name Servers. You can obtain the Name Servers from your Web Hosting company. At times, it may also be necessary to transfer the domain names from one registrar to another. This is also possible.

You need to apply for a Transfer of the Domain with the new registrar and follow the instructions given by them. There is normally a charge of $5 to $10 for the Transfer.

What If Your Web Hosting Company Does Not Release Your Domain Name

Even if your domain name is registered by your Web Hosting company, you have absolute right over the domain name, especially if the ownership details on the domain is shown as yours. In case you have a dispute with your Web Hosting company, you can approach the World Intellectual Property Organization to redress your dispute. Invariably, the domain name will be transferred to you, provided you have settled all the pending bills of the web hosting company.

Tips for Registering Domain Name

a) Always insist on using your personal or organization name in the 'ownership details' while registering the domain name.

b) Always ensure that the Administrative Contact of the domain name has your name and email address.

c) The Technical Contact of the domain name could be your Web Hosting service provider.

d) Pay with your Credit Card through the domain Registrar to ensure that your domain name is secured immediately. Insist on getting a confirmation by email that the domain name has been registered in your favor.

e) Check with a neutral WHOIS service like www.betterwhois.com or www.xwhois.com to check the details of the domain name.