Check If a Domain Name Is Available

A domain name is an electronic address for a computer network. If there is a webpage you want to reach, you will get to it by typing the domain name into your computer. When creating a website, most people will choose a domain name that reflects the subject matter of the site. Check if a domain name is available by searching for it through any online domain registrar or web hosting platforms.

Steps

Understanding Domains

  1. Decide what type of webpage you are creating. Websites are classified according to whether they are created for businesses, nonprofits or other entities.
  2. Use a domain associated with businesses if you need a domain name for a company. These often include .com, .biz, .ws or .info
  3. Choose .org if you are working for a nonprofit organization or charity. If you want a domain for an educational institution, use .edu.
  4. Try .gov for government agencies and .mil for military sites.

Checking Registries

  1. Open the webpage of any domain name registry. Popular registries include DreamHost, Hover, Name.com and Name Cheap.
  2. Look for a search box. It might say "Check this domain" or "Search your Domain" or something similar.
  3. Type the name of your proposed domain name into the box.
  4. Look for some kind of indication that the domain is either taken or available. You might get a Congratulations! message if the domain name is available.
    • Evaluate other options. If your proposed domain name is not available, many registries will offer alternatives. For example, if you wanted www.thedog.com and it is not available, the registry might suggest www.thedoggy.com or www.thedog.net.
  5. Buy the domain name if it is available. You do not want to wait, because someone else may claim it.

Checking Hosting Companies

  1. Open the webpage of the host you have chosen. Many people use Yahoo, GoDaddy, DreamHost and other sites to create and host their webpages.
  2. Find out where you can search for domain name availability. Most web hosts will ask if you already have a domain name. When you do not, they will direct you to the right place.
  3. Type in the domain name you want into the search box.
  4. Review the results. After a few seconds, the page will refresh and tell you whether you can reserve the domain name for yourself, or if someone else has it.
  5. Purchase the domain name if it is available. Many web hosting companies will include free domain registration with their hosting packages.

Tips

  • Resist the temptation to wait and buy the domain later. If it is available, you should buy it. Your searches are monitored by domain registration companies, so if you search for something they might want for themselves and you do not buy it, the company might.
  • Contact the owner of the domain name you want if it is not available, but you really want it. Sometimes, if the name is not being used for an active website, the holder of that domain registration will be interested in selling the name to you.

Warnings

  • Remember that a webpage does not need to exist for the domain name to be taken. You might think you are in luck if you cannot find a website for www.thedog.com, however it could be that the owner of the domain name simply has not created the page yet.

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