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Registering a Domain Name with HostGator

Launching a website requires a few things. One of them is having your own domain name. If you're looking to establish an online presence for your blog or business, you can register your domain directly at HostGator's website, hostgator.com/domains, or through the Customer Portal. This article will guide you with your domain registration.

Here are the topics discussed in this article.


Can I register a domain name together with a new hosting plan?

Yes, you definitely can! Suppose you still need a domain name and plan to order a new hosting package with us. In that case, we recommend registering your domain name while purchasing your web hosting package. Just enter the domain you want to register on the top section of the order web hosting form, and we will include it in your order.

 


How to register a domain name

Domain name registration does not require that web hosting be purchased with it, just as web hosting does not require a domain name purchase. You can choose to sign up for either one separately.

Step 1: Choosing a domain 

Choosing your domain name is the most exciting and challenging step in this how-to article. With hundreds of available domains in the market, choosing the "perfect" one is the trickiest. Remember, select a domain that "connects" it to its purpose!

For some tips on how to choose your domain name, here are support articles you may find helpful:

Here is a list of domain TLDs you can register with HostGator.

 

Step 2: Registering a domain

Depending on the domain you want to register, there are so many ways to register it with HostGator. You can register your domain through the following:

For a complete list of the domains you can register within your Customer Portal or via the front-of-site and those that require Live Support, please see the following article:

Please click the 'expand" below to view the instructions.

How to Register a Domain via the Customer Portal

Please note that purchasing a new domain (or any hosting product) within the Customer Portal will depend on your user role. For more information, please visit the Customer Portal - User & Roles Permissions article.

  1. Log in to your Customer Portal.
  2. There are many ways to search for a new domain within the Customer Portal.


    Home tab

    Once logged in, you'll be redirected to the Home tab by default.

    Customer Portal interface

    1. On the right pane, you will see the Domain Search section. Enter your new domain and click SEARCH.

      Customer Portal - Domain Search

    2. The system will check the domain's availability. If the domain is available, it will be added to your Shopping Cart along with Domain Privacy + Protection.

     

    Domains tab

    You can also purchase a domain via the Domains tab on the left-hand menu.

    1. Click on the BUY MORE DOMAIN NAMES button in the upper-right corner.

      Domains tab - Buy More Doman Names button

      Alternatively, under the Domains tab, you can click Add a Domain.

      Domains tab - Add a Domain

    2. You will see 3 options in the right pane. Click on the Buy a domain card.

      Domains tab - Buy a domain

    3. You will be redirected to the HostGator front-of-site. Enter your preferred domain and click Search.

     

    Marketplace

    The Marketplace was updated to include domain registrations, transfers, and addons.

    1. Click MARKETPLACE on the left-hand menu.

      Customer Portal - Marketplace

    2. Enter your preferred domain in the search bar and click SEARCH.

      Customer Portal - Marketplace - Search Domain

      Alternatively, you can also click the GET STARTED button under the Domain Name Search card within the Domains category.

      Domain Name Search - Get Started

    3. You will be redirected to the HostGator front-of-site. Enter your preferred domain and click Search.
       
  3. The system will check your domain's availability.
    • If the domain is available, it will be added to your Shopping Cart page along with Domain Privacy + Protection.

      Domains Shopping Cart - Available domain

    • If the domain is unavailable, the Shopping Cart will suggest available domains that are close to or similar to your preferred one. You can select from these domains by clicking the Add To Cart link.

      Domains Shopping Cart - Unavailable domain


      You may search for additional domains you wish to register or just click the Add To Cart button next to any domain recommendations.
       
  4. While you're on the Shopping Cart page, double-check your domain(s) to ensure their correct spelling. Please note that we cannot edit the domain name once it's registered.
  5. You will notice that Domain Privacy + Protection is added by default. This is an optional subscription. However, of course, we strongly recommend adding one to keep your domain contact information from the public eye. For more information about Domain Privacy + Protection, please visit the WHOIS Information & Domain Privacy article.

    Domains Shopping Cart - Domain Privacy + Protection

  6. If you're happy with all the items in your Shopping Cart, click on the Proceed button.
  7. On the next page, you may opt to add a hosting package or even Google Workspace (not free). Select your preferred additional subscription(s).

    If you prefer just purchasing a domain, that's okay! Go ahead and click on the No thanks, continue with just my domain button.

    Domains Shopping Cart - Add hosting

  8. On the next page, you have the option to add Google Workspace to your cart. Double-check the items in your Shopping Cart and then click on the Proceed button.
  9. Select your preferred payment method to use for this purchase. You may also add a new payment method by clicking the + Add Payment Method link and entering your billing details. 

    Domains Shopping Cart - Add payment method

  10. Click the Purchase Now button to proceed.
  11. Finalize your payment.

How to Register a Domain via HostGator.com/Domains

  1. In your browser, go to https://www.hostgator.com/domains.
  2. Enter your preferred domain name and click on Search. The system will check your domain's availability.

    HostGator Domains - Front-of-Site

  3. You will be redirected to the Shopping Cart, where you need to double-check your domain's spelling and/or add more domains to your cart. You may also keep or remove Domain Privacy + Protection; however, we encourage you to keep it for the protection of your domain contact information. For more information about Domain Privacy + Protection, please visit the WHOIS Information & Domain Privacy article.

    Domains Shopping Cart - Domain Privacy + Protection

  4. Click on Proceed.
  5. You may choose to add a hosting plan and/or Google Workspace. This is optional. If you prefer just purchasing a domain, click No thanks, continue with just my domain.

    Domains Shopping Cart - Add hosting

  6. On the next page, sign in to your Customer Portal (for existing customers) or create a new account (for new customers).
  7. You may be asked to add your payment method too. Enter your billing details to proceed.

    Domains Shopping Cart - Sign up or Login

  8. Double-check your Shopping Cart again. Once you're satisfied with all the items, click on Purchase Now.
  9. Finalize your payment.

How to Register a Domain with Live Support

You can register a new domain with or without a hosting plan. However, some domains and payment methods may require you to contact HostGator's Support for assistance. Please contact our Support team via phone or chat so we can assist you!

Note: Any domain that requires Live Support to register can only be registered by a customer with a HostGator billing account. A HostGator billing account may only be acquired by purchasing an eligible domain from https://www.hostgator.com/domains or hosting from https://www.hostgator.com.


Step 3: Validating your domain

Once the domain has been provisioned, you must validate your domain order. This is a necessary step in the domain registration process following the ICANN 2013 Registrar Accreditation Agreement. Check your email account for your confirmation email. For more information regarding the domain validation process, please see the following article:

You can check the status of your new domain through your Customer Portal's Domains section.

 


What is domain sniping?

Domain sniping, also known as domain drop catching, refers to the act of registering an expired domain name. To learn more about how to prevent domain sniping, please refer to this support guide:

Need additional assistance? HostGator's Support is here to help. Please contact us via phone or chat so we can assist!
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