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? ⤵
• How to register a domain name ⤵
  • Step 1: Choosing a domain ⤵
  • Step 2: Registering a domain ⤵
  • Step 3: Validating your domain ⤵
• What is domain sniping ⤵

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:

• Choosing Your Domain Name
• Advanced Tips for Choosing a Domain Name

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

• Registering Domain Names and TLD Prices

Step 2: Registering a domain

Depending on your domain, there are various methods of registration.

• Register a domain via the Customer Portal ⤵
• Register a domain via hostgator.com/domains (front-of-site) ⤵
• Register a domain with Live Support assistance (for selected TLDs) ⤵

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:

• Registering Domain Names and TLD Prices

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 two ways to search for a new domain within the Customer Portal.
   • Option 1: Home tab - Once logged in, you'll be redirected to the Home tab by default.

     

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

        

     2. The portal will check the domain's availability. Please proceed to the next step.
         
   • Option 2: Domains tab - You can also purchase a domain via the Domains tab in the left-side menu.
     1. Click on the Buy More Domain Names button in the upper-right corner.

        

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

        

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

        

3. You will be redirected to the HostGator front-of-site, where you can continue the domain registration process.

   

4. Enter your domain name and click Search. The portal will check the domain's availability.
   • If the domain is available, you will be redirected right away to the Shopping Cart page.

     

   • 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.

     

5. 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.
6. 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.

   

7. If you're happy with all the items in your Shopping Cart, click on the Proceed button.
8. On the next page, you may opt to add a 30-day free trial 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.

   

9. 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.
10. You may be prompted to add a payment method if you don't have one saved on file. Select your account and click + Add Payment Method. Enter your billing details and then click on the Purchase Now button.

    

11. Finalize your payment.

Register a domain via hostgator.com/domains

To register your domain via the front-of-site:

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

   

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.

   

4. Click on Proceed.
5. You may choose to add a hosting plan and/or Google Workspace. This is optional. Click Proceed.

   

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.

   

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

Register a domain with Live Support assistance

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.

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:

• Domain Order Validation

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:

• How Can My Domain Name Get Sniped?