About Private Name Servers

If you have a Reseller account, VPS, or Dedicated Server, you can set up private name servers that use your domain name instead of HostGator's name. For example, if you own the domain example.com, you could use ns1.example.com and ns2.example.com for your name servers.

If you are not familiar with private name servers (sometimes called private nameservers), the following article will provide an overview of what they are and the required steps for registering them:

• What are Private Name Servers?

Setting Up Private Name Servers

Setting up your private name servers is a multi-step process. The first step is to register your private name servers with your domain registrar. Once that is done, you should make sure your DNS is configured correctly.

The following articles explain what to do step by step.

• Step 1: Register Private Name Servers
• Step 2: Set Name Server A Records
• Step 3: Set SOA & NS Records (DNS Glue)

Depending on your configuration, steps 2 & 3 may be done for you; however, you should still check to make sure it is correct. In some cases, you will have to complete steps 2 & 3 manually if not already done.

Setting Private Name Servers at Specific Registrars

In addition to the general instructions for registering your private name servers above, we have some articles for specific registrars. These articles only cover "Step 1" of the directions above. You will still need to configure your DNS with steps 2 and 3 after registering your private name servers.

• Setting Up Private Name Servers with HostGator/eNom
• Setting Up Private DNS with LaunchPad Domains
• GoDaddy Private Name Servers
• Private Name Servers at 1&1

After Registering Private Name Servers

After you register your private name servers and properly set up the DNS records, you will be able to start using them for domains on your account. Note that some people will see the change instantly when you change name servers, while others won't see the change for up to 24 to 48 hours.

• My Private Name Servers are Registered. Now what?
• How Long Will it Take for My Private Name Servers to Work After I Register Them?
• When Will My Domain Start Working? Propagation
• Propagation Times

Advanced Topics

The articles listed below can assist should you find the need to perform certain advanced tasks:

• How Do I Update My Name Server IPs?
• How Do I Make My Private Name Servers the Default for All Accounts I Create in WHM?