Q and A: Is it necessary to renew your domain name?

Dear Kalena...

I just got a letter from the Domain Registry of America asking me to renew my domain name. Must one renew one's domain name at all? If so, does one do it with theses guys? I am very noobish in this respect, but I would not want to lose my domain name. I just need to know what to do to maintain my domain name. Any help appreciated.

Thank you for the information thus far.

Rudy

Kalena's Answer:

Dear Rudy

If you want to keep using your domain name, then yes, you will need to renew it. Best option is to renew it via the registrar that you bought it from. Do you still have the information sent to you when you bought the domain? Your domain confirmation email should have included login details for your registrar. Do you remember how many years you bought the domain for? Most registrars will send you a renewal notice automatically to remind you when your domain name is coming up for renewal. For this reason, you should keep the email address associated with your domain up to date.

From what I understand, Domain Registry of America (DROA) obtain access to domain renewal dates from public WhoIs lookups and send unsolicited "renewal notices" to domain owners inviting them to transfer and renew their domains with DROA instead of the owner's original domain registrar. This is likely what you have received from them. You are welcome to transfer your domain to DROA, but you will more than likely pay more this way than renewing it with your existing registrar. Read the (very) fine print on the back of the DROA letter carefully before you renew. You might also want to read my other posts about DROA.

If you no longer wish to receive letters from domain registrars you have no existing relationship with, your best bet is to pay the small fee to keep your WhoIs details private. Your existing registrar can advise you on this.


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