Domain name

A domain name is the web address that allows you to access a website, e.g., “ovhcloud.com”. It replaces the technical IP address of the server with a simple and memorable URL. In France, AFNIC is responsible for managing the .fr domain, while ICANN is responsible for the global coordination of domain names and IP addresses.

Using a registrar like OVHcloud, you can register, renew, and manage your domains, as well as link your services (web hosting, emails, SSL certificate, etc.).

You need a domain to build a website or set up professional email addresses (e.g., contact@yourcompany.com). Domain name renewal keeps your website and associated services online, protects your services, and reinforces your brand’s standing. You can also reserve multiple available domains to secure your online identity and easily link them using DNS redirects.

Check if a domain name is available by using our search tool. If it’s available, you can register it right away. If you already own the domain, you can renew it from your Control Panel. You can also renew for a year or longer, and it remains valid if done before the expiry date.

Some domains may appear inactive but are still registered. To check, use our search tool. You’ll also find the different statuses:

• buy: you can register it;
• unavailable: the registry may be carrying out maintenance on the domain name extension—you can try again later;
• transfer: you can transfer it to OVHcloud.

To be absolutely sure, you can confirm with the INPI that your domain name isn’t already trademarked.

Search with our Whois or the RDAP protocol, which has replaced Whois. These tools give you access to public information about a domain: registrar, registry, expiry date. Depending on the registrar and privacy rules, some data may be hidden.

The cost varies based on the extension (.uk, .com, .net, etc.). The yearly cost for each extension is listed in our domain catalogue. You can renew for one year or more to simplify management and ensure service continuity.

Without renewal, your site and emails would become unreachable. The domain then enters a grace period, and possibly a redemption period. During this last phase, your domain name might be recoverable through your registrar, usually for an additional fee. After this period, it becomes available for registration by a third party.

You can recover your domain name after the grace period, before it’s available to register by a third party. Some registries provide this service during the redemption period, but it’ll cost you extra. To avoid this, we recommend enabling auto-renewal and updating your payment method.

If your domain has expired but is still within the grace or redemption period, you can renew it via your Control Panel. During the redemption period, additional charges may apply depending on the extension and registry. Once this period is over, the domain is permanently released and can be purchased by another user.

Yes. You can transfer a domain name unless it has expired or is locked. The option to renew for another year is usually included. This way, you benefit from service continuity and simplified management via OVHcloud. For more information, visit our dedicated domain name transfer page.

No. This is a management option you can enable or disable at any time from your Control Panel. It’s highly recommended to ensure timely renewal, maintain uninterrupted access to your site and emails, and easily manage renewals and billing documentation.