How do I acquire a domain name?
How to retrieve a domain name that is already taken
When registering a domain name, it can sometimes happen that the name you want has already been taken, or that a domain registered by you has expired. So how do you get it back in these situations? This article explains the steps to recover a domain that has expired, is already taken or is unused, while giving you tips to secure it.
The domain name has expired
If the domain name you want has expired, there are several ways to retrieve it before it becomes available again.
What is an expired domain name?
A domain name is considered expired when its owner has not renewed its registration before the expiry date. The domain name will then enter a grace period, which usually lasts from 30 to 45 days (depending on the extension in question).
During this period, the registrant will still be able to renew their registration at no additional cost. After this period, the domain name enters a redemption period, which makes it more expensive and complicated to renew. If the domain name holder does not reclaim it in time, it will be released and will be available for registration again.
How long does it take to retrieve an expired domain name?
The amount of time required will vary depending on the extension (.com, .uk, etc.) and the policies of the extension in question. You will need to monitor the domain name registration date via a WHOIS service to find out when it will become available again.
The domain name is already taken
If the domain name you want is already registered by someone else, there’s a chance that you can claim it by following a specific procedure.
Find out the owner
The first step is to identify the current owner using the WHOIS tool. You will receive details such as the name of the registrant and their email address (if this is public), as well as the date the domain name was registered. This information will allow you to contact the holder directly to consider a possible purchase.
Negotiate a purchase
If the domain name is active or owned by a third party, the easiest solution is to buy it from them. You can get in touch with the domain name holder using the information obtained above, or you can use a specialised platform to search for a domain name available for resale.
During any negotiation, it is important to remain professional and offer a reasonable price, based on the real value of the domain. There are many sites that will allow you to quickly assess its approximate value. Please note that it is not the website itself (its content) that has a value, but rather to the domain name pointing to the website.
Judicial exceptions
If the domain name you are looking for infringes your trademark or intellectual rights, you can take legal action to recover it. Legal proceedings vary depending on the country and the regulatory body of the extension (such asNominet for the .uk extension).
This process is often time-consuming and expensive, but it can lead to the domain being acquired by you if you prove that you have a legitimate right to it.
Protect your domain name
To avoid losing a domain name or having to take complicated steps to recover it, putting protective measures in place is essential.
Regular renewal
Enable automatic renewal to prevent your domain from inadvertently expiring. Keep your payment details up-to-date and set up alerts to be notified when renewals are due. You can also find out if you can register a domain name for life.
Monitor similar domain names
Register the variants of your domain name, including versions with and without dashes or with different extensions. This helps consolidate your online presence and prevents competitors from acquiring similar domains.
Enable Domain Lock
Domain lock prevents any transfers without your permission. This measure protects your domain name against unauthorised transfers or theft attempts.
For more information on protecting your domains, check out our guide on protecting your domain name.
Conclusion
Recovering a domain name requires an understanding of the various steps and tools available. Whether you are looking for information on how to acquire adomain name that is already taken, or how to recover an expired domain name, it is best to start by contacting the current owner, or monitoring the domain’s expiry.
In any case, please ensure that you put in place protective measures to secure your domain names for the future. To learn more about domain name management, and for additional tips, check out our resource guides about domain names.