Domain Registrant

What is a Domain Registrant?

A domain registrant is the individual or organization that registers a domain name. The registrant holds the rights to use the domain for the registration period and is considered the "owner" of the domain, though technically domains are leased rather than owned outright.

Registrant Rights

As a domain registrant, you have the right to:

Use the Domain

• Point it to any web server
• Configure DNS records
• Set up email services
• Create subdomains

Transfer the Domain

• Move to a different registrar
• Sell or transfer ownership
• Change registrant information

Renew the Domain

• Extend registration before expiration
• Domain cannot be taken while active and paid

Privacy Protection

• Hide personal information via WHOIS privacy
• GDPR protections (in applicable jurisdictions)

Registrant Responsibilities

Accurate Contact Information

Registrants must maintain accurate contact information. ICANN requires:

• Valid email address (must be reachable)
• Accurate name/organization
• Valid mailing address
• Contact phone number

Renewal Management

• Renew before expiration to maintain ownership
• Set up auto-renewal or calendar reminders
• Keep payment information current

Legal Compliance

• Don't register trademarked names in bad faith
• Follow acceptable use policies
• Respond to abuse complaints

Registrant Information in WHOIS/RDAP

Historically, registrant details were publicly available:

Registrant Name: John Doe
Registrant Organization: Example Corp
Registrant Street: 123 Main St
Registrant City: San Francisco
Registrant State: CA
Registrant Postal Code: 94102
Registrant Country: US
Registrant Phone: +1.5551234567
Registrant Email: john@example.com

Post-GDPR Changes

Since GDPR (2018), most registrars redact personal information:

Registrant Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
Registrant Organization: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY
Registrant Email: Please query the RDAP service

To contact registrants, you typically must go through the registrar's privacy relay service.

Registrant vs Other Contacts

Domain records may include multiple contacts:

In practice, especially for small sites, these are often the same person.

Changing Registrant

Changing domain ownership (registrant change) is a significant action:

Intra-Registrar Transfer

Changing registrant at the same registrar:

1. Log into registrar account

2. Update registrant details

3. Verify via email to old and new registrant

4. Some registrars lock domain for 60 days after

Change of Registrant with Transfer

When combined with registrar transfer, requires careful coordination to avoid 60-day lock issues.

Registrant Rights During Expiration

If a domain expires:

Grace Period (~30 days)

• Registrant can still renew
• Usually at normal price
• Domain may stop resolving

Redemption Period (~30 days)

• Can recover domain with higher fee ($80-200+)
• Domain held by registry

Pending Delete (~5 days)

• Cannot be renewed
• Queued for release

Available Again

• Anyone can register
• Domain auction services often snap up expired domains

Protecting Your Domain

As Registrant, You Should:

1. Enable registrar lock: Prevents unauthorized transfers

2. Use 2FA: Protect your registrar account

3. Keep contact info current: Don't miss renewal notices

4. Enable auto-renewal: Avoid accidental expiration

5. Use privacy protection: Reduce spam and social engineering

6. Monitor expiration dates: Keep a separate calendar

Domain Hijacking Prevention

Domain hijacking occurs when someone gains unauthorized control:

• Keep registrar account secure
• Don't click suspicious "renewal" emails
• Verify sender before taking action on domain notices

Your domain is a critical business asset—protect it accordingly.