Glossary · Domains and ownership
Domain registration
The time-limited registration of a domain name through an accredited registrar for an identified registrant.
Also called: registering a domain
Definition
Domain registration records who controls the right to use a domain name for a registration period. The registrar, registrant contact, renewal method, recovery access, and DNS authority are separate details that should be documented.
Why it matters
A business can lose website, email, and verification access when the registration sits in an unknown account or renewal fails.
Common misunderstanding
Registration does not include the website files, hosting, email, or permanent ownership of the name.
Related terms
Related system family: Hosting & Release
Sources
Last reviewed July 16, 2026