Registering a domain name: how does it work?
Registering your own domain name is easier than you think. Within a few minutes you have your own address on the internet. But there are some things to keep in mind. Below you will find all the steps, costs and tips you need to choose and register the right domain name. Read more about a .at domain name.
What is registering a domain name?
When you register a domain name, you are essentially renting a unique name on the internet. This name is linked to your website so visitors can find you. Think of a domain name as the address of your house: without an address, no one can find you. Read more about a .blog domain name.
During registration, your name is recorded in a central database. For .nl domains that is SIDN (the Foundation for Internet Domain Registration in the Netherlands). Other extensions have their own registries: Verisign for .com, EURid for .eu, and so on. These organizations manage the databases and make sure every domain name is unique.
You are not the owner of a domain, but rent it for a certain period (usually 1 year). As long as you renew on time, the domain stays yours. If you forget to renew, the domain becomes available to others again after a waiting period.
Step-by-step: registering a domain name
Step 1: come up with your domain name
The choice of your domain name is important. It is your identity on the internet and hard to change later. Choose a name that:
- Is short and memorable (preferably under 15 characters). Shorter names are easier to remember and type.
- Is easy to spell. Avoid numbers, hyphens and words that are often misspelled. Test this by dictating the name to someone over the phone.
- Is relevant to your business or project. The name should say something about who you are or what you do.
- Is unique and not easily confused with existing brands. Check that there are no well-known companies with similar names.
- Is timeless. Avoid years or trends that will look dated in a few years.
Step 2: check availability
Use a domain name checker to see whether your desired name is still free. Most good names are already taken, so be prepared to be creative or consider alternatives.
Also check:
- Alternative extensions (.nl, .com, .eu, .be)
- Variants with and without a hyphen
- Common misspellings of your name
- Whether social media accounts are available with the same name
Step 3: choose your extension
The extension (the part after the dot) partly determines how your domain comes across. Here are the most common options:
| Extension | Suitable for | Price from | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .nl | Dutch websites, local businesses | 0.45 euros/year | Best choice for a Dutch audience |
| .com | International websites, businesses | 8.95 euros/year | Most recognized extension worldwide |
| .eu | European organizations | 1.99 euros/year | Only for EU residents/businesses |
| .be | Belgian websites | 0.85 euros/year | Ideal for the Belgian market |
| .online | General websites | 11.99 euros/year | Newer extension, less well known |
| .shop | Web shops | 28.95 euros/year | Clear for e-commerce |
For Dutch companies, .nl is almost always the best choice. Dutch people trust .nl domains and Google gives them a slight preference for Dutch searches.
Step 4: register through a provider
You register a domain name through a domain registrar or hosting provider. This is a company that is authorized to sell and manage domain names.
At Theory7 you can register right away and you get for free:
- DNS management with a user-friendly dashboard
- Email forwarding setup
- URL forwarding
- WHOIS privacy where possible
Step 5: enter your details
During registration you need the following details:
- Your name or company name (holder of the domain)
- Full address
- Email address (important for renewal notifications)
- Phone number
These details are stored in the WHOIS database, the public register of domain names. For many extensions you can enable WHOIS privacy to shield your personal data from the public. For .nl domains, personal data is already shielded by default.
What does it cost to register a domain name?
The costs differ per extension and provider:
- .nl domain: from 2.49 euros per year
- .com domain: from 9.99 euros per year
- .eu domain: from 4.99 euros per year
- .be domain: from 7.99 euros per year
- New extensions (.shop, .online, .tech): from 14.99 euros per year
Watch renewal prices! Some providers lure you in with extremely low first-year prices but charge much more afterward. A domain for 0.99 euros can cost 15.99 euros per year at renewal. Always check both the registration and renewal price before you decide.
Tips for registering
Register multiple extensions
Consider registering not just .nl but also .com and possibly .eu. This prevents competitors or cybersquatters from claiming these names and damaging your brand. If yourcompany.nl becomes successful, you do not want someone else to have yourcompany.com.
Choose a reliable provider
Pay attention to the following points when choosing a registrar:
- Transparent prices: No hidden costs, clear renewal prices
- Good customer service: Reachable when there are problems
- Easy DNS management: An intuitive dashboard for records
- Transfer options: You must be able to move your domain later if you want
- WHOIS privacy: The option to shield personal data
Turn on automatic renewal
You do not want your domain to accidentally expire. An expired domain can be registered by someone else, sometimes within days. Turn on automatic renewal or set reminders in your calendar.
Store your login details safely
Save your login details for your domain management safely in a password manager. You need them to change DNS settings or to transfer your domain. Losing access to your domain account can cause big problems.
Use a permanent email address
Register your domain with an email address that you keep for a long time. All important communication about your domain goes to this address, including renewal reminders and security warnings.
Common mistakes when registering a domain
Avoid these pitfalls:
Waiting too long to register
If you have come up with a good name, register it right away. Domain names are registered continuously, and a name that is free today can be taken tomorrow. Especially if you want to register your company name or product, do not wait.
Only registering the main name
Also register common variations: with and without a hyphen, alternative extensions, and possibly common misspellings. This protects your brand and prevents confusion.
Providing incorrect contact details
Always use correct and up-to-date contact details. If your email address is wrong, you miss important notices about renewals or security issues. This can lead to loss of your domain.
Not setting up automatic renewal
Set up automatic renewal right away so your domain does not accidentally expire. An expired domain can be picked up by so-called "domain droppers", who then try to resell it to you for a lot of money.
Registering in someone else's name
Always register business domains in the name of the company or in your name as the owner. Not in the name of your web designer, IT person or an employee. If that person leaves, you have a problem.
What happens after registration?
After successful registration:
- You receive a confirmation by email with your registration details and login details for the management panel
- You can set up DNS to link your domain to your web hosting. You do this by setting the correct A records.
- Your domain is active within a few minutes to 24 hours, depending on DNS propagation
- You can set up email by adding MX records that point to your mail server
Want to get started with your website right away? Combine your domain with web hosting and you can be online within an hour. For WordPress sites we recommend our WordPress hosting.
Transferring an existing domain
Do you already have a domain elsewhere and want to move it? This is the process:
- Request an authorization code (EPP code) from your current provider
- Start the transfer at the new provider using this code
- Confirm the transfer (usually by email)
- Wait for the transfer (5-7 days for most extensions)
Make sure your domain is not locked (transfer lock off) and that it is not within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a domain name?
The registration itself takes only a few minutes. Your domain is usually active within an hour, although for some extensions it can take up to 24 hours.
Can I change my domain name later?
No, you cannot change a registered domain name. You have to register a new name and possibly redirect the old one with a redirect.
What if my desired domain is taken?
You can try to contact the current owner to buy it. Otherwise you can choose a variant (a different extension, adding a word) or wait until the domain becomes available. There are also services that alert you when a domain becomes available.
Is my domain name mine forever?
No, you rent a domain name for a certain period (usually 1 year). You have to renew it annually to keep it. Many providers also offer registration for several years at once.
Can someone steal my domain name?
With good security this is very unlikely. Use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and keep your contact details up to date. Most "theft" happens through expired registrations or poor security.
Getting started
Registering a domain name is easy and affordable. The most important thing is that you choose a good name, check availability and register with a reliable provider. With your own domain name you are in charge of your online identity and you can create professional email addresses.
Ready to start? Check here whether your domain name is still free and register your place on the internet today.
Protecting your domain name
After registration it is important to protect your domain against loss or misuse:
Enable transfer lock
Most registrars put a transfer lock on your domain by default. This prevents anyone from transferring your domain without your permission. Only disable this when you actually want to transfer.
Keep contact details up to date
Make sure your email address is always correct. All important communication about your domain (renewals, security notices) goes to this address. Do not use an email address that is linked to the domain itself, because if the domain expires, you will no longer receive notices.
Two-factor authentication
Enable 2FA on your account with the registrar where possible. This prevents someone from gaining access to your domain management with only your password.
Register for multiple years
Register your most important domains for several years at once. This reduces the risk of forgetting to renew and can sometimes earn a small discount.
Linking your domain to hosting
After registration you have to link your domain to your web hosting. This can be done in two ways:
Option 1: change nameservers
This is the most common method. You change the nameservers of your domain to those of your hosting provider:
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Go to the DNS/nameserver settings of your domain
- Replace the current nameservers with those of your hosting provider (for example ns.theory7.net, ns.theory7.eu, ns.theory7.nl)
- Save and wait for propagation (1-24 hours)
With this method, your hosting provider manages all your DNS records.
Option 2: adjust DNS records
You keep your registrar's nameservers and only adjust the necessary records:
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Go to DNS management
- Create an A record for @ (or your domain name) pointing to the IP of your hosting
- Create a CNAME or A record for www
- Set up MX records for email
This method gives you more control but requires more knowledge.
Working with subdomains
Subdomains are free to create and useful for organizing your online presence:
- blog.yoursite.nl: For a separate blog
- shop.yoursite.nl: For a web shop
- staging.yoursite.nl: For a test environment
- mail.yoursite.nl: For webmail access
You create subdomains through your DNS management by adding A records or CNAME records for the specific subdomain.
Premium and reserved domains
Not all domains cost the same. Some domains are "premium" and cost considerably more:
- Short domains: Names of 2-3 letters are rare and more expensive
- Generic terms: Words like "car.nl" or "hotel.nl" are premium
- Popular keywords: Domains with frequently searched terms
Premium domains are not made more expensive by the registrar, but by the registry itself. The higher price often applies to renewals too.
In addition, some domains are reserved or blocked:
- Trademarks and well-known brand names
- Names of public figures
- Government agencies and official organizations
Do not try to register a domain that clearly belongs to an existing brand, because this can lead to legal problems.
Summary
Registering a domain name is easy and affordable. The main steps are: choose a short, memorable name that fits your brand, check availability, select the right extension for your audience, and register with a reliable provider.
Protect your domain by setting up automatic renewal, keeping your contact details up to date and registering important variations. With your own domain name you have the foundation for your professional online presence.
Registering a domain name: frequently asked questions
Registering a domain name raises many questions. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions so you are well prepared.
Can anyone register a domain name?
Yes, in principle anyone can register a domain name. For .nl domains you do not have to be a Dutch company, because individuals and foreign organizations can also register a .nl domain through SIDN. Some extensions do have specific requirements: for a .eu domain, for example, you have to be based in the European Union.
How long does it take to register a domain name?
Most domain names are registered and active within a few minutes. For .nl domains, SIDN processes the registration almost instantly. After the domain is registered, it still takes 24 to 48 hours before the DNS changes are propagated worldwide. In the meantime, your website may not yet be reachable for everyone.
What if my desired domain name is taken?
If the domain name you want is already registered, you have several options. You can try to approach the current owner through WHOIS. Another option is choosing an alternative extension, such as .com instead of .nl, or another domain extension that fits you. You can also be creative with your domain name by adding a verb or an adjective.
Checklist for registering a domain name
- Check the availability of your desired domain name
- Choose a reliable registrar with good customer service
- Also register alternative extensions to protect your brand
- Enable automatic renewal to prevent loss
- Consider WHOIS privacy for personal data
- Note the expiration date in your calendar as an extra reminder
- Link the domain to your web hosting through the correct nameservers
Theory7 is a SIDN-accredited registrar, EURid-accredited registrar and DNS.BE-accredited registrar. As an accredited registrar with multiple registries, you register domain names directly, without an intermediary. This means faster processing times, lower costs and full control over your domain management.
Registering a domain name at Theory7
At Theory7 you can register a domain name easily and quickly. The process is fully automated: you check availability, choose your desired extension, and within a few minutes your domain is active. Theory7 offers direct linking to your hosting plan, free DNS management, automatic renewal to prevent loss, and Dutch customer service that helps you at every step. Whether you want to register a .nl, .com, .eu or one of the many other domain extensions, at Theory7 you are assured of a reliable registration with transparent prices and no hidden costs.
After registering: first steps
Right after registering a domain name, there are a number of steps you should take. Link the domain to your web hosting by setting the correct nameservers. Install a free SSL certificate for a secure HTTPS connection. Set up email addresses on your new domain for a professional look. Configure basic DNS records such as A records, MX records for email, and SPF records for email verification.
With this knowledge you are well prepared to register your first or next domain name. Start today by looking for the perfect domain name for your project or business.
Registering a domain name: frequently asked questions answered
How long does it take to register a domain name? Usually a few minutes to at most an hour. Can I register a domain name without a website? Yes, you can reserve a domain for future use. How long is a registration valid? By default one year, after which you renew automatically or manually. Can anyone register a .nl domain? Yes, there are no restrictions on nationality or country of residence for .nl domains at SIDN.
