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Domains Glossary

Table of Contents

Core Concepts

Domain Name

A human-readable label used to identify a website or resource on the internet (e.g., example.com). Domain names are registered and managed through a hierarchical system with various levels (top-level domains, second-level domains, subdomains). Domain names translate to IP addresses through the Domain Name System (DNS).

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Top-Level Domain (TLD)

The rightmost part of a domain name, appearing after the final dot. For example, in dnsimple.com, the TLD is COM. TLDs are generally grouped into three categories: generic top-level domains (gTLDs), country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), and sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs).

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Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD)

A category of top-level domains that includes general-purpose extensions such as .COM, .NET, .ORG, .INFO, and many others. gTLDs are the most common and well-known category of TLDs.

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Country-Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD)

A category of top-level domains that includes all extensions used or reserved for a country, sovereign state, or dependent territory identified with a country code. Notable examples are .US, .CA, and .UK. Some ccTLDs have become so popular that they are sometimes confused with gTLDs, such as .IO or .CO.

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Second-Level Domain

The part of a domain name that appears directly to the left of the top-level domain. For example, in dnsimple.com, dnsimple is the second-level domain.

Subdomain

A domain name that is part of a larger domain. For example, www.example.com is a subdomain of example.com. Subdomains can be used to organize different services or sections of a website.

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Domain Registrar

A company or organization authorized by ICANN (for gTLDs) or the appropriate registry (for ccTLDs) to register domain names on behalf of registrants. DNSimple is a domain registrar.

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Domain Registry

The organization that manages and maintains the database of all domain names registered under a specific top-level domain. For example, Verisign manages the .COM registry.

Domain Registration

The process of purchasing and reserving a domain name for a specified period, typically one year or more. When you register a domain, you obtain the right to use that domain name for the duration of the registration period.

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Domain Transfer

The process of moving a domain name registration from one registrar to another. When you transfer a domain, the new registrar becomes responsible for managing the domain registration.

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Domain Renewal

The process of extending a domain name registration for an additional period, typically one year. Domains must be renewed before expiration to maintain registration.

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Domain Expiration

The date when a domain name registration period ends. After expiration, the domain may enter a grace period, redemption period, or be deleted, depending on the TLD and registry policies.

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Domain Status & Periods

Grace Period

A period after a domain expires during which the domain is disabled but can still be renewed at no extra cost. For most gTLDs, registrars may offer a non-guaranteed 29-day grace period. There is no guaranteed grace period, and domains may be disposed of at any time according to the registration agreement.

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Redemption Period

A period after the grace period during which a domain can be restored by the previous registrant for a restore fee plus renewal fee. Only the previous registrant can recover the domain during this time, and it must be retrieved through the previous registrar.

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Deletion Period

A 5-day time frame after the redemption period during which the registry holds the domain and it cannot be recovered. Once the registry deletes the domain, it becomes available for registration by anyone on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Domain Contacts

Registrant

The legal owner of a domain name. The registrant contact information is the official record of domain ownership and is used for important communications, including expiration notifications and transfer authorization emails.

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Administrative Contact

A contact designated to handle administrative matters related to a domain name, such as policy questions and business issues.

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Technical Contact

A contact designated to handle technical matters related to a domain name, such as DNS configuration and technical issues.

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Billing Contact

A contact designated to handle billing matters related to a domain name, such as renewal fees and payment issues.

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Domain Transfers

Authorization Code

Also called transfer code, auth code, or auth info. A code required to authorize the transfer of a domain name from one registrar to another. The authorization code is typically sent by the current registrar via email to the domain registrant.

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Gaining Registrar

The registrar where you want to transfer a domain. Also called the new registrar.

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Losing Registrar

The current registrar for a domain that is being transferred. Also called the old registrar.

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ICANN 60-Day Lock

A restriction that prevents a domain from being transferred to another registrar for 60 days after certain events, such as registration, a previous transfer, or a change to the registrant’s information. This lock cannot be opted out of at DNSimple.

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Domain Security & Privacy

WHOIS

A protocol and database system that provides information about domain name registrations, including registrant contact information, registration dates, and name servers. WHOIS information is publicly accessible unless WHOIS privacy protection is enabled.

WHOIS Privacy Protection

A service that hides your contact information from public WHOIS databases, helping protect your privacy and reduce spam. WHOIS privacy protection can be enabled during domain registration or configured later.

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Domain Lock

A security feature that prevents unauthorized transfers of a domain. Domains are typically locked by default and must be unlocked before a transfer can be initiated.

DNSimple SuperLock

An additional security feature provided by DNSimple that provides an extra layer of protection against unauthorized domain transfers, beyond the standard domain lock.

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Domain Management

Auto-Renewal

A feature that automatically renews a domain before it expires, preventing service interruption. Auto-renewal can be enabled during registration or configured later in domain settings.

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Premium Domain

A domain name that is priced higher than standard registration fees. Premium domains may have special characteristics, such as short names or desirable keywords, and pricing is set by the registry.

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Domain Validation

A process required by ICANN to verify the accuracy of registrant contact information. After registering a domain or changing registrant information, you may receive an email requiring validation of your contact information.

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Have more questions?

If you have additional questions or need any assistance with domain-related terms, just contact support, and we’ll be happy to help.