How do I Check for New Domain Names?
Domain names are the website addresses people use to access sites on the Internet without having to use direct IP addresses. To use a domain name for a website, it must be registered with a domain registration company that then enters it into a database within the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) Domain Name System (DNS) servers. It isn't difficult to register a domain, but the domain must be available before it can be registered. Checking a domain name's registration status beforehand is free of charge and takes only a few moments.
Instructions
Difficulty:
Step 1
Launch your web browser and visit a domain-name checker website (see Resources).
Step 2
Enter the domain name that you wish to check the availability of into the input field on the webpage. If a drop box with extensions (such as .com, .net or .org) is present, choose the option you wish to search with; if multiple options are available with checkboxes beside them, check the extensions you wish the tool to check the availability of. If no options are available, type the extension into the input box with the domain name.
Step 3
Select the number of additional domain name suggestions that you would like the tool to make, if that option is available. Some domain-name checkers make suggestions automatically, while others don't offer suggestions at all.
Step 4
Click the "Search" or "Go" button to begin the domain-name availability search. Wait while the domain-name checker contacts a DNS server to see if the name you entered is registered.
Step 5
View the results to see whether your domain name is available. If the checker offers suggestions of available domain names, consider them if your first pick is already registered. You can use any domain registration service to register an available domain.
References
Resources
Tips & Warnings
- Many domain-name registration companies offer domain-name checkers on their websites as well, allowing you to check multiple domain names and then proceed to purchase and register the name directly from the checker.
Article Written By John Casteele
Born in West Virginia, John Casteele now lives in western Kentucky. A writer for more than seven years, he has written numerous articles in magazines and online publications. In addition to writing, he edits professionally and occasionally works on the webcomic Division/bell.