When creating a website, a person or company registering a domain name with an extension or TLD (Top-Level Domain) through a Registrar like Domains.co.za is known as a Domain Registrant.

Domain Registrants Explained

Selecting a domain name and registering it with a Domain Registrar are the first steps in the process. After everything is finished, the Registrant gets permission to use the domain name for a predetermined time, usually a year, but the registration period can be up to 10 years. After this, the domain needs to be renewed to retain ownership.

Additional Information

Once a domain is registered, the Registrant is the legal owner of the domain name. During domain registration, they must provide accurate contact information, including names, company name, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

It is essential to keep this information current. All Registrant details are recorded in the globally accessible WHOIS database and must be legitimate. If any information changes, it should be updated promptly. WHOIS Privacy can be requested to keep contact details private, incurring a small annual fee per domain.

Managing Domains

The Registrant is responsible for renewing the domain registration before it expires, updating contact information, and complying with the terms set by the domain registrar.

Renewing a domain on time is necessary to prevent ownership expiring, which can result in losing control of your web address and associated email accounts. Set reminders for renewal or opt for automatic renewal through the company with which the domain was registered initially.

They can modify the domain’s settings, such as updating DNS records, pointing the domain to a different hosting provider, and configuring email services.

They can also transfer domain ownership to another party using the hosting provider’s or domain registrar’s administrative tools. Getting an authorisation code (also called the Auth Code or EPP Code) from the original service provider is needed to transfer the domain to another registrar.

Policy & Legal Compliance

Registrants have the right to review and download the domain Registration Agreement governing the domain name registration, which should be available from the ICANN Accredited Registrar or its representative.

They are entitled to clear information regarding:

• The registrar’s identity and those of any affiliated proxy or privacy service provider.
• The registrar’s terms and conditions, including pricing and any associated costs for domain registrations.
• Customer support services and how to access them.
• Procedures for expressing concerns and resolving disputes with the registrar and associated privacy services.
• Instructions for registering, managing, transferring, renewing, and restoring domain name registrations.

In turn, domain owners must adhere to the registrar’s terms and conditions, comply with legal and regulatory requirements for domain ownership, respect trademark and intellectual property laws, ensure compliance with laws regarding hosted content, and take responsibility for resolving disputes related to domain registration.