To become a domain registrar, you can obtain certification from ICANN or become a domain reseller. ICANN certification involves paying a fee, providing documentation, and obtaining liability insurance. Becoming a reseller involves using an existing registrar as an intermediary.
There are two main ways to become a domain registrar, each with benefits and potential drawbacks. The main way to become a domain registrar is to obtain certification from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). This is a somewhat involved process that involves paying a fee, providing various types of documentation, and receiving appropriate accreditation. The exact process will differ depending on the types of domain names you want to register. An alternative option is to become a domain reseller, which can offer many of the same benefits without the initial investment of money and time.
A domain registrar is an entity capable of registering domain names. Individuals and businesses pay the registrar a fee to reserve a domain, and the registrar pays ICANN or another government agency. At one time, there was only one company authorized to perform these roles, although the process has become much more open. It is now possible for virtually anyone to become a domain registrar as long as the correct procedure is followed.
If you’ve decided to become a domain registrar, the first step is to review the list of qualifications required by ICANN. You will need to show that your company has the ability to run a registrar or provide a satisfactory business plan. It is also necessary to obtain a certain level of liability insurance, so you will need to demonstrate the ability and willingness to do this. Other qualifications include a demonstration of financial stability and ownership of an existing second-level domain (SLD). Certain factors may also disqualify you from becoming a registrar, such as lying on your application or having been convicted of certain financial crimes within the last ten years.
Once you’ve verified that you qualify to become a domain registrar, you’ll need to pay a fee and file an application. If you are accepted, you will need to sign a contract, after which you can register domain names for a period of five years. The final step in the process is to contact the relevant registry operators.
An alternative to this process is to become a domain reseller. In that case, you will use an existing registrar as an intermediary rather than dealing directly with ICANN. Every domain you register on behalf of your customers will be registered by your registrar as you will not have the ability to do this yourself. You will also pay the registrar instead of ICANN and the registry operators. This may leave you with a smaller margin, although you also have much lower upfront costs.
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