Do I need hosting to register a domain?

No. You can register the address first and connect it to hosting later using DNS settings.

How do I know a registrar is legitimate?

Check whether it is listed as an ICANN-accredited registrar, and use ICANN Lookup to verify registration details.

Where can I register a domain name?

Q: Where can I register a domain name?

You can register a domain name through a domain registrar. A safe starting point is using an ICANN-accredited registrar and verifying it on ICANN’s official list.

A domain name is your website’s address, like example.com. It’s what people type to find you online.

This guide explains where to register one, how to pick a safe registrar, and how to avoid common mistakes. The goal is clarity—simple enough that even a 12-year-old can follow it.

What does “registering” mean?

Registering means you reserve an address on the internet so nobody else can take it. You don’t “buy it forever”—you pay for it for a period (often 1 year), then renew it.

Quick picture: the address is the domain, the house is your website (hosting), and directions are DNS.

Where can I register a new domain name?

You register through a company called a domain registrar. A registrar is approved to sell website addresses and connect them to the global domain system.

Safe options (start here)

Use an ICANN-accredited registrar (this is the global standard). You can confirm the official list here: ICANN Accredited Registrars.
You can also check any registered address using: ICANN Lookup.

Avoid choosing a provider only because the first year is cheap. Always check the renewal price before paying.

Clear pricingrenewal cost shown upfront

Security2FA + domain lock available

DNS toolseasy records for website + email

Registrar vs hosting (simple explanation)

These are different things:

Registrar: where you reserve the web address.
Hosting: where your website files live.
DNS: settings that connect the address to the hosting.

It’s normal to register the address in one place and host the website somewhere else.

How to register (step by step)

Pick a name that’s short and easy to spell.
Choose an extension like .com, .org, .net, or one that matches your country or industry.
Search availability on the registrar’s site.
Pay and register.
Turn on security: 2FA (two-step login) and domain lock.
Connect DNS to your hosting and email service.

How to choose a good domain name

A strong web address is easy to remember and easy to type—no guessing.

Keep it short (avoid long phrases).
Avoid hyphens and numbers if possible.
Use words people can spell after hearing once.
Try to match your brand name.

Video (Kiswahili): jinsi ya kuchagua jina la website lililo rahisi kukumbuka na kuaminika.

Want help registering + setting everything up?

If you prefer a package that includes setup (registration + connection to website/email), these website design packages include domain registration:

Tip: even if a package registers the domain for you, ask for the login and make sure you enable 2FA.

Common mistakes to avoid

Forgetting renewals: set auto-renew if you can.
Skipping security: turn on 2FA and domain lock.
Using confusing spelling: people will type it wrong and miss your site.
Only checking first-year price: renewals matter more long-term.