- Abi Djanogly
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →
You’ve just come up with the perfect, catchy, memorable name for your website. Naturally, you want to lock it down so no one else can snag it. But realistically, can you buy a domain name forever?
The short answer is no—but also, sort of yes.
Technically, when you create a website, you can’t buy a domain name outright in the same way you buy a house or a pair of shoes. It’s more like a lease. However, with the right strategy and auto-renewals, you can essentially keep that domain for as long as you want (or as long as the internet exists).
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how domain registration works, why "forever" isn’t really an option and the smart ways to make sure your domain stays yours for the long haul.
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TL;DR: Can you buy a domain name forever?
Short on time? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your domain name for the long term:
Feature | The reality |
Ownership | You rent the domain from a registrar; you don’t own it permanently. |
Max registration | Most domains can be registered for up to 10 years at a time. |
"Forever" plans | Some registrars offer "lifetime" deals, but in practice they just automate renewals for you. |
The solution | Set up auto-renewal and keep your payment info updated. |
Risk factor | If you miss a renewal payment, your domain could go back on the open market. |
What is a domain name?
Think of a domain name as your address on the internet. If your website is your house, the domain name is the street address people type into their GPS (or browser) to find you.
For example, wix.com is a domain name. Behind the scenes, computers use complex strings of numbers called IP addresses to communicate. But because humans aren't great at remembering strings like 192.0.2.1, we use domain names instead.
When you "buy" a domain, you are registering that specific address with an organization called ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). They manage the central database of all web addresses. You pay a registrar (like Wix) to reserve that name for a specific period, usually between one and ten years.
Learn more:
Benefits of holding on to the same domain name
While you can’t technically buy it forever in one transaction, keeping the same domain for decades is incredibly valuable. Stability matters for a number of reasons:
1. Builds brand authority
If you change your business name or URL every few years, it’s hard for customers to trust you. A long-standing domain signals that you are established and reliable. It’s a stamp of legitimacy that tells visitors, "I'm here to stay."
“If we were a smaller company, we probably would have been encouraged to look for a new domain, but the costs of change and potential traffic loss weren't worth it. The value of our domain is purely from the branding perspective. We could move the whole content, redirect all the SEO value and links we have, but the branding is what makes the domain name important to us.” - Kacper Rafalski, Demand Generation Team Leader at Netguru
2. Strengthens SEO rankings
Search engines like Google tend to trust older domains that have a history of good content and steady traffic. If you switch domains, you essentially reset the clock on your SEO efforts, losing the "juice" you built up over the years. Sticking with one URL helps you climb the search results and stay there.
3. Consistent traffic
Direct traffic—people typing your URL directly into their browser—is gold. If you’ve printed your URL on business cards, shared it on social media or have it linked on other websites, changing it means all those potential visitors hit a "404 Error" page. Keeping your domain ensures you catch every single visitor.
Learn more: What is a URL?
Common challenges of keeping a domain name forever
Since true "forever" ownership doesn't exist, you need to be aware of the hurdles that could cause you to lose your domain:
Expired credit cards
This is the number one reason people lose their domains. You register a domain for five years, forget about it, and in that time, your credit card expires. When the renewal date hits, the payment fails and the domain eventually drops back into the public pool.
Learn more about domain expiration.
Registrar bankruptcy
It’s rare, but it happens. If the company you registered your domain with goes out of business, complications can arise. Usually, ICANN steps in to transfer domains to a new registrar, but it can be a headache you don’t want to deal with.
Learn more: How to transfer a domain
Missing renewal emails
Registrars send plenty of warnings before a domain expires. But if you used an old email address you no longer check, or if those emails go to spam, you might miss the memo entirely.
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Examples of domain names with longevity
Most domain names are only registered for one year at a time, with 60% of .com domains lasting no more than one year before expiration or renewal. Moreover, under current policies, the maximum registration period for any domain is 10 years at a time before it must be renewed again.
However, some domains have been around almost as long as the public internet itself. These examples prove that while you can't buy "forever," you can certainly hold on for a lifetime.
Symbolics.com: Registered in March 1985, this was the very first .com domain ever registered. It is still active today.
IBM.com: Also registered in 1986, showing that big brands understood the value of digital real estate early on.
Wix.com: We’ve held onto our domain since 2006, building a reputation and authority that helps millions of users create their own sites today.
These sites prove that with simple management, a lease can effectively become permanent ownership.
Learn more about the domain lifecycle.
How to get started with keeping a domain name
Ready to secure your name for the long haul? Here is the step-by-step game plan to get as close to "forever" as possible.
01. Choose a reliable registrar
Start with a trustworthy registrar that is accredited by ICANN. You want a company with a solid track record, good support and transparent pricing. Wix offers easy domain name search and registration, making it simple to find and lock down your ideal name.
Learn more: How to choose a domain registrar
02. Max out your registration period
Most registrars allow you to register a domain for up to 10 years at a time. If you are serious about this business, don’t go year-to-year. Pay for the full decade upfront. It saves you the hassle of annual renewals and locks in the price.
“Changing domains down the road can be costly and confusing, so it pays to choose thoughtfully from the start. A well-chosen name grows with you, making every step of your brand journey feel consistent.” - Ofir Gvili, Domains PMM at Wix
03. Turn on auto-renew
This is non-negotiable. Go into your account settings and ensure "Auto-Renew" is toggled on. This grants permission for the registrar to charge your card automatically when the time comes.
Learn more: Best domain registrars
04. Keep your contact info current
Make a calendar reminder to check your domain settings once a year. Ensure your email address and phone number are up to date so you receive renewal notifications.
05. Add a backup payment method
Don’t rely on a single card. Add a secondary credit card or PayPal account to your file. If your primary card fails, the system can try the backup, saving your domain from accidental expiration.
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Buy a domain name that lasts—with Wix
When you buy a domain name with Wix, you get a simple, secure foundation for your online presence from day one.
Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, making it easy to find, register and manage your domain in one place. With secure domain registration backed by SSL certification, your site and visitors are protected from the moment you go live.
Plus, Wix offers quick domain registration, so you can lock in your web address fast and focus on building, growing and protecting your website with confidence.
Learn more: How to get an SSL certificate
Can you keep a domain name forever FAQ
Can I buy a domain name permanently?
No, you cannot buy a domain permanently in a single transaction. The domain name system works on a renewal basis, similar to renting an apartment. However, you can renew it indefinitely. As long as you keep paying the renewal fee, the domain is yours.
What happens if I forget to renew my domain?
If you miss the renewal, your domain enters a "grace period" (usually about 30 days) where you can still renew it without penalty. After that, it may enter a "redemption period" where retrieving it costs extra. If you still don't act, the domain is released back to the public, and anyone else can register it.
Are there "lifetime" domain registration services?
Some companies market "lifetime" domain registration. Be cautious with these. Usually, you pay a large upfront fee, and the company promises to handle the annual renewals for you. The risk is that if the company shuts down, your "lifetime" deal disappears with them. It is generally safer to manage the renewals yourself through a reputable registrar.
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