If you own a website that was built by someone else, do you really “own” the domain name? Chances are you do not. One of the most common errors people make when hiring web developers to build their websites is allowing them to register the domain name on their behalf instead of registering it themselves. Why is this important you ask? Because the person/company that registers the domain becomes the “owner” of the domain for all practical purposes.
It all boils down to this: When a domain name is registered, the person or organization listed as the “Administrative Contact” has complete control over the domain. This means that unless that person agrees, the domain cannot be renewed, transferred or even sold. Even changing the DNS settings to point to a new web server (in the event that you change web hosts) will not be possible without the consent and approval of the person listed as the Admin Contact.
If you plan to use the services of your web designer forever, there will probably never be a problem with the domain. But should you ever decide to take your business elsewhere, there probably will. Fortunately, there is an easy way to avoid this problem from the outset. All you need to do is register your domain name yourself, then update the DNS settings to point to the server that will be hosting your website. Then you’ll be able to “fire” your web designer at any time without having to try to talk them into relinquishing control of your domain. After all, managing a domain name is ridiculously easy, but gaining control of YOUR domain when it is being held hostage by a bitter web designer is not.
There are a number of domain registrars you can use to register your own domain names, but I always use Godaddy.com because of their low prices and ease of use.