Domain Backorders

Frequently asked questions

• What is domain backordering?

  Placing a domain backorder is essentially like putting a reservation on a domain name registered to someone else. If that domain name expires, you get a chance to register it before it's available to the public.

  For more information, visit our Domain Backorders and Monitoring support page

• How do I backorder a domain name at GoDaddy?

  If you don't know how to backorder a domain name, you're not alone. The process can vary slightly from registrar to registrar, but the general process is the same across the Web. When you backorder a domain name, we apply your payment to the domain name when it expires. If you're the only one who backordered the domain name, it's yours at no additional cost. If it goes to auction, we use your backorder payment to place the opening bid. You can continue to bid on the domain name, or simply move your backorder credit to another domain name.

  For more information, see Setting up Backorders.

• Are domain backorders guaranteed?

  While we cannot guarantee that you will secure your dream domain name, we will make every attempt to acquire it on your behalf. If the current registrant doesn't renew the domain name, we use every registration channel at our disposal to register it for you. Our backorder process gives all of our customers the chance to get the domain names they want.

  For more information, see Does Domain Backorders guarantee domain name registration?

• How do I know when a backordered domain name becomes available?

  If you purchase a domain name backorder, we notify you as soon as it becomes available. Plus, when you place a backorder at GoDaddy, we give you free daily monitoring tools to keep an eye on the domain name.

  For more information, see What is Domain Name Monitoring?

• Why should I place my domain backorder at GoDaddy?

  When you backorder a domain name at GoDaddy, we give you more than just an opportunity to secure your dream domain name. Every backorder includes free Domain Monitoring, a one-year membership to GoDaddy Auctions®, one year of domain name registration, and proceeds toward your first bid if the domain name you backordered goes to auction. If your backorder is successful, we give you a free site builder, an email account, and more.

  For more information, see What is Domain Backorders?

• I purchased a domain name backorder. What happens now?

  The next step is to use your Domain Monitoring membership to monitor the progress of your backorder. After you backorder a domain name, we check its status daily and send you email notifications whenever there's a change. After the current registration expires, we attempt to capture the domain name before the registry releases it to the public. If we are successful and you are the only backorder holder, you become the domain name registrant. If there are multiple backorder holders, you can participate in an auction to win the domain name.

  For more information, see Using the GoDaddy Auctions Watch List.

• Where can I view my domain backorder?

  You can log in to your GoDaddy account to view and monitor your backorder in the Domain Manager. That's where we display all of the important information you need, including status updates and the domain name's expiration date.

  For more information, see Viewing Your Backordered and Monitored Domain Names.

• Can I add privacy to my domain name backorder?

  Yes. By default, your personal contact information is publicly displayed in the Whois database when you register a domain name. Don't worry – it's easy to protect yourself by adding Domains By Proxy® Private Registration to your backorder.

  For more information, see Adding Privacy to Backordered Domain Names.

• When can I expect to receive the backordered domain name in my account?

  If we are successful in our attempt to secure your dream domain, we register the domain name to you and then put it in your account within 45 days. One year of domain name registration is included in the cost of your backorder.

  For more information, see What is Domain Backorders?

• My backorder was unsuccessful. What should I do?

  If your domain name backorder is unsuccessful, we recommend trying again with a different domain name. Moving your backorder to another domain name is fast and free.

  For more information, see Changing a Backorder to a Different Domain Name.