transferring my domain name to WordPress from another registrar
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I recently purchased a new domain name for a new blog that I’m developing, and began a trial subscription with another registrar. I’m currently in the middle of a 14-day trial, but would like to return to WordPress, where I had a domain name that expired last December. I’m starting a new blog, but I noticed on my old WordPress site (accessed with my former user name/pw) that there’s an option to add another site. What must I do to keep my domain name, but sign on with WordPress instead of the other registrar? Since my trial subscription with the other registrar expires in a few days, should I just wait till then and bolt, or will my domain name be up for grabs if I don’t stick with this registrar? I paid for the name, so I’m assuming it’s mine and I can take it anywhere….? Please advise asap
The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
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Hi there,
Domain registrations are for a year at a time, no matter what registrar you’re using, or if you might have a monthly payment plan. If you register a domain, that domain is registered for a year. You can cancel a domain before the year is over if you no longer want it, but cancelled domains can take anything from 30 to 90 days to become available again, depending on the registrar.
Most registrars will allow you to transfer a domain away from them after 60 days, but that’s not possible in this case as we’re not able to accept incoming domain transfers on WordPress.com.
So, if you want to use the domain with us, you will need to keep it registered at your current registrar and buy the domain mapping upgrade to connect it to your site here.
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OK,thanks. But here’s my problem: I was told by the other registrar that my domain name cannot be released until after 60 days. I’m currently nearing the end of a 14-day trial, where for now, I have a “parking page;” i.e., the domain isn’t connected, it’s just being “hosted.” Can I still do the domain mapping upgrade with WP at any time, or must I wait 60 days?
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OR, do I just start over at WP with a similar domain name….if I do that, can I just add a site to my existing one, or do I start over completely?
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You can still map the domain here. The 60 day lock in only for transferring domains, not for mapping them.
It sounds like your trial is for hosting, correct? In that case you should be able to cancel your hosting, but still keep your domain. Explain to the registrar that that’s what you want to do.
Then ask them to change the domain’s name servers to the following:
NS1.WORDPRESS.COM
NS2.WORDPRESS.COM
NS3.WORDPRESS.COM
If you then add the domain mapping upgrade here the domain should show your WordPress.com site. Note that it can be a few hours after your registrar change the name servers before the domain will work.
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The registrar told me that when the trial ends, and I don’t officially sign up, my domain name remains on the parking page. That’s when she told me I could transfer after 60 days. I didn’t ask her about mapping, but she didn’t offer that up as an option. I am not computer savvy and this is all very confusing to me. Is it possible that some registrars don’t allow mapping to another site? I’ve been trying to resolve this for the past two days. I may just cut my losses with the other registrar and start fresh with WP.
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I can’t really comment on the policies of another host, but as I understand it, once you register a domain you own it, and you should be able to use it however you wish, within the terms of service of the registrar.
I suggest you ask them if you can map the domain to another host. But if you want to start over with a new domain here you can certainly do that as well.
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Ok, for reasons too numerous to go into here, I’ve decided to start over with WP. When I go into my old site, there’s a prompt at the bottom to “add a site.” I’m assuming this is how I get started with a whole new site?
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If you want a completely new site, yes. I see you’ve already done that.
Please let me know if I can help with anything else.
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