When you register a domain name, especially in the UK, you typically work through a reseller like 123-reg, Heart Internet, or DreamHost. However, you might notice that sometimes the domain’s registrar is listed as eNom rather than the reseller you originally registered it with. This can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with how domain registrations and resellers work.
What is eNom, and How Do Resellers Work?
eNom is a domain registrar—one of the organizations accredited by domain governing bodies (like ICANN for global domains or Nominet for .uk domains) to manage domain registrations. Companies like 123-reg or Heart Internet act as resellers. Instead of directly interacting with eNom, you purchase your domain from these resellers, who handle your account, customer support, and billing.
When you register a domain with a reseller that uses them as their backend system, eNom is the official registrar, even if you’ve never dealt with them directly. The reseller essentially “leases” the ability to register domains from them and brands the service as their own.
Why Do Some Domains Show eNom as the Registrar?
If your domain lapses or isn’t renewed, it might revert to showing them as the registrar in public WHOIS records. Here’s why:
- Expired Domains
- Resellers often handle domain renewals on behalf of customers. If a domain expires and isn’t renewed, it may fall back under eNom’s direct control.
- At this point, eNom might hold the domain in an expired state, awaiting a potential renewal or preparing to release it back to the market.
- Reseller’s Role is Limited
- The reseller doesn’t own the domain—they act as an intermediary. When their role ends (e.g., upon expiry or a change in account management), the domain defaults to showing its registrar, which is eNom.
- Reseller Relationships Can Change
- Resellers may switch between backend providers. If a reseller discontinues their relationship with eNom, domains managed through them could show eNom directly until they’re transferred or managed elsewhere.
How to Identify Your Original Reseller
If you’re unsure which company you registered your domain with originally, they provide a useful tool:
- Visit https://cp.enom.com/help/.
- Enter your domain name.
- The tool will identify the reseller associated with your domain for example “Dream Host“.
This information can be helpful if you’re trying to renew a domain, update settings, or transfer your domain to another registrar.
What Happens to Expired Domains?
When a domain expires, the process generally follows these stages:
- Renewal Grace Period
- You typically have a grace period (e.g., 30 days) after expiry to renew without penalties. During this time, your reseller can renew the domain for you.
- Redemption Period
- After the grace period, the domain enters redemption, during which it’s still recoverable but often at a higher cost.
- Domain Reverts to Registrar
- If the domain isn’t renewed, control passes back to them. At this stage, they may park the domain, auction it, or release it for re-registration.
Why It Matters for .UK Domains
For UK-specific domains (.co.uk, .org.uk, etc.), Nominet is the governing body, but registrars like eNom facilitate registrations. Here’s why knowing your registrar is essential:
- Access to Support
- If you need technical assistance or wish to renew your domain, knowing the original reseller simplifies the process.
- Prevent Domain Loss
- Understanding how expiry works ensures you don’t accidentally lose your domain. Always set up auto-renewals or reminders.
- Smooth Transfers
- If you decide to move your domain to another provider, you’ll need to know who holds it currently.
Tips for Managing Your Domains
- Always Renew on Time
- Set reminders or enable auto-renew to avoid issues.
- Know Your Reseller
- Keep records of which company you registered your domain with. This saves time and stress if you need support.
- Use the eNom Lookup Tool
- If in doubt, check with eNom to trace your reseller.
- Transfer Domains Carefully
- If you plan to move your domain, understand the transfer process to avoid downtime or losing control of your domain.
By understanding how domain registrations and resellers like eNom operate, you can manage your domains more effectively and avoid unnecessary complications.