Overview
By default, domain registrations are not automatically renewed. This is different from hosting plans, which are automatically renewed.
The following domains are known as 'Auto-Renew Only' domains:
- .AT
- .DE
- .JP
If you own one of these domains, view the following article:
There are two options to renew a domain that is registered through DreamHost: either setting your domain to auto-renew or manually renewing a domain. The following provides information on both options as well as some common FAQs that you may have when renewing a domain.
Option #1: Setting your domain to auto-renew
You can set the automatic renewal of your domain registration in your panel on the Manage Registrations page. To the far right is the Auto Renew Setting column.
If it is set to YES, it is configured to renew automatically.
Click the other links to set the other status.
- The yes link sets the auto-renewal for the domain. The notices are still sent as per usual, but the notice states that the domain is automatically renewed when it is set to expire and the charge for that automatic renewal is applied to your account instead of requiring a payment for this up front.
- The let expire link sets the domain to expire on its expiration date, but the notices for this will still be sent as per ICANN’s policy with regards to notifying the registration owner of this information.
- The ask link sends notices to ask you if you wish to renew it. Manual renewals require payment up front when clicking the Renew Now button for that domain on the Manage Registrations page.
Regardless of how you set up the renewal process for your domain, the notices for the domain’s expiration are still sent even if it’s set to Let Expire. Starting 5 weeks before the domain’s expiration date, DreamHost begins sending you notices of the domain’s expiration and how you can renew it if you wish to do so.
You can click the drop-down menu to renew the domain for multiple years.
For more information on how auto-renew domains are renewed and charged at DreamHost, please see:
Option #2: Manually renewing a domain
If your DreamHost panel access is restricted due to a past-due amount or account suspension, you must resolve any outstanding account balance or suspension before you can purchase, renew, or transfer-in a domain registration.
It's currently not possible to renew multiple domains at once.
To manually renew your domain name:
- Navigate to the Manage Registrations page.
- Click the Renew Now button to the right of the domain name you wish to renew.
- The Order Summary page appears, which displays the domain and the renewal price:
The renewal price may show as $0.00. You still must continue this process to renew the domain registration.
- Click the Renew Domain Now button.
Your domain will begin the renewal process and typically completes within 30 minutes. A Pending renewal message appears next to the renewing domain when you return to the Manage Registrations page.
Paying for the domain
If a registration renewal price increases after you receive a renewal notice, DreamHost will honor the quoted rate in the notice. For example, if the quoted renewal is $9.99/year and the price then increases to $11.99/year, DreamHost will still bill you at $9.99/year.
If you owe an amount for the registration renewal, the cost is listed in the drop-down menu in the screenshot above. This charge must be paid up front for manual renewals. Auto-renewals are automatically charged to your account.
FAQs
I'm not able to log into my account — can I get help with that?
If you cannot log into your account, contact support for assistance.
What are the domain registration and renewal fees?
The latest pricing can be found on the following page, which dynamically generates the most up-to-date pricing info for new domain registrations and domain renewals:
Where are domain renewal notices sent?
Domain renewal notices are sent to the domain's Registrant Contact email address. See the following article for more information:
Where can I find more information?
See the following FAQ article for more details on domain registration renewals:
Are domain registration renewals refundable?
See the following article for further details:
How long can I renew my domain for?
You can renew an active domain registration for up to 2 years, with payment required upon renewal.
If the domain registration has already expired, a 3-year option is available.
How can I confirm my domain renewal was successful?
You can confirm your domain renewal was successful by verifying the domain expiration date on the Manage Registrations page. The expiration date is shown under the Expires column.
You will also receive an email confirmation once your domain is successfully renewed.