How to Buy a Domain
Buying a domain should feel straightforward. Here is what happens from choosing your name to receiving it in your own account. Mainline Domains coordinates the transfer and emails you the next steps.
A domain is delivered to your domain registrar account, rather than downloaded as a file. A registrar is the company where you manage and renew your domain.
Your purchase, step by step
-
Choose your domain and confirm the details
Open the listing to review the price and what is included. A “Domain only” purchase covers the domain name; website content and hosting are separate. If the listing asks you to inquire, contact us first so we can confirm availability, price, and transfer arrangements before you pay.
-
Submit your payment and email address
Direct checkout: Eligible fixed-price domains at $650 or below can be purchased through Mainline Domains. Enter an email address you check regularly and keep your order confirmation.
Escrow checkout: For domains above $650, contact us or follow the listing’s Escrow.com link. We agree on the terms before you submit payment to Escrow.com. Escrow.com holds the funds during the transfer, and Mainline Domains pays the escrow service fee.
-
We verify payment and arrange your transfer
Once your direct payment is confirmed—or Escrow.com confirms your funds are secured—we begin coordinating the domain transfer. For domains held at GoDaddy, this usually means moving the domain into your own GoDaddy account. If you prefer another registrar, tell us so we can confirm eligibility, timing, and any transfer costs.
We will ask for the receiving account details needed for the transfer. You can create a GoDaddy account if you do not already have one. We do not need your account password.
-
Watch your inbox for instructions
Mainline Domains will email you at the address used for your purchase to coordinate the next steps. The registrar may send a separate email asking you to accept the domain. Check your spam folder too. Keep your order number and the domain name handy if you contact us.
-
Accept the domain into your account
Follow the registrar’s instructions and approve the transfer. For a GoDaddy account transfer, sign in to the receiving account and accept the domain within the deadline in the email. If we agreed on a different registrar, we will coordinate the authorization code and transfer steps with you.
For an escrow purchase, also confirm receipt through Escrow.com as directed. Escrow.com releases funds under the agreed terms after transfer verification and the applicable acceptance or inspection process.
-
Confirm ownership and put your domain to work
Check that the domain appears in your own account and review its contact details, renewal date, and settings. You can then connect it to your website or hosting provider. Year Hosting is available separately if you need a home for your new site.
What to expect after payment
Payment starts the handover; it does not instantly move the domain. We confirm payment, coordinate your receiving account, and send the instructions. You complete the acceptance step. Transfer timing depends on payment verification, the registrar, your response, and any transfer restrictions; we confirm the arrangements for your domain.
A few helpful answers
Do I have to use GoDaddy?
For a domain already held at GoDaddy, a transfer to your own GoDaddy account is usually the simplest route. Another registrar may be possible, subject to eligibility and transfer costs. Ask us before payment if that is your preference.
What if the domain cannot move to another registrar yet?
Some domains have temporary transfer restrictions. We will confirm the available handover method with you. An account transfer at the current registrar may be possible even when a move to another registrar must wait.
Are there ongoing costs?
The purchase price covers the assets listed in your agreement. You are responsible for future domain renewals through your registrar. Hosting, website services, and any agreed registrar transfer charges are separate. Mainline Domains pays the escrow service fee when the purchase uses Escrow.com.
Where can I check the registrar and escrow instructions?
See GoDaddy’s account transfer instructions (opens in a new tab) and Escrow.com’s domain purchase guide (opens in a new tab). We will confirm which steps apply to your purchase.