Customers who buy hosting usually need a domain too. Selling both together is simpler for them and gives you a recurring renewal. This guide covers how to register domains for customers, connect them to your hosting and automate it.
Before you start
- A reseller plan with private nameservers (see private nameservers).
- A way to register domains: through MdmHost (register or transfer), or a registrar reseller account connected to your billing system.
Register a domain for a customer
- Register the domain, with the customer as the registrant so they legally own it.
- Set its nameservers to your branded nameservers, for example
ns1.yourbrand.com. - Create the customer's cPanel account in WHM with the same domain (see creating an account).
- Wait for DNS to update; AutoSSL issues SSL automatically (see AutoSSL).
Note: Register domains in the customer's name, not yours. It avoids disputes if they move later and is required by most registry policies.
Transfer an existing domain
- Ask the customer to unlock the domain and get the authorisation (EPP) code from their current registrar.
- Start the transfer at your registrar; the customer approves it by email.
- Keep the existing nameservers during the transfer, and switch to yours only after hosting is ready.
Moving the website itself is covered in transferring accounts.
Automate with WHMCS
- Install your registrar's module in WHMCS under System Settings → Domain Registrars.
- Set TLD pricing in System Settings → Domain Pricing.
- Enable automatic registration on payment and automatic renewals.
- Bundle a free or discounted domain with yearly hosting if you like.
The hosting side of WHMCS is in selling hosting with WHMCS.
Renewals and expiry
- Send renewal reminders 30, 14 and 7 days before expiry.
- An expired domain takes the website and email offline, even if hosting is paid. Customers often blame the host, so stay ahead of renewals.
- Check expiry dates with the WHOIS checker.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include WHOIS privacy?
Where the registrar offers it, privacy protection is popular and reduces spam to customers. Some TLDs do not allow it.
Can customers keep their domain at another registrar?
Yes. They only need to point the nameservers or DNS records to your hosting.
What if a customer leaves?
Give them their domain's EPP code promptly; it is their domain. Good handovers protect your reputation.
Which TLDs should I offer?
Start with .com, .net, .org and your customers' country domains. Add others when customers ask.
How do I price domains?
Price above your registrar cost with a margin that covers support and renewal reminders. Check renewal prices, not just first-year promotions.
Do I need a registrar account to resell domains?
For automation, yes: a registrar reseller account connected to WHMCS. For a few domains, registering them individually works too.
What about DNSSEC?
DNSSEC is managed at the registrar and DNS host. Enable it only when both support it, and remove it before moving DNS elsewhere.