Can You Buy a Domain Name Permanently? ICANN 10-Year Lock-In Strategy (2026)
First-time buyers often search how to buy a domain permanently so they never lose their business or personal email address. Here is how ICANN registration rules actually work—and how to bulletproof your domain against accidental expiration.
Last verified: November 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Why domains cannot be bought permanently—and the 10-year price-freeze trick
Under ICANN global registry regulations, traditional domains (.COM, .NET, .ORG, .IO, .ME, .XYZ) cannot be purchased permanently; they are leased in 1-to-10-year increments. However, paying for 5 to 10 years upfront freezes today’s renewal rate and shields you fromVerisign’s ~7%–10% annual wholesale .COM price increases.
- Register Year 1 with promo code NEWCOM598 ($5.98)
Start with the first-year promotional rate or select up to 10 years directly in the Namecheap cart.
- Enable Auto-Renew + Add a Backup Payment Method
Expired credit cards are the #1 cause of accidental domain loss—keep a backup card or account balance on file.
- Turn on 2FA (TOTP/Passkey) + Registrar Lock
Namecheap enables Registrar Lock and Free WHOIS Privacy by default so unauthorized transfers are blocked.
Recommended Verified Offer for This Setup
Get a .COM Domain for Just $5.98 + Free Lifetime WHOIS Privacy
Register your first .COM domain at Namecheap for $5.98 (up to 60% off standard retail) with free Domain Privacy protection forever and free DNSSEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about Web3 "buy once forever" blockchain domains (.eth / Unstoppable)?
Blockchain NFT domains do not resolve natively in standard Chrome, Safari, or Gmail MX email without browser extensions or public gateways—always use a real ICANN domain for websites and email.