How To Check To See If A Domain Name Is Available
by Dan Kinchen

So you want to find out if a domain name is available? Most people who do not own a domain name think that if they search for a domain name on the internet through their web browser and a website does not return, that this must mean that the domain name is available. This is not the case, this could mean the domain name has been purchased but not configured to resolve a webpage. The best way to check on the availability of a domain name is to use a domain name registrar, which will allow you to search for a domain name and check its availability. If the domain name is available, they will let you know and allow you to purchase the domain name through them. If the domain name is taken, the domain name registrar also will let you know. To see who owns the domain name, you will have to conduct a “whois” search.

IMPORTANT TIP
Do not search for a domain name unless you are ready to buy that domain name that day. The techs at the domain name registration companies monitor all searches and will buy your domain name if they think it has some value or it is just a great domain name. If you find a great domain and wait, you may lose this domain name to someone else.

So let’s get to it! For first time buyers (or anyone that claims “I am not that technical”), I recommend using a company called Directnic for domain name registration. They are very easy to use and they do not try to harass you with upgrades. They also have one of the best domain name search tools around.

Step 1

Go to www.directnic.com/search. It should look like the one below, if it doesn’t please let me know.

Step 2

Now type in the domain name in the search field, with or without the extension, it does not matter. An example is below using the search term "findmydomain".

Step 3

Your page will seem to refresh with the search results below it. This page will look similar to the one I have below, except for the alphabetical notes I have done.

1. The green plus sign signifies that you can add the domain name to your shopping cart and that the domain name with the extensions below are available.
2. This domain name in the .com extension is not available.
3. This domain name with the .org extension is available.
4. The search result will also give you a list of suggestions and their availability.

It's that simple

That is all there is to it, you now know if in fact your domain name is available. If it is not available just keep searching.