What happens when a registrar goes under?

[Mr Chunder]

If a have a number of domain registrations with a registrar and the registrar goes bankrupt or ceases trading, what happens to my domains ?

Registrars are responsible for pointing your domain to a DNS server but I does the Registar run the server or is it a central body ?

Either way, it seems that you are screwed if a registar goes under. Is this the case ? If you are stuck, what is the best action you can take ?

[dotcomguy]

Mr. Chunder,

On their ICANN accreditation applications, each prospective registrar had to declare which Registrar will take over their domains in the event they become insolvent. Now, as most current registrars only had one choice at the time of their application, most applications list Network Solutions!

Now, having said that, it is most likely that the domains would end up with a different registrar altogether during bankruptcy auctions - go to the highest bidder. But that isn't to say the Verisign can't be the highest bidder!

I hope I've answered your question.

[Mr Chunder]

Thanks dotcomguy.

So, its either netsol or a new registrar buys out the insolvent registrar. Has this happened yet ?

[dotcomguy]

Not exactly. Internet Domain Registrars (Registrars.com) was recently purchased by Verisign (Network Solutions). However, that wasn't because they were insolvent - Registrars parent company needed to make the sale.

Having said that, I have heard of possible financial problems within Registrars that would have forced the sale regardless.

This is probably the most likely scenario anyway. If a registrar is having trouble, most likely they will try for a buy out by another company. This other company may or may not be an existing registrar. If NetSol is bent on retaining their market share, this may be the best way for them to do it.

[Mr Chunder]

Thanks dotcomguy.