How to Register a Domain

Registering a domain with IllusionCloud is straightforward. The process takes only a few minutes and ensures your chosen name is reserved and ready for use. Here’s how to do it:

## Step 1: Check availability

1. Log in to your IllusionCloud client portal via your WHMCS account.
2. Navigate to **Domains** and click **Register a New Domain**.
3. Use the search box to enter your desired domain name and choose an extension (.com, .tech, .fr, etc.). The system will show whether the name is available and suggest alternatives if it isn’t.
4. Once you find an available domain you like, click **Add to Cart**.

## Step 2: Choose registration options

1. Select the registration period (typically 1–5 years). Registering for multiple years can save on renewal hassle.
2. Consider adding **WHOIS privacy** to hide your personal contact details from the public WHOIS database.
3. Enable **auto‑renew** to ensure your domain doesn’t expire unexpectedly. You can also opt to register common variations or additional TLDs to protect your brand.

## Step 3: Provide contact details

1. Fill in the registrant, administrative, technical and billing contact information. This must be accurate; registries require valid contact details to verify ownership.
2. If you’ve already stored contact profiles in your account, you can select an existing contact instead of re‑entering information.

## Step 4: Complete the purchase

1. Review your order summary and ensure the domain name and period are correct.
2. Choose your preferred payment method and complete the checkout process. You’ll receive an order confirmation once payment is processed.

## Step 5: Configure nameservers and DNS

1. After purchasing, go to **My Domains** in your client area and click **Manage** next to your new domain.
2. Under **Nameservers**, choose **Use default nameservers** to host DNS with IllusionCloud or **Use custom nameservers** if you host DNS elsewhere. Enter the nameserver addresses accordingly.
3. If you’re hosting DNS with IllusionCloud, you can manage DNS records under the **DNS Management** tab. Create A/AAAA records to point the domain to your hosting server or VPS, add MX records for email, and any other necessary records.

## Step 6: Verify your contact information

ICANN requires domain owners to verify their email address. Shortly after registration you’ll receive a verification email. Click the link in that message to confirm your contact details. Failure to verify can lead to domain suspension.

## Step 7: Manage your domain

After registration, you can manage all aspects of your domain from the client portal:

- View and update contact details.
- Enable or disable WHOIS privacy and domain lock.
- Change nameservers or DNS records.
- Renew the domain or adjust auto‑renew settings.
- Request transfers or register additional domains.

By following these steps, you’ll secure your desired domain with IllusionCloud and be ready to connect it to your hosting service.