A domain name is the address people type into a browser to visit a website, like example.com or mybusiness.blog. It helps make a site easier to find, remember, and share.
WordPress.com is both a website platform and a domain registrar, so customers can search for, register, transfer, and manage domain names directly from WordPress.com. WordPress.com supports more than 350 domain extensions, including familiar options like .com, .org, and .net, plus more specific options like .blog, .shop, .art, .dev, and .app.
A custom domain can make a website feel more established than a default platform subdomain. It also gives customers more flexibility as their site grows, including the option to add branded email or redirect additional domains to the same site.
What does WordPress.com domain registration include?
WordPress.com gives customers a central place to find and manage domain names, whether the domain is used with a WordPress.com site or connected to another website.
Depending on the domain and setup, WordPress.com domain registration can include:
- Domain search, registration, and transfers.
- Access to 350+ domain extensions.
- Domain management from the WordPress.com dashboard.
- A free domain for the first year with eligible annual, two-year, or three-year WordPress.com plans.
- Free SSL certificates for domains and subdomains hosted on WordPress.com.
- Domain privacy protection at no extra cost when available.
- DNS management for connecting domains to websites, email providers, and other services.
- Free email forwarding for custom domain email addresses.
- Optional Professional Email for customers who want a custom email address.
A domain can be registered through WordPress.com even if the customer’s website is hosted somewhere else. Customers can also connect a domain from another provider to a WordPress.com site, or transfer an existing domain to WordPress.com to manage it there.
Who is WordPress.com domain registration for?
WordPress.com domain registration is for customers who want a custom web address for a site, brand, business, store, blog, portfolio, or project.
It can be a good fit for audiences such as:
- Bloggers choosing a long-term home for their work.
- Freelancers creating a professional portfolio.
- Small businesses setting up a website.
- Online stores that need a branded domain.
- Creators moving from a social-only presence to a site they own.
- Site owners who want to manage hosting, domains, and email from one place.
- Customers who already own a domain and want to transfer or connect it to WordPress.com.
For creators, domain registration matters because it’s often one of the first steps your audience takes when starting a website, launching a business, creating a portfolio, opening a store, or building a more professional online presence.
What sets WordPress.com domain registration apart?
Domains and websites can be managed together
When a site is hosted on WordPress.com, customers can manage their domain name and website from the same dashboard. This can make setup and ongoing management simpler for audiences who don’t want to manage hosting, domain settings, DNS, and billing across multiple providers.
A free domain is included with eligible paid plans
WordPress.com includes a free domain for the first year with eligible annual, two-year, or three-year paid plans. The domain renews separately at the standard renewal price after the first year. Monthly plans don’t include a free domain credit.
SSL is included for WordPress.com-hosted domains
WordPress.com automatically provides free SSL certificates for domains hosted on WordPress.com. SSL helps protect the connection between a site and its visitors.
Domain privacy protection is available at no extra cost
WordPress.com includes privacy protection at no additional cost for registered domains. This helps keep domain owner contact information from being publicly available in WHOIS records.
DNS and email tools are built in
WordPress.com includes DNS management tools, so customers can connect a domain to a website, email provider, or other service. WordPress.com also offers free email forwarding, with optional paid email services available for customers who want a dedicated branded inbox.
Affiliate commission details
- Earn 5% on purchases by new users.
- All domains are eligible.
- Tracking duration: 30 days.
For current payout rules, cookie windows, eligibility, and commission details, read the payouts and commissions guide.
Common questions
Can customers buy a domain from WordPress.com without hosting their site there?
Yes. Customers can register a domain through WordPress.com and use it with a website hosted elsewhere. They can also host their site on WordPress.com and manage the domain and website from the same dashboard.
Can customers use a domain they already own with WordPress.com?
Yes. Customers can connect a domain from another provider to a WordPress.com site, or they can transfer the domain to WordPress.com and manage it there. Connecting keeps the domain registered with the current provider. Transferring moves domain management to WordPress.com.
Where can I learn more about WordPress.com domains?
To learn more about WordPress.com domains, visit wordpress.com/domains.
