What is allowed in a domain name?
The only characters allowed in a domain name are the 26 letters of the standard alphabet, numbers 0-9, and dashes (-). A domain cannot begin or end with a dash, but it can contain a dash.  The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, also know as ICANN serves as the governing body for domain name registration.  ICANN is currently allowing up to 67 characters in including the .com, .net, or .org.

Below are examples of acceptable domain names that we can register:
" sample.com
" sample.net
" sample.org
" averyveryverylongname.net

Below are example of unacceptable domain names that we cannot register:
" www.sample.org
" http://sample.com
" illegal_a b characters.net

We will not register www.sample.org because the registry is not able to register the alpha sequence "www." due to it not being apart of the name.  If you would like a domain name with the address www.sample.org you would simply register sample.org.  The "www." sequence will be added to the name by your service provider or by the System Administrator at sample.org.  The same principle applies to http://sample.com because the "http://" is not part of the name.

The name I want is not available, but doesn't seem to be in use, can I get it?
No. This name has either been purchased by another person, or is unavailable for various other reasons. 

Who owns my domain name?
The organization or the person listed in the "Whois" as the Registrant will be considered the owner for the length of the contract period.

Where will my domain name reside?
Your domain name will be registered to reside on Gateway's domain name servers.

May I register my domain name using different name servers?
No, you must first register using our domain name servers. Once you have registered your domain name with us you can change the name server your domain name will reside on from your control panel.

I made a mistake in spelling my domain name how do I correct it?
All information except the domain name can be changed in your control panel. If the domain name itself is incorrect, please submit a new registration.  You will need to pay for the additional name, however you can point this name to the corrected name to ensure that you receive the maximum visitors to your site.

May I cancel my Domain Name?
Yes, you many cancel your domain name. You must provide written authorization from the e-mail address of the registered owner of the domain name. You will not receive a refund if you choose to cancel your domain name. 

What if my domain name is registered with another company?
Yes, you may use any Registrar. The common Registry will keep track of the domain names no matter which Registrar you use.

What organizations require that domain transfers be processed directly through through them?
Click here for a listing of organizations that require domain transfer information to be processed directly through them.

May I use my old NIC handle?
We do not require the use of NIC handles. NIC handles are not interchangeable from one registrar to another and are only used by Network Solutions.

I don't have a "company" name. What do I use for "organization name"?
Please use your own name. It is not acceptable to leave the field blank, nor enter the words none, personal, home, or N/A.

May I register a non-US domain name?
Yes, we can serve domain names other than .com, .net, or .org, but the you will be responsible to register your domain name with the proper local authority within your country*.  Upon activating your account, we will provide you with an IP address that should be used on your domain application form.

Here are the steps for activating a non-US domain:

1. Check with the agency in your country who manages domain names to obtain their registration procedures. In addition, you also need to get the proper form or template that is required for the registration.
2. Submit your request for a domain account via our online form and use your domain name (ie. your_name.de or your_name.es ). You will receive an activation notice that will include an IP address.
3. Complete the necessary information on your domain form or template and be sure to include the IP address that was provided by us.
4. When you register with your regional NIC, you will need to supply the names and IP addresses of the nameservers which will be servicing your site. We can provide you this information at the time you place your order.

You can find more information at:

*For .cc or .to domains we are authorized by the national registration authorities of Cocos Islands and Tonga to collect additional fees on their behalf.

Domain Changes


How can I correct or update my domain name information, such as address or e-mail?
You will be able to access your registration account through your control panel to update contact information, order additional domain names and services.

To access your control panel, you can go to www.your-domain-name.com/stats/. Please allow 24 hours for the changes to take effect on the "Whois" Database.

How can I change the ownership of my domain name?
At the present time, customers cannot change the Registrant or ownership name of their domain through their control panel. We will require a fax on company letterhead authorizing us to change the Registrant information. The fax must be signed and titled by the current president, vice president, owner or CEO. If the domain is registered to an individual please fax us an authorization letter with a copy of a photo ID (Drivers License, Passport, etc.) to (800) 371-1525.

I want to host my domain at another company. How do I re-delegate the DNS information to that web hosting company's servers?
You will be able to use your control panel to change the DNS information for your domain name. You will need to know the primary and secondary DNS server.  In addition, you will need to have the IP address information at the time you make the DNS change to your domain.

Please note that DNS Server changes are subject to propagation. Propagation is the process that internet providers use to update their records (DNS tables) to reflect new domain locations. propagation usually takes about 72 hours to complete.

I have registered a domain, but I have moved to another ISP. Do I still have a control panel for the domain?
Yes, domain names are treated as a separate product and will remain with the Registrar for recurring billing, even if the hosting is moved to another company. You cannot use www.gateway-hosting.com/stats/  if the domain is not on our server. You may use the IP address that you were assigned when your account was activated to access your control panel. You would use ipaddress/stats/ to access the control panel.

Payment and Billing Procedures


How will I be billed?
We will charge the credit card that you submitted when you ordered your name. The original contract period will be for 2 years. At the end of the original period we will continue to charge the credit card that you have on file on an annual basis.

What forms of payment are available?
At this time we are accepting most major credit cards which include:  VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club.

What if my credit card fails?
If your credit card fails to verify the expiration date and card number  please use a different card or contact our sales department. Your domain name will not be registered until payment is received.

How do I change my credit card on file?
You are able to update your credit card on file along with any contact information through your control panel.

Can I arrange to pay by wire transfer from my country?
No, at this time we only accept credit card payment for domain name registration.

Domain Usage


How can I upgrade to a regular web hosting account?
If you have questions concerning upgrading a domain registration account to a web hosting plan, please contact our sales team. Our web site specialists can assist you in determining the best web site for your needs.

It is possible that I can be registered with another registrar and still host at here?
Yes, however, you should consult your Web Hosting Sales Representative for optimum performance and service.

May I move my name from another Registrar to our Registrar database, and, if so, is there a cost?
Yes, you may move your domain name, at this time there are no additional fees for this service.

Technical Support


My site has been turned off and I am not using you as my service provider. Who do I contact?
" For non-payment of Domain Name registration or renewal fees contact us.
" For non-payment of Web hosting fees contact your Web Hosting Service provider.
" For abuse, policy violations, or spamming please contact your Web Hosting Service provider.
" Your Web Site may also be suspended for trademark or other legal issues.

To check your account status, please go to your control panel at www.yourdomain.com/stats/

  If I register multiple domains, how do you know to create a new password and account?
A new customer would have an account set up with us with a user name and password. Additional domain names would be listed under the initial account and registered through the control panel.