What Is Domain Registrar?
A domain registrar is a company authorized to sell and manage domain name registrations. Registrars like Namecheap, GoDaddy, Porkbun, and Cloudflare let you purchase, renew, and configure domains.
Why It Matters
Domain registrars are where you buy and manage domains. They’re the first place most people look when they need to forward a domain. The problem is that registrar forwarding tools are typically bare-bones:
| Limitation | Registrars | Domain Forward |
|---|---|---|
| HTTPS support | Usually no | Yes, automatic |
| Default redirect type | 302 (temporary) | 301 (permanent) |
| Path forwarding | Sometimes | Always |
| Wildcard subdomains | No | Yes (Ultimate plan) |
| Analytics | No | Yes |
Some registrars offer domain parking as an alternative — showing ads on unused domains. But forwarding with a 301 redirect is better for SEO and brand.
Major Registrars
| Registrar | Our Guide |
|---|---|
| Namecheap | Namecheap forwarding guide |
| GoDaddy | GoDaddy forwarding guide |
| Hostinger | Hostinger redirects guide |
| IONOS | IONOS redirects guide |
| Bluehost | Bluehost redirects guide |
| Squarespace (Google Domains) | Squarespace forwarding guide |
| Porkbun | Porkbun forwarding guide |
How Domain Forward Works With Any Registrar
- Keep your domain at your current registrar
- In the registrar’s DNS settings, update A record and CNAME record
- Configure your forwarding rule in Domain Forward
- Done — HTTPS, 301 redirects, and analytics are automatic
Related Terms
Related Features
Frequently
asked questions
Most offer basic forwarding, but with limitations. Namecheap, GoDaddy, Hostinger, and IONOS provide forwarding that typically lacks HTTPS support, defaults to 302 redirects, and doesn't support wildcards. That's why services like Domain Forward exist.
No. Keep your domain at your current registrar. You just need to update DNS records (A and CNAME) to point to Domain Forward's servers. No domain transfer, no nameserver change.
For registration, Cloudflare, Porkbun, and Namecheap offer the best value. For forwarding itself, use a dedicated service like Domain Forward — registrar forwarding tools are limited.
Still Confused? Try It Free.
Set up your first domain forward in under 5 minutes. Free plan includes 5 domains.