Whichever option you choose to move forward with is completely up to you. It depends on whether you want control of the domain registration and DNS zone. Please keep in mind that when you transfer DNS control to CivicPlus, you no longer have direct access to the DNS records. The primary DNS contact on the account must email the DNS team to request updates or changes to the records. The DNS team is available during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time. If you already have a domain name in mind, you can search for it on GoDaddy, the CivicPlus domain registrar, to make sure it is available. Then, let us know the domain name and which option best fits your needs.
Important Note:
The only exceptions to the information below are .gov and .us domains. These domains can only be registered and managed through dotgov.gov or the state they belong to.
How to Acquire a New Domain Name
There are four ways to acquire a new domain name for your CivicPlus site:
You purchase the domain name, and you host the DNS zone.
You register the domain and pay the annual registration fee through the domain registrar of your choice. You also host the DNS. In this case, the DNS zone for the domain is set up to point to CivicPlus.
Note:
You will need to provide CivicPlus Support with the new domain.
You purchase the domain name, and CivicPlus will host the DNS zone.
You register the domain and pay the annual registration through the domain registrar of your choice. CivicPlus establishes a DNS zone for the domain on our server. In this case, the nameservers for your domain registration are set up to point to CivicPlus nameservers.
This may require hosting fees. Please contact your Customer Success Manager to discuss this option.
Note:
You will need to provide CivicPlus Support with the new domain name to set this up on the server.
CivicPlus will purchase the domain, and you maintain control of the DNS.
CivicPlus registers the domain and pays the annual fees on your behalf. You establish the DNS zone for the domain. The DNS zone is then set up to point to the CivicPlus IP address.
Please contact your Customer Success Manager for this option.
CivicPlus will purchase the domain, and CivicPlus will control the DNS.
CivicPlus will register and pay annual fees on your behalf and will establish a DNS zone for the domain on CivicPlus servers that will point the domain at the CivicPlus IP address.
This may require hosting fees. Please contact your Customer Success Manager to discuss this option.