Guide · Updated October 2026

Who Owns My Website and Domain? Protect Your Business

Do you really own your website? How to check domain ownership, content rights and what happens if you leave your web designer.

Who Owns My Website and Domain? Protect Your Business

Short answer: you should own your domain and your content. Check that the domain is registered to you or your company, and agree in writing what happens to the site if you leave your provider.

How to check domain ownership

Ask your provider which registrar holds it and whose name it is in, or check your registrar account. Make sure you have login access.

What you should own

  • Your domain name.
  • Your text, photos and logo.
  • Your customer data.

What may stay with the provider

Some providers keep the design code or platform licence. That is normal for subscription services, as long as your domain and content are yours.

Your domain and content stay yours with SiteDrum.

SiteDrum builds fast, mobile-first websites from $99 setup and $15 a month, with hosting, security, Google setup and support included. Already have a site that is slow or broken? Try Website Rescue or run our free speed test.

Red flags

  • Domain registered in the designer's name.
  • No access to any accounts.
  • Exit fees to release your domain.

The bottom line

Confirm ownership before you sign. Your domain is part of your brand and should always be yours.

Frequently asked questions

Can a web designer keep my domain?

It happens if they registered it in their name. Agree ownership upfront.

How do I transfer my domain?

Unlock it and request a transfer code from the current registrar.

Do I own my website design?

It depends on your contract. Content and domain should be yours.

What if my designer disappears?

If you own the domain, you can rebuild elsewhere.

Want a website that brings you customers?

Tell us what you do on WhatsApp and we will send a fixed quote and a free mockup.

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