To register a .co.za domain, search for the name you want with an accredited registrar, add it to your cart, enter the registrant (owner) details, and pay. The registrar submits the registration to the .co.za registry, and the domain is usually active within minutes. The most important step is getting the ownership details right, because the registrant listed on the domain is its legal holder.
This guide walks through the process, explains who does what behind the scenes, and covers what to set up afterwards.
Who runs .co.za?
Three parties are involved in every .co.za registration:
| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| ZADNA (.za Domain Name Authority) | The regulator for the .za namespace, established under the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act |
| ZACR (ZA Central Registry) | The registry that operates the .co.za database and technical systems |
| Registrar | The accredited company you buy from, which submits registrations and renewals to the registry on your behalf |
You don't deal with the registry directly. You choose a registrar (often your hosting provider or its registrar partner), and they handle the technical submission. You can read more about the regulator at zadna.org.za and the registry at registry.net.za.
Step 1 - Choose and check the name
Before you search, have a shortlist. A good .co.za name is short, easy to spell when heard over the phone, and clearly connected to your business. Our guide on how to choose a domain name goes deeper.
The technical rules are simple:
- Letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens only.
- It can't start or end with a hyphen.
- It is not case sensitive:
MyBusiness.co.zaandmybusiness.co.zaare the same domain.
Search for the name on your registrar's domain search. If it's taken, try variations, or check whether the matching .com or another .za extension is available. See .co.za vs .com if you're deciding between extensions.
Step 2 - Decide who the registrant should be
The registrant is the legal holder of the domain. This matters more than most people realise.
- Register in the business's name if the domain is for a company. If you register it in an employee's or your web developer's personal name, you may struggle to prove ownership later if that person leaves.
- Use an email address you control long-term, ideally a generic one such as
admin@on a different domain, or a personal address of the owner. Renewal notices and transfer confirmations go here. - Keep the details accurate. Incorrect registrant information can cause problems when you need to transfer or prove ownership.
If an agency or developer registers the domain for you, ask them to list your business as the registrant and give you access to the registrar account.
Step 3 - Enter your details and register
At checkout you'll typically be asked for:
- Registrant name (person or organisation)
- Postal or physical address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Registration period (usually one year, with longer terms often available)
Pay, and the registrar submits the domain to the registry. Most .co.za registrations complete quickly. You'll receive a confirmation email once the domain is registered.
Step 4 - Set up DNS
A newly registered domain doesn't do anything until you point it somewhere. You have two main options:
- Use your host's nameservers, which lets the host manage all DNS records for you. Easiest if your website and email are with the same provider.
- Keep the registrar's DNS and add records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT) that point to your hosting and email.
Our guide on pointing your domain to your hosting explains both approaches, and DNS records explained covers what each record does.
Step 5 - Protect your domain
Losing a domain is painful and usually avoidable:
- Turn on auto-renew and keep a valid payment method on file.
- Keep your contact email current so renewal reminders reach you.
- Secure your registrar account with a strong password and two-factor authentication where available.
- Record the renewal date in your calendar as a backup reminder.
See what happens when your domain expires for why this matters.
Do you need a company to register .co.za?
No. .co.za is intended for commercial use, but individuals, sole proprietors and organisations can all register one. You don't need CIPC registration to buy a .co.za domain. Other .za extensions have their own purposes, for example .org.za for non-profits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a .co.za domain?
Usually minutes once payment is confirmed. DNS changes you make afterwards can take a little longer to be visible everywhere, depending on caching.
Can I register a .co.za domain if I live outside South Africa?
.co.za is widely open for registration, but registrar policies differ. Check with your registrar before buying if you're registering from outside South Africa.
Who owns my .co.za domain, me or my web developer?
The registrant listed on the domain is its holder. If your developer registered it in their own name, ask them to update the registrant to your business. Always make sure you have access to the registrar account or at least know who holds it.
Can I register a .co.za domain without hosting?
Yes. Domain registration and hosting are separate services. You can register the domain now and connect hosting and email later.
What happens if someone registers my business name as a .co.za?
There's an alternative dispute resolution process for .za domains registered in bad faith. For specific situations, get advice from a legal professional who deals with domain disputes.
Ready to claim your name? Search for your .co.za on the NewHost domains page. Registration goes through our registrar partner, with DNS managed from your NewHost dashboard.