If you use GoDaddy as your domain registrar (I’m sure a large chunk of you do) than this post is going to show you a loophole/workaround for getting free private domain name registration to not only your new domain name purchases but also your existing domain names:
The Loophole Breakdown:
Step 1: Log into your GoDaddy account.
Step 2: Figure out which of your existing domains you want to add privacy on.
Step 3: Renew these domain names for as many years as you’d like. Keep in mind you will need to renew them for at least one more year during a later step to add the privacy. Be sure to apply a promo code before you renew these domains so you can save some money on the first renewal order.
Promo Codes: I used goxtgi200c and it brought the price down to about $6.85 for each domain renewal; however, if this code doesn’t work simply use OYH3. I’ve been using that promo code for years and it gives a great discount as well. Or check out this forum thread on NamePros that is updated with new codes constantly.
Step 4: Now, choose 5 brand new domain names to purchase (I know .com and .net will work) and add them to your cart.
Step 5: Now that you have 5 brand new domain names in your cart, go back and select the first existing domains that you renewed and that you want privacy added to. Now place these in your cart as well.
Step 6: In your checkout screen there will be a box that allows you to add free domain privacy to not only the 5 brand new domains you first put in your cart but also the rest of your existing domains that you added back into the cart during Step 5. (In my case I added 8 of my existing domain names)
Important Note: You will now receive free privacy on these existing domain names for the entire length of time they have left before their renewal date is up again!!!
Step 7: Before placing your order, apply your GoDaddy promo code once more and save even more money! (i.e. goxtgi200c, OYH3 etc.)
Step 8: Calculate your domain savings and smile.
Step 9: Stumble Upon this post to thank me for the money I just saved you on private registration expenses!
My Savings:
In my example, I added private registration to 4 of the brand new domains I was purchasing and 8 of my existing domains. For these 12 domains using the above loophole I was able to receive free private registration on these domains for an average of 3.5 years! (In step 3 I renewed my existing domains for two years and then in step 5 for one more year) This translates to a savings of $377.58! (Private registration is usually $8.99 per domain, per year)
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to GoDaddy and get your free private registration before they close this little loophole down!
The reason why I added free private registration to my domain names is because I almost lost it all when someone gained access to my GoDaddy account. Now if you’re looking for even more ways to protect yourself from would be thieves I’ve compiled a list of 9 ways to protect your online assets.
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Chris,
That is brilliant! GoDaddy pisses me off so much with their shoddy business practices and I hate to buy from them but still do because of the TDNAM expired domain program.
The only plus with that company is that their tech support people are fabulous and very very helpful.
I have a couple of dozen or so domains there, some with but most without privacy, and I am going to do exactly what you suggest. I just hope they don’t shut it down before I can get organized.
What really irks me about GD is that I have maybe a hundred more all with free privacy from other registrars.
Thanks a million.
Rich Hill
LinkMoney.org
Great tips. This will really help a lot in saving money to domainers. But I don’t feel registering domain in Godaddy because my PayPal’s CC expired. I am registering my domains in Name.com and they also offer free private whois.
Hey Rich,
Let me know if you have any issues. I did this very recently so it should still work just fine.
[...] private, but that’s what a lot of hosts do. However Chris Guthrie has found a loophole to get free domain privacyfrom Godaddy. I’m all for anything to keep more money out of the hands of that weenie Godaddy [...]
Excellent tip Chris. Being one that registers solely through GD, this should prove very helpful
Thanks for the tip! With many of Godaddy’s competitors offering free privacy, I’m hoping GD will start doing so as well. All my site’s have privacy iirc and I think it should be standard.
And in return for you providing this great tip, I’ll point you to a gut-busting video about buying domain names.
Warning: Don’t be drinking anything above your keyboard while watching it.
(I didn’t make this vid, but stumbled upon it yesterday and found it hilarious).
“Domain Name Dollar Store”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FZ1M_UmQes
[...] Private Registration procedure of the Godaddy. A guy called Chris found it and blogged it here : GoDaddy Free Private Registration Loophole It seems like lengthy procedure, let me know your ideas on [...]
Hey Chris,
Great tip… considering 1 and 1 domain names charge $6.99 for a domain with free private registration, godaddy should think about doing the same. Besides, Bob Parsons is creepy… whats with the girls and stuff. Thats sooo hugh hefner, without the style!
A.
This doesn’t actually apply to renewals, it only works with new registrations.
[...] Guthrie shows a GoDaddy loop home that lets you get free private domain registrations, he saved [...]
You… my friend, are a GENIUS!
I had to hurry and take advantage of the loop hole before G-Diddy closed it.
Thx
I have tried renewing at least 5 domain names for so as to get the free privacy registration, however it doesn’t seem to work for me. I still do not know why, and for some reasons all the domains are .com and it should not be an issue.
There is another interesting issue, which I’d probably blog it on my site when I have time; I find that GoDaddy charged me different pricing for .com domains! Does some names have higher price tag on them?
Thanks for the positive feedback everyone.
@John Motson
You’re right; however, have you had a chance to see my response to your thread on dnxpert.com?
I believe that if you can cancel your existing private registration than you can still use the loophole.
Let me know if you have a chance to test the theory. I have a few more domains I need to buy and a domain with privacy already so I can try and test it out.
@Keith
Did you explicitly follow the steps? It literally has to be done exactly as I stated it step by step in that order listed above. Try it again because it should still work just fine.
Very useful tip that I had no idea about before you pointed it out.
Nice! Thanks for sharing.
@Chris: Yes, I did follow the steps as accordingly, and I should try it again. Unfortunately, when I did this, it was several weeks ago when my domain names have already been renewed. I suppose, I will have to wait till next year for my renewal again.
Thanks for dropping me an email!
Cheers,
Keith
Nice article, though if you really wanted domains with FREE Privacy Protect, you hsould rather go with, ResellerClub…….FREE Privacy Protect with all domain names…..:o
good read, thanks for posting this!
hi chris this keep working??
THANKS