It often starts with a surprise. A family member passes away or a business partner steps back, and in the process of sorting through their accounts you uncover a list of domain names. Maybe it’s one short dot-com that looks random, or dozens of names tied to ideas you never heard about. Suddenly you’re in charge of digital assets that seem technical and unfamiliar. The question becomes: What should you actually do with them?
At S Ventures, we’ve spoken with hundreds of people in this exact situation. One client found out her late father had registered dozens of creative domain names over the years. He never told his family, and she had no idea what WHOIS or a registrar was. Within weeks, our team helped her locate the accounts, value the names, and sell several for significant sums. What began as confusion turned into clarity and reward.
This guide explains what to do if you inherit domain names and how to protect, value, and possibly sell them. By the end, you’ll know how to handle this process confidently and avoid the costly mistakes that lead to lost domains or missed opportunities.
Step 1: Identify What You’ve Inherited
Start by taking inventory. Create a list of every domain name you find in paperwork, emails, or renewal notices. You may only have partial clues, like login credentials or old invoices. Be thorough — it’s common for long-time owners to have accounts across multiple registrars.
Find the Registrar
Every domain is managed by a registrar such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Network Solutions, or Google Domains. If you have an email about renewals, it likely mentions which registrar it’s tied to. If not, perform a WHOIS lookup online. WHOIS results show the registrar name, registration dates, and ownership details, which can confirm the domains are part of the estate.
Check Renewal Dates
Domains must be renewed annually. Make note of expiration dates immediately — if they lapse, they can be auctioned or resold. Registrars typically allow a short grace period, but you don’t want to rely on luck. We’ve recovered valuable domains only days before permanent loss because heirs acted quickly.
Key takeaway: Know what you have, where it’s registered, and when each domain expires before you make any other moves.
Step 2: Secure Account Access
Do not attempt to sell or transfer domains until you gain full control. If you have the login credentials, great. If not, contact the registrar’s support team and explain that the account holder has passed away or is incapacitated. Each registrar has a process for estate recovery.
Be Ready to Provide:
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Proof of authority (executor documentation or court order)
- Your identification
Registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and IONOS have specific procedures for estate transfers. Once approved, they’ll help you access or move the domains into your own account. Use only the registrar’s official website to avoid phishing scams.
Lock Down the Assets
After you gain control, update the account email, enable auto-renew, and turn on domain locks to prevent unauthorized transfers. Maintain a simple spreadsheet to track each name, registrar, and renewal date. This keeps everything organized and secure.
Step 3: Understand Domain Value
Domain names are like real estate — their value depends on scarcity, demand, and location on the internet. Some domains are worth the annual renewal fee; others are worth thousands. Before deciding whether to keep or sell, assess what you have.
Factors That Drive Value
- Extension: .com remains the most valuable. Other extensions can be strong if they fit a niche.
- Length: Shorter names are usually more desirable.
- Brandability: Is it memorable and easy to spell? Real-word or strong two-word names perform best.
- Search and traffic: If the domain once hosted a site, it might have residual traffic or backlinks.
- Industry trends: Timing matters. Keywords tied to growth sectors can spike in value.
Appraise the Names
Start with free tools like GoDaddy’s Value Appraisal and NameBio for comparable sales. These provide ballpark estimates, but only a professional evaluation will reveal market reality. Our team at S Ventures offers free valuations for inherited domains and can tell you which names are worth pursuing and which can be let go.
Step 4: Protect and Manage Your Domains
Now that you have control, it’s time to safeguard what you’ve inherited.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on the registrar account.
- Use a new, strong password unique to this account.
- Ensure WHOIS contact information lists your name and email.
- Consider WHOIS privacy to limit spam, but disable it when selling.
- Keep domains locked to prevent unauthorized transfers.
- Watch for suspicious emails requesting access or confirmation.
If you inherited domains across multiple registrars, you can consolidate later for convenience. Just remember there’s often a 60-day hold after ownership changes before transferring elsewhere.
Step 5: Decide What to Do With the Domains
You have three main options: keep them, develop them, or sell them. Each comes with tradeoffs.
Option 1: Keep
Holding a domain costs little — usually under $20 per year. If the domain has sentimental or long-term investment value, simply renew and keep it secure.
Option 2: Develop
If the name inspires you, consider building something on it. A personal blog, memorial site, or small business project can add meaning and potential value. Development requires time, but it can also be rewarding.
Option 3: Sell
If you have no use for the domains, selling can turn them into real money. Some families have sold inherited domains for five-figure amounts through our brokerage. Whether you want a fast cash-out or plan to wait for a higher offer, knowing your goals helps shape your strategy.
Step 6: How to Sell Inherited Domains Safely
First-time sellers often worry about getting scammed or underpaid. The process is safe when handled correctly. Here’s how to do it right.
Choose a Selling Path
- Marketplaces: List on Afternic, Sedo, or S Ventures for wide exposure.
- Brokers: Partner with a professional like S Ventures for higher-value names and end-user sales.
- Landing Page: Add a “This domain is for sale” message directly on the domain.
- Private outreach: Contact potential buyers if you know who could benefit from the name.
Always Use Escrow
Never transfer a domain before payment clears. Reputable escrow services such as Escrow.com hold funds securely until both parties confirm the transfer. Avoid anyone asking you to “pay for an appraisal first” — that’s a known scam. Using escrow ensures you get paid safely every time.
Transfer the Domain
Transfers can happen instantly if both parties use the same registrar (a push) or take up to five days if moving between registrars. Escrow services will guide the process step by step.
Step 7: Legal and Tax Notes
Inherited domain names are assets and should be listed in the estate inventory. Make sure ownership records match the beneficiary’s name once the estate settles. If you sell a domain, keep records of sale price and date. In most cases, capital gains tax only applies to profit above the value at inheritance, but consult a tax professional for specifics.
Also check for potential trademark conflicts before listing a domain. A quick search can prevent legal headaches later.
Step 8: Handling the Emotional Side
Inherited domains often carry stories. They may represent ideas your loved one was passionate about or projects they never launched. It’s normal to feel conflicted about selling them.
Some families choose to keep one domain as a tribute while selling the rest. Others build small memorial pages on sentimental domains before parting with them. What matters most is that you handle them intentionally — not reactively. Taking your time and seeking guidance helps turn an emotional situation into a positive outcome.
Step 9: Work With a Trusted Domain Partner
Dealing with inherited domains can be overwhelming. Partnering with an experienced expert can simplify everything from valuation to sale. At S Ventures, we specialize in buying and brokering domains, especially for individuals who’ve inherited them and want fair market value without hassle.
How We Help
- Portfolio review: We audit and assess each name for quality and value.
- Valuation and strategy: We provide realistic pricing guidance based on data and market trends.
- Domain purchase or brokerage: We can buy your domains directly or help you sell them safely for top market value.
- Secure transactions: We handle all escrow and transfer logistics so you get paid without risk.
We’ve helped clients turn inherited digital assets into five-figure payouts while maintaining transparency and respect for their family’s legacy. Whether you simply want to offload domains or explore higher-value opportunities, we can help you navigate every step.
Conclusion: Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity
Inheriting domain names can seem like a strange responsibility at first, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right guidance, you can secure, value, and even profit from these digital assets safely.
- Identify what you have and secure access.
- Evaluate each name’s potential value.
- Decide whether to keep, develop, or sell.
- Use escrow and trusted partners for any sale.
- Handle legal and emotional aspects with care.
At S Ventures, we buy domain names directly from owners who want a smooth and fair process. If you’ve inherited domains and aren’t sure where to start, reach out today. We’ll review your list, provide honest feedback, and make an offer if we’re interested — no pressure, no cost, and no confusion.
Ready to find out what your inherited domains are worth? Start the process here and get expert help turning uncertainty into clarity.
