Frequently Asked Questions

Handshake is a decentralized, permissionless naming protocol that aims to provide an alternative to the traditional Domain Name System (DNS). Instead of a central authority like ICANN managing the root zone, Handshake uses a blockchain where every peer validates and manages domain name ownership.

HNS is the native cryptocurrency of the Handshake network, used for bidding on and registering TLDs.

No! TDLNoot accepts credit and debit cards via Stripe. You pay in USD and we handle all the blockchain transactions on your behalf using HNS coins.

You don't need a crypto wallet to purchase a TLD through TDLNoot, though having one lets you take full self-custody of your domain NFT.

Yes. Registering domains on alternative naming systems like Handshake is completely legal. Handshake operates as an alternative DNS root — it does not conflict with or violate ICANN's existing system, it simply provides a parallel decentralized option.

TDLNoot operates as a legitimate registrar service and processes payments through Stripe, a regulated payment processor.

The full Handshake auction process takes approximately 30 days. This includes an opening period, a 2-week bidding phase, and a 10-day reveal phase. Once complete your TLD is permanently recorded on the blockchain.

Your dashboard will show the TLD as "Pending" during this time and update to "Active" once the auction finalizes.

This is extremely rare for newly available TLDs since most names have little competition on the Handshake network currently. TDLNoot places a competitive bid on your behalf.

In the unlikely event the auction is lost, we will refund your payment in full within 5 business days and notify you by email. You can then search for and register a similar available TLD.

Yes. Once the auction completes and the TLD is registered to your account, it is permanently yours. The Handshake blockchain records ownership cryptographically — no central authority can revoke it.

There are no annual renewal fees. Ever. Your one-time payment covers lifetime ownership.

Yes. TLDs registered on the Handshake blockchain can be transferred to any other Handshake wallet address. They can also be listed and sold on Handshake marketplaces.

Contact support at support@tdlnoot.com to initiate a transfer from your TDLNoot account.

Any name that has not already been registered on the Handshake blockchain is available. This includes virtually any word, phrase, or combination of letters and numbers.

Note that existing ICANN TLDs like .com, .org, .net are reserved on Handshake and cannot be registered. Use our search tool to check availability.

Handshake domains require a Handshake-aware DNS resolver to work in browsers. The easiest options are:

HNS.to Gateway — No setup needed. Just prefix any HNS domain with hns.to/ in your browser. Example: hns.to/yoursite.yourtld

NextDNS — Create a free account at nextdns.io and enable "Resolve Handshake domains" then set your DNS to NextDNS.

HDNS.io — Change your device DNS to 103.196.38.38. Free, no signup required.

Yes. You can point your Handshake TLD to any web server by setting DNS records, just like traditional domains. You can host on any standard web host, VPS, or decentralized hosting like IPFS.

DNS management for your TLD is available in your TDLNoot dashboard once the TLD is active.

Once your TLD or domain is active, you can add wallet address records to your DNS configuration. Wallets that support Handshake name resolution can then send crypto directly to yourname.yourtld instead of a long wallet address.

This works with any cryptocurrency — Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others can all be linked to a single Handshake domain.

When you own a TLD, you can enable the royalty system in your dashboard. Once enabled, anyone who registers a second-level domain under your TLD (e.g. alice.yourtld) generates a sale, and you receive 50% of that sale price.

The other 50% goes to TDLNoot as the platform fee. Royalties accumulate in your account and can be withdrawn at any time.

Royalty payouts are processed manually at this time. Go to your Dashboard, click "Request Payout" and we will process your withdrawal within 5 business days via bank transfer or crypto.

Minimum payout threshold is $25. Payouts below this amount will accumulate until the threshold is reached.

Yes. Once your TLD is active you can set any price you want for second-level domain registrations under your TLD. The default is $9.99 but you can change it in your dashboard under TLD management.

Higher prices mean more revenue per sale but potentially fewer registrations. Lower prices attract more registrations but smaller per-sale earnings. It is your TLD — your call.

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) via Stripe. Crypto payment options are coming soon.

Refunds are available in the following cases:

Auction lost — Full refund if we are unable to win the Handshake auction for your TLD.

Technical failure — Full refund if the registration fails due to a technical error on our end.

Change of mind — Refunds are not available once the Handshake auction has been opened on-chain, as blockchain transactions cannot be reversed. Please search carefully before purchasing.

To request a refund email support@tdlnoot.com with your order reference.

Yes. All payments are processed by Stripe, one of the world's most trusted payment processors. TDLNoot never stores your card details — all payment data is handled entirely by Stripe's PCI-compliant infrastructure.

Email us at support@tdlnoot.com. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days.

For urgent issues related to payments or blockchain transactions, include your order reference number in the subject line for faster handling.