I am keen to learn what I can on a few related topics.

I do know how to buy domains, and to transfer them between registras.

But, I want to set up a business of where I buy a domain name, be like a broker acting on a client but I do not know how to transfer the use or ownership to that client without the requirement of the transfer fee.

Idea #1, how do I go about being a Licenced ICANN domain name purchaser

Idea #2, Where I currently buy my own domains I get them at under $10 US for gTLD. Local WebHosting operators in my area, their supplyer charges $99 AU for the same thing. Even if I was to offer that webhoster $20 for domains, I make a profit, and they cut their costs quite a bit. The only question I would as is, once I buy the domain name, how would I have the domain point to my local webhosting server directly without forwarding it.

Would I need to change the Named server in my account for that domain name?

Just change your DNS. There is no need to transfer your domain to the customer. Just change the DNS for them. Becoming an accredited ICANN domain registrar is very hard and required years of preparation. Right now it is virtually impossible. I myself, as a web hosting provider, have had a pending ICANN domain registrar account for about a year now, it is taking that long to get everything in line, and in the US, it also requires some very odd tax issues.

Idea #1, how do I go about being a Licenced ICANN domain name purchaser

As far as I know you will need provide them a prove that you have a business with turnover more then $70.000 per year

Plus you have to have the infrastructure and systems in place to handle the queries and registration

ICANN Accreditation


The application fee (non-refundable) has gone up quite a bit as well, it's currently at $2,500.

You are right guys. That is what you need. But if you want provide domain name registration services - try to start with reseller account first or with domain name affiliate program at least

Ok, thanks for the information to everyone of whom has posted so far.

What is the best way to deal with changing the DNS issues, and is there a fee for me to do such changes?

So, I am left with this...

++Have an account with an accredited ICANN operator,
++Buy a domain name through them.
++Then the domain will be linked to the account of which I hold with them.
++Enter the area where I the domain names owner can change the DNS setting,
++The domain remains with me as the owner, and is in my owned account with the ICANN approved server/operator, but the one who wants it has it pointing to their server and their website.

I can set up my own website where people can register what domain names they want to get, but when I get the system to automatically register the domain. I may need to talk with the registra in question first.

Any tips on this would be very welcome.

We are not an ICANN registrar, but we are a Nominet listed registrar and we run our own name servers with glue records at Nominet, have our own "tag" and can use whoever we wish to register the hostnames through. BUT because it is OUR tag, the name cannot be hijacked by them. The registration points to our nameservers NOT the third party.