ENS works with two kinds of names: .eth names you register through the ENS App, and DNS domains (like .com, .org, or .xyz) you import from where you already own them.
DNS domains have to be real DNS domains — the TLD has to come from the ICANN root, like .com, .org, .xyz, or a country code such as .uk. A TLD that isn't part of DNS can't be imported.
DNS import isn't available yet on ENSv2 Testnet. On Ethereum Mainnet you can import a DNS name today. In the ENSv2 apps there is no way to bring one in, so .eth is the only type you can register there. The rest of this article describes how DNS names work in ENS.
What's the difference between .eth and DNS names?
A .eth name is native to ENS: you register it in the ENS App and pay an annual ENS registration fee. A DNS name is a regular internet domain (like .com, .org, or .xyz) that ENS lets you import. You can't buy a DNS domain through ENS; you bring one you already own.
Once you import a DNS name, it behaves like a .eth name inside ENS. Both types point at a wallet, hold records like avatar and social handles, and can be set as your primary name.
To bring a DNS domain in on Ethereum Mainnet, see Onchain DNS import.
Do imported DNS names need ENS renewal?
No. Imported DNS names have no ENS registration fees and no ENS renewals; you only pay your DNS registrar. As long as your DNS domain is active with that registrar, the ENS side keeps working.
A .eth name is the opposite: there's no DNS registrar involved, and you pay the ENS annual fee directly. See ENS Pricing (Testnet: Pricing & Fees) for the full breakdown.
What happens if my imported DNS domain expires?
The ENS side never expires: there's no ENS renewal to miss. What expires is the DNS domain at your registrar. Whoever holds that domain next can point the _ens TXT record at their own wallet and click Refresh DNS on the name's Ownership tab. That hands them the ENS name.
Important: Whoever owns the DNS domain can reclaim the ENS version at any time. Importing doesn't lock the name to your wallet, so if your domain expires or you transfer it, the new owner can take the ENS name. Keep your DNS domain active to keep control.
Does ENS sell DNS domains?
No. ENS supports DNS-name imports but doesn't sell DNS domains. To get a DNS name, buy it from a DNS registrar (the same place you'd buy any .com or .org).
To register a name through ENS itself, register a .eth name — see Register a .eth name (Testnet: Register a .eth name).