Importing domains lets you use them as ENS names, while your domain remains with your current provider.
ENS makes it possible for millions of traditional domain owners to bring Web3 functionality to their existing domains - for example, your .com, .net, or .org can also function as an ENS name.
There are two ways to integrate your DNS name with ENS:
Offchain (Gasless)
Onchain (Tokenised on Ethereum)
Both methods support DNS names that have DNSSEC (a security layer for DNS) enabled. Each method requires its own unique TXT record to be added. The onchain method also requires a gas-only transaction.
Choose Your Integration Method
Offchain Import (Gasless DNSSEC Names)
The name stays offchain - no ENS token is minted.
Records are managed through your DNS provider, not via the ENS App.
Uses our offchain resolver, or a custom resolver you configure.
Supports offchain subnames.
No gas fees required - free to use.
Onchain Import (Claim Your DNS Name)
The name is brought onchain.
Manage your name through the ENS App.
Use the ENS Public Resolver, or set a custom resolver.
Can create onchain, L2, offchain and hybrid subnames with advanced configuration.
Requires a gas-only transaction on Ethereum.
Costs of Onchain Import
Importing a DNS name onchain using ENS is a gas-only transaction, with costs influenced by various factors. Here's an overview:
Overview of Costs
The cost of importing a DNS name is determined by the gas fees required for the transaction to be processed on the Ethereum network. There are no additional transaction fees beyond the gas cost.
Gas fees are dynamic and vary based on Ethereum network demand at the time of the transaction.
Factors Affecting Gas Costs
Network Conditions:
High network demand leads to increased gas prices.
Monitor market conditions to identify the best times to perform an onchain transaction.
Wallet Configuration:
Your wallet’s gas settings may impact how much you pay (e.g., slow, average, fast priorities).
Proper configuration is essential to avoid overpaying for the transaction.
Smart Contract Wallets:
If using a smart contract wallet, the gas cost may be higher due to the increased complexity of these transactions.
Practical Advice
If gas fee estimates seem unusually high, review your wallet’s gas settings.
Consider checking whether your wallet or transaction method is adding extra overhead to the cost.
See: Claim your DNS name onchain in ENS For further information on managing gas fees during the onchain import process, refer to the ENS support resources.