---
title: "What Happens After I Own a Handshake Name?"
description: "Once you own a Handshake name, what can you actually do with it? A simple look at control, use and responsibility."
date: "2026-09-02"
author: "Erwin Groen"
image: "/media/what-happens-after-i-own-a-handshake-name.png"
tags:
  - Handshake
  - HNS
  - OwnTheDot
  - Decentralised Naming
  - Domain Ownership
  - Self Custody
---

# What Happens After I Own a Handshake Name?

So you've acquired a Handshake name.

What happens next?

Let's say you own:

**example/**

Unlike a traditional domain registration, you're not limited to simply pointing that name at a website.

You control the name at the root.

## You Decide How It Is Used

You could use your Handshake name for a website.

You could also create names underneath it, such as:

**homepage.example**

**email.example**

**wallet.example**

How those names are used or whether you create them at all is up to you.

You could even simply hold the name without using it.

## Ownership Comes With Responsibility

Having control also means taking responsibility for the name.

Handshake names are self custodied. You need to look after the keys that control your name and keep track of the periodic renewal requirements that keep it active.

There may not be a traditional registrar sending you reminders and managing everything for you.

**Your keys.**

**Your name.**

**Your responsibility.**

That's part of what ownership means.

**Own the Name. Own the Rules.**

**#OwnTheDot ⚪️**