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Frequently asked questions

  • I am looking for a domain name registrant. Where can I look it up?

    The Whois is an easy-to-use tool for checking the availability of a .nl domain name. If the domain name is already taken, you can see who has registered it.

    On the page looking up a domain name you will find more information about what a domain name is, how the Whois works and how the privacy of personal data is protected. Alternatively, you can go straight to look for a domain name via the Whois.

  • I would like to transfer my domain name to another registrar. What is the procedure?

    To get your domain name transferred, you need the token (unique ID number) for your domain name. Your existing registrar has the token and is obliged to give it to you within five days, if you ask for it. The procedure for changing your registrar is described on the page transferring your domain name.

  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date. How can I get them updated?

    To update the contact details associated with your domain name, you need to contact your registrar. Read more about updating contact details.

  • Why is my domain name in quarantine?

    When a domain name is cancelled, we aren't told the reason, so we can't tell you. You'll need to ask your registrar. The advantage of quarantine is that, if a name's cancelled by mistake, you can always get it back.

    One common reason is that the contract between you and your registrar says you've got to renew the registration every year. If you haven't set up automatic renewal and you don't renew manually, the registration will expire.

  • Ik heb een klacht over mijn provider/registrar. Kan ik daarvoor bij SIDN terecht?

    Wanneer je een klacht hebt over of een geschil met je registrar dan zijn er verschillende mogelijkheden om tot een oplossing te komen. Hierover lees je meer op pagina klacht over registrar. SIDN heeft geen formele klachtenprocedure voor het behandelen van een klacht over jouw registrar.

  • What conditions do I have to meet as a registrar?

    Would you like to be able to register domain names for customers or for your own organisation by dealing directly with SIDN? If so, you can become a .nl registrar. Read more about the conditions and how to apply for registrar status on the page becoming a registrar.

More frequently asked questions

ICANN 81 set to be a crucial meeting for new TLDs

Application window for new top-level domains dominates the agenda

Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul
  • Wednesday 6 November 2024

Istanbul, Turkey, will host ICANN's 81st meeting between 9 and 14 November 2024. ICANN meetings are important forums for experts involved with the DNS, domain name policy, internet governance and cybersecurity, whose input is sought by ICANN in the context of the 'multistakeholder model'. About 2,500 people are expected to attend the convention in person, but most of the proceedings can also be followed online. Many of the workshops, meetings and discussions at ICANN 81 relate to one crucial topic: the application window for new top-level domains (TLDs) planned for the second quarter of 2026.

Status of the window

Behind the scenes, a lot of work is being done to prepare for the window. And expectations are high, because it'll be the first opportunity to ask for a new TLD since 2012. ICANN aims to make the procedure as smooth and efficient as possible. A key milestone on the road to the upcoming application window is publication of the new Applicant Guide Book, scheduled for early 2025. All new TLD applications will have to follow the guidebook template.

Hot topics

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and an absence of major DNS-related developments, ICANN meetings were relatively quiet for few years. That all changed when the new application window was announced. Last month, a lot of information came out about how ICANN intends to organise the window, prompting strong reactions from some quarters of the internet community. Here are a few of the key points:

  • ICANN wants applicants for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) to be able to propose alternatives to the requested extensions in their applications. Then, if two applicants request identical extensions, one or both could be given the opportunity to get their second-choice extension instead. The thinking behind the proposal is to cut the cost of applying for a gTLD and increase the number of successful applications. However, experts are dubious about how workable the idea will be in practice.

  • The new gTLD application fee will be $ 227,000. While major investors from wealthy countries will surely be able to raise that kind of money, critics claim that the fee represents an almost insurmountable barrier for many would-be applicants in Africa, Latin America and less affluent parts of Asia. ICANN has therefore launched an Applicant Support Program to maximise access to new gTLDs. The Program will offer disadvantaged applicants discounted fees and support with the application process.

  • INTA – an international organisation representing brand owners – has been highly critical of the window and the way ICANN operates. ICANN is accused of not paying enough attention to INTA and its members, giving rise to fears of inadequate safeguards against brand abuse in the new domains.

  • Away from matters concerning the new application window, ICANN has announced that the annual 'tax' that registrars have to pay on registered domain names will rise by 11 per cent, from $0.18 per name to $0.20. While the increase is a trivial amount for an individual registrant, it's a hefty levy when applied to hundreds of millions of domain names.

Key sessions

If you're thinking of following ICANN 81, you may find the very extensive agenda somewhat intimidating. We've therefore identified the most relevant sessions for people interested in the new application window:

  • GDS:SubPRo IRT Work session (5 sessions) During these sessions, ICANN's policies will be translated into a practical guidance document on the new application window, namely the Applicant Guidebook. The sessions will involve fairly operational discussion with attention to detail. Some prior knowledge is therefore required.

  • GAC Discussion on New gTLD Program next round (2 sessions) The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) is a body that represents governments. During these sessions, the GAC will give its response to the current status of the ngTLD programme, cybersecurity and the prevention of DNS abuse.

  • ICANN Public Forum (1 session) At the Public Forum, anyone can put questions to the ICANN Board. The session is therefore a good opportunity to get a handle on what's happening within the community.

Fancy getting involved?

Want to know more about ICANN 81? Interested in attending in person or following online? Visit the event website: https://meetings.icann.org/en/meetings/icann81/.

Want to know more?

Want to know more about applying for a new TLD? Drop a line to marketing@sidn.nl or visit https://www.sidn.nl/en/product/rsp.

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