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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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

New application window now just a year away

What new extensions could be on the cards?

Hand with a marker crossing off days on a calendar.
  • Thursday 3 April 2025

In April 2026, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will open a new application window for generic top-level domains (gTLDs). For the first time since 2012, cities, regions, communities and organisations will be able to seek permission to create their own gTLDs. With just a year to go, a number of companies have already announced their intentions. So what new extensions could be on the cards?

Blockchain

Unstoppable Domains has ambitious plans for ICANN’s gTLD application window in 2026. The company has teamed up with Blockchain.com to prepare an application for a .blockchain domain. Unstoppable Domains is also partnering with the Raiinmaker Network to develop the .raiin domain, which will initially function as a blockchain-specific domain, but with a view to integration with the traditional DNS in due course. What Unstoppable wants to do is connect the decentralised structure of the blockchain to the conventional DNS.

Nova Registry announces investment

A notable announcement was made last month by Nova Registry, operator of the existing .link domain. Nova plans to apply for no fewer than 200 new gTLDs in next year’s window. Given that a single application is likely to cost around $227,000, the plan implies a total investment of roughly $45.4 million. Its ambitious move would position Nova Registry as a potentially major player in the gTLD landscape. However, it isn’t yet clear what extensions the company has in mind.

Toshiba’s integration of .toshiba

We also had some interesting news this month from the previous application window. Japanese electronics corporation Toshiba has announced that it plans to switch entirely to its own brand-gTLD, .toshiba, which was approved in the 2012 application window. From April 2025, all the company’s staff will use e-mail addresses ending @mail.toshiba. First to make the switch will be the parent company Toshiba Corp, which currently uses @toshiba.co.jp. Toshiba sees the policy as part of its drive to create a uniform online presence.

Little activity with brands, cities or regions

Few brands, cities or regions have yet announced plans for new gTLDs. Where the brands are concerned, that’s no real surprise: companies generally kept their plans under wraps ahead of the 2012 window. With cities and regions, it’s different, though, because decision-making is usually a public process. Here in the Netherlands, Dotlocal is busy publicising the merits of local TLDs to municipal and regional authorities. We’re partnering Dotlocal to get new extensions online for any Dutch authorities that decide to make a move.

Interested in getting your own gTLD?

Having your own gTLD has a wide range of benefits. You can create a controlled and secure online environment, increase awareness of your name and reinforce your identity. SIDN offers registry services based on Hello Registry, a platform created in partnership with CIRA, operator of Canada’s .ca domain. Together, SIDN and CIRA are able to advance and consolidate the platform’s position as market leader for the period ahead.

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