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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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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 domain name extensions delayed by demands for action on abuse

Lively debate at ICANN 71

Blocks with different internet extensions in a shopping basket
  • Tuesday 6 July 2021

The 71st ICANN Meeting took place this month. Having been chosen before the pandemic, The Hague was the nominal venue, but the meeting was actually held online. One topic that gave rise to fierce debate was the proposed new top-level domain (nTLD) application window. The US and European governments want more done to prevent DNS abuse before they give their backing to the proposal. However, would-be applicants, such as Uber and eBay, believe that their market access is being blocked because of a problem that's got nothing to do with new TLDs.

Preparations to continue

What can a brand-TLD do for you? A geoTLD is your city or region's own domain

The ICANN Board was extremely direct. In the period ahead, preparations for the application window will continue with an operational design phase. Once the operational design is ready, the Board will make a decision.

GAC reluctant

The idea of a new window lacks support from some sections of the ICANN community, however. Represented by the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), governments have proved particularly reluctant to back the idea. They want to see serious progress on DNS abuse before ICANN pushes ahead with the nTLD window. That stance cuts little ice with many other representatives, who argue that the problem of DNS abuse mainly affects existing generic domain name extensions, such as .com and .info.

Diversionary tactic

The GAC asked the GNSO, the body that represents generic domain name extensions, to do more about domain abuse. The GNSO has not yet responded, however, partly because many of its members seems to regard the request as a diversionary tactic.

Further delay in prospect

Because the US and European governments are the main advocates of delay, and because most new TLD applicants are based in the US and Europe, it looks unlikely that there will be a breakthrough any time soon. Further delay is therefore in prospect. The various ICANN 71 sessions were recorded and are available to watch using this link.

Do you want to know more?

Are you interested in your own top-level domain and would you like to know more about what we can do for you? Check out our website or contact our product manager Pim Pastoors on +31 6 570 454 07 or pim.pasoors@sidn.nl.