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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

.nl in the spotlight: krokotranen.nl

"Tattoos are very personal: almost every one of them has a special meaning"

Close-up of hands making a drawing on an arm.
  • Friday 14 July 2023

The .nl domain now has more than 6.3 million domain names, the vast majority registered within a week of their owners having the idea. In 80 per cent of cases, a website follows in less than a month. We know that from a 2022 survey of internet users, registrants and entrepreneurs. Businesses account for the majority of new .nls registered with SIDN. And, behind every business registration, there's a story. Like the story of recent art school graduate Jade Hermans, embarking on a career as a tattoo artist. Jade talks about her plans, and setting up her website krokotranen.nl.

What's your ambition, now you've graduated?

Jade Hermans who makes drawings for tattoos.
Jade Hermans registered krokotranen.nl.

"Since finishing my final study project earlier this year, I've turned my attention to the future. My plan is to become a full-time tattoo artist. At the moment, I'm trying to get myself known in the tattoo world by sharing examples of my work, and by getting plenty of practice. There's no such thing as a college course for training as a tattooist, so it's important to find a tattoo parlour where you can learn the trade. I think the key is finding somewhere where the other tattoo artists are on your wavelength, and where your design style complements theirs. Obviously there has to be someone with the time and space to mentor you as well. Then you can gradually learn the trade. Through my final study project, I've already done a lot in the field, and I've developed my own unique vision of the art. However, I think that, to be successful, you also need some luck."

What did your final study project entail?

"It was an interactive project, which involved talking to people and then producing designs based on what we'd discussed. Often, the person wanting a tattoo already has an idea for it, or has come across an artist whose work they like. What appeals to me is adding another layer by talking to the client about the thinking behind their tattoo. Tattoos are very personal: almost every one of them has a special meaning. They're a medium for discovering your own identity and expressing yourself. I want to enable people to do that in a low-threshold, attentive setting.

How did you discover that tattooing was the thing for you?

"Before my final year at art school, I took a year out. That gave me the chance to think about what I wanted to do. And I decided that I wanted to create designs and turn them into tattoos. I then spent a year drawing every day and learning to tattoo. I saw my work gradually getting better and realised how much I enjoyed it. It isn't easy becoming a tattoo artist, but I'm sure it's the career for me."

What's the thinking behind your domain name, krokotranen.nl?

"I work under the name Krokodillen Tranen – Crocodile Tears in Dutch. I like humorous artists' names. There's also an element of making fun of myself, because I'm a very emotional person. When it came to choosing a .nl domain name, I felt that krokodillentranen.nl would be too long. So I went for a shortened version: krokotranen.nl. And, actually, I like the short version better, so I'm thinking about changing all my social media accounts to match. I used the website for my final study project, so that people could go there for more information. Now that I'm looking for a mentor, I can use it to showcase my work."

How secure is your .nl-website?

Visit internet.nl to check whether your website, e-mail system and internet connection are up to date.

How do you use social media?

"As well as using my .nl website, I share my designs on Instagram, so that people get to know my work. I also post photos of actual tattoos that I've done for people. That gives people a better impression of my style, and has the added benefit that I've got a digital record of all my creations. I'm planning to share videos of my designs on TikTok as well. TikTok is very much a growing platform amongst artists, and online visibility is very important in the art world."

Why did you choose a .nl domain name?

"My website is aimed mainly at people in the Netherlands. So I chose a .nl domain name for it. However, I don't want it to be exclusively for Dutch speakers. I'd like international students and others to be able to browse the site too. That's why most of the text on the site is in English. My ultimate goal is to work abroad as a tattoo artist, so writing the texts in English was good practice."

What are your plans for the future?

"In technical terms, I've still got a lot to learn as a tattooist. My first aim is therefore to really learn the trade. Once I've done that, I'd like to start here in the Netherlands, by opening a tattoo parlour based on my personal philosophy. I want to create a place where there's scope for attentiveness, vulnerability and individuality. Most tattoo artists are men, and tattoo parlours often have a certain atmosphere that makes a lot of people nervous about going in. I'd like to offer people a place with an atmosphere like a community centre... a place where they feel safe and can discover themselves."

Want to read more business stories?

Take a look at other entrepreneurs and startups and their .nl.