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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

SIDN BrandGuard now also available to SMEs

New service for smaller enterprises monitors online use of names and logos

Arnhem, 1 June 2023 – SIDN's brand monitoring services are now available to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as larger organisations. SME BrandGuard enables smaller enterprises to monitor online use of their names and logos, so that abuse by cybercriminals can be nipped in the bud. The new service is a specially adapted version of SIDN BrandGuard, which clients in the corporate and public sectors have been using successfully for more than 10 years.

Prompt intervention

Cybercriminals commonly abuse the names and logos of legitimate businesses to perpetrate fraud. For example, they'll use a company's name in phishing mails, or send fake messages posing as a company executive (CEO fraud). In CEO fraud, the 'manager' instructs someone lower down in the company to urgently arrange a large payment, often resulting in serious financial loss. SME BrandGuard flags up potentially malicious domain name registrations early, enabling smaller businesses to take prompt action.

Managing brand use

SME BrandGuard also provides an easy way for SMEs to keep an eye on how their brand names are being used online by retailers, partners and agents, for example. The basic version of SME BrandGuard can be used to monitor .nl domain name registrations, while optional modules and services can be added for legal follow-up, logo detection and other features.

Real-time alerts

With the basic service, the user gets a weekly e-mail reporting detections. Alternatively, there's a feature-rich version of the service, which provides real-time alerts and global coverage. The fully featured service is intended mainly for organisations whose names and logos are particularly prone to abuse, such as accreditation scheme operators, medium-sized retailers, internationally active enterprises and trade associations.

Available through .nl registrars

SIDN started development of SME BrandGuard in 2022, culminating in a successful pilot early this year. Now the tailor-made brand protection service for SMEs is being rolled out right across the sector. SME BrandGuard is made available through registrars, with users free to choose the provider that suits them best.

Peace of mind

"Brand and logo abuse can have major financial consequences for SMEs, as well as causing serious reputational harm," says Pim Pastoors, Product Owner at SIDN. "Smaller enterprises often lack the time and expertise needed to look out for abuses. So we've developed this service to give them peace of mind. We'll do the monitoring for them, enabling them to get on with what they do best: running their businesses."

Please note SIDN SME Brandguard is no longer available. Read more about BrandGuard .

Contact person:

Marnie van Duijnhoven, communication manager and spokesman

Marnie van Duijnhoven

Communication Manager / Spokesman