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Frequently visited

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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

Easily monitor the online use of your brand name or logo

Illustration of logos found on websites.

We've been delivering brand monitoring services to the corporate segment for more than 10 years. Now small and medium-sized enterprises also have the opportunity to keep an eye on how their names and logos are being used on the internet. With the help of a number of .nl registrars, we're bringing a new version of SIDN BrandGuard to market, under the name of SME BrandGuard. The new service is the product of a diligent development programme undertaken in 2022.

What is SME BrandGuard?

SME BrandGuard is a brand monitoring service designed to help smaller businesses protect against cybercrime. The service can reliably flag up web and mail addresses that resemble your brand name. You also have the option of scanning for use of your logo. SME BrandGuard monitors .nl domain name registrations, with optional add-on modules and services, such as legal follow-up and logo detection.

How does it work?

SME BrandGuard scans the internet for domain names similar to your company's name, and for sites showing your logo. All the detections are conveniently reported in a weekly e-mail. Each detection is given a risk rating, making it easy for you to prioritise.

How can you use SME BrandGuard?

When they think of brand names and logos being abused, most people think of cybercrime. Maybe a company's name being used in phishing mails, or fake messages being sent by a scammer 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. The unsuspecting clerk makes the transfer, then the scammers take the company's money and run. SME BrandGuard helps you cut the risk of suffering a potentially heavy loss that way. The service also provides an easy way to keep an eye on how your brand name or logo is being used by retailers, partners and agents, for example.

Who is SME BrandGuard intended for?

SME BrandGuard is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. And, for a limited period, prices start at just €10 a month. With the basic service, you get a weekly e-mail reporting the detections we've made. We also offer a feature-rich version with real-time alerts and global coverage. The fully featured service is intended mainly for organisations whose names and logos are widely abused, such as accreditation scheme operators, medium-sized retailers, internationally active enterprises and trade associations.

Where can I get SME BrandGuard?

SME BrandGuard is made available through registrars. You're free to choose the registrar that best suits your needs and preferences. Visit https://www.sidn.nl/product/mkb-merkbewaking (in Dutch Only) for details.

Contact person:

Alfredo Garcia Frias

Alfredo Garcia Frias

Specialist online brand monitoring

Please contact me if you have any questions.