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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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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 partners Chamber of Commerce Start-ups Day on 5 November

Starting a business? Come along for valuable information and advice

  • Friday 21 October 2022

On 5 November, the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) is holding its first national Start-ups Day since 2019. This special event for people starting out in business takes place at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. As an event partner, we'll be there to help people with questions about setting up an online business and choosing the right domain name.

Important customer group

Start-up businesses are an important customer group for the .nl domain, because commercial websites with .nl extensions make a big contribution to .nl's image as one of the world's most professional and secure top-level domains. Before the pandemic, SIDN was therefore often present at events for start-ups organised by the CoC and others. At such events, there was always plenty of interest in our stand and our story.

Choosing a domain name and getting online

Many people attending CoC Start-ups Days drop by our stand to ask about how to choose the best domain name for their new venture. We use our Suggestion Tool to give immediate, on-the-spot advice on the kind of domain name that their business and website needs. We also answer questions about hosting, website design and e-mail, which usually involves referring people to our registrars, the businesses that sell .nl domain names and related services. Some registrars also support our activities by attending the Start-ups Days and offering their services to the people who visit our stand.

Online and offline programme

This year's Start-ups Day will be a hybrid event. People will be able to visit the Jaarbeurs in person, or follow the whole programme online. Topics covered will include marketing, tax, administration, money matters and doing (online) business securely. As well as SIDN, various other partners will have stands at the event to give advice to visitors. Partners present will include the Tax and Customs Administration Service, credit and coaching organisation Qredits, the Employee Insurance Scheme Executive Body, the Digital Trust Center, webshop trustmark organisation Thuiswinkel.org, the Data Protection Authority, the automation advice association NOAB and intellectual property bureau BOIP.

We'd love to see you there!

Thinking of starting a business? Recently started out for yourself? The Chamber of Commerce Start-ups Day is a great way to brush up on marketing, taxation, administration, money matters and doing business securely. And it's free to attend! Sign up!