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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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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 publishes Annual Report 2014

  • Friday 10 April 2015

In 2014, the internet was more than ever a game-changer. It overturned conventions and challenged the established order. Sectors that failed to address client dissatisfaction issues were particularly hard hit. More and more enterprises that understand what's needed to thrive in a share economy are making their presence felt. Uber is perhaps the highest-profile example, but Airbnb has also shaken things up within its sector. The internet makes these new business models possible. It is because so many people now have fast and cheap fixed or mobile internet access that the firms in question are able to flourish. And their success is driving the revision of existing structures and rules. The theme of internet-led change is explored in our annual report for 2014, which we published today at www.sidn.nl/annualreport2014.

Confidence is vital

"As even more people around the world get on line and the internet of things continues to develop, it is inevitable that in more and more fields the internet will become a game-changer. A deciding factor, making things faster, more efficient and more attractive. A medium that supports the creation of new services, products and markets, unimaginable just ten years ago," observed Roelof Meijer, SIDN's CEO. "Because of the internet, a good idea can now blossom into an internationally successful service with amazing rapidity. However, such developments depend on the internet continuing to command the confidence of users. SIDN makes an important contribution in that regard. Mainly in the Netherlands, but around the world as well."

Growth of .nl slowing down

After years of linear growth, the number of .nl domain names has been increasing less rapidly since 2011. In 2014, the .nl zone grew by 2.7 per cent to 5,531,186 domain names. That compares with growth of 5.3 per cent in 2013. A similar trend was apparent in all comparable European country-code domains. "Despite the reduced growth, demand for .nl domain names remains strong and .nl retains its commanding position," said Roelof Meijer. "Start-ups and companies focused on e-commerce are particularly likely to have a preference for .nl."

Investment in new activities

"In terms of size, the .nl domain has entered a consolidation phase. We expect very little growth in 2015 and will therefore be working with the .nl registrars to refocus on providing added-value services for .nl registrants with a view to reducing the number of cancelations," explained Roelof Meijer. "We will also continue to work on the development of new activities. Our collaboration with Simplerinvoicing is a good example of that strategy in action, and the plans to work with Norway's national registry on the .bv domain represent an exciting opportunity for SIDN."

Read more about these topics in our annual report, which is available at www.sidn.nl/annualreport2014.