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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

Signicat and Connectis join forces to create major European player on digital ID market

SIDN is selling its stake in Connectis

Signicat has acquired Connectis, one of the biggest security solution providers in the Netherlands, from SIDN and Stichting 2050. SIDN has been Connectis's majority shareholder since 2017. With roots in Norway, Signicat is a key player on Europe's online authentication and electronic signature market. Together, the companies aim to offer services to public and private-sector users in Scandinavia and throughout Europe.

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With their joint capabilities in the field of reliable and secure authentication, digital signing and identity verification solutions, Signicat and Connectis are looking to strengthen their leading position in the European market. The two companies' services and customer bases dovetail perfectly. Signicat mainly provides identity solutions to corporate clients across Europe, including banks and financial service providers, insurers and e-commerce companies. Connectis operates primarily in the Netherlands as a trusted partner to organisations in the public sector, health care, energy, transport and financial services.

SIDN is selling its stake in Connectis

As well as acquiring our majority interest in Connectis, Signicat is buying out Stichting 2050, the foundation that Connectis founder Martijn Kaag transferred his shares to. SIDN bought Connectis in 2017, with the aim of giving a boost to the still developing digital identities market in the Netherlands. Since then, we have invested significantly in the company. Particular attention has been given to operational professionalisation, service enhancement and preparing Connectis for the next phase of its development. Signicat's acquisition of Connectis means the formation of a major European player with the unified experience, expertise and mass to drive accelerated adoption of high-grade online identification and achieve even greater social impact.

Connectis will continue serving clients from Rotterdam

Connectis will retain its name and remain in Rotterdam, with the existing team continuing to serve the company's customers. Signicat currently has a team in The Hague, which will relocate to join the Rotterdam set-up later this year. Connectis CEO Jeroen de Bruijn will become General Manager of the combined Dutch operation. Over the coming months, Connectis and Signicat will be investigating the options for further integration of their product and service offerings.

Why did SIDN take a majority interest in Connectis in 2017?

In 2016, we observed a lack of dynamism in the development of online identification, despite the field's huge importance for the future of the internet. We therefore decided to use our expertise, our network, our experience and our capital to energise development and thus maximise our contribution to Dutch society and the Dutch economy. The acquisition of a majority stake in Connectis also formed an important part of our chosen long-term strategy and our aim of ultimately becoming less dependent on .nl. The acquisition immediately made us a major force on the digital identities market, in line with our ambition of contributing to the value, convenience and security of digital living for everyone.

Why is SIDN selling its shares in Connectis?

We took over Connectis with the aim of giving a much-needed boost to the sluggish digital identities market in the Netherlands. More than three years on, Connectis is in a strong position, with numerous new clients and a development roadmap to be proud of. The company's aim has long been to establish itself as a leading player on the European market by offering excellent, scalable solutions in the realm of all-in-one identity and access services. The time is now ripe for Connectis to take the next step towards realising that goal. Signicat's acquisition of Connectis will create a platform for rapid upscaling. We expect the merger to have a positive impact and to accelerate the adoption of high-grade online identification. We believe that together Connectis and Signicat possess the experience, expertise and mass to reach the top of the European market.

How much is Signicat paying SIDN for Connectis?

The financial details of the transaction remain confidential for the time being.

What is SIDN going to do with the money from the sale of Connectis?

Like all our other income, the money will be used to deliver added value for the Dutch and international internet communities in line with our mission. So we will of course continue investing in the security and stability of the .nl domain, as well as in research, in support for projects that have the potential to make the internet better, and in activities that the market has so far neglected. With the aim of optimising our impact.

Article by:

Marnie van Duijnhoven, communication manager and spokesman

Marnie van Duijnhoven

Communication Manager / Spokesman