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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

Want a great .nl? It's easier than ever to get one!

  • Thursday 6 July 2017

You decide to set yourself up in business or create a website about your hobby. So you want to get yourself a .nl domain name that fits the bill. And you want to get it before anyone else can. That's now easier than ever to do. In our Whois we've made the route from finding to registering a .nl domain name really simple to follow.

Easily find a domain name and choose a service provider

On the SIDN homepage there's now a prominent look-up for checking whether a .nl domain name is still available. If the name you've thought of hasn't been taken, we'll show you a random selection of eight registrars (hosting service providers) who can register it for you.

Already chosen a registrar that's not one of the eight? No problem. Select from a comprehensive list of registrars offering registration services to the public.  Want a registrar that offers a particular service feature – say DNSSEC or IPv6? Then just click the service icon to filter the list. Select a registrar and we'll direct you to a page on their website where you can apply for your chosen .nl quickly and easily.

Filter options to help you choose a registrar

When choosing a .nl service provider, you can narrow down the choice to the ones that offer the service features you want. It's quick and easy to filter for these services:

  • DNSSEC

    Extra security for your .nl, which stops crooks redirecting internet users to fake sites.

  • IPv6

    Ensures that in the future there will still be enough IP addresses to go round.

  • SIDN BrandGuard and .nl Control

    Security enhancements for organisations that want to protect the integrity of their brands or webshops.

Is the name you want already taken? We can help!

There's no shortage of great .nls you could have. All the same, you might find that the first domain name you think of has already been taken by someone else. Don't worry, we'll help you find another. We'll make suggestions out of .nl domain names that have been used in the past, and unregistered names like the one you've just looked up. So that you can get yourself a .nl that fits the bill.

Continuous improvement

We are constantly improving our website on the basis of user surveys and new information. Development never stops. Got a question or an idea for making things even better? Drop us a line to communicatie@sidn.nl.