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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

Complaining about a domain name

Have you come across a domain name that you think is unethical or irresponsible? One that encourages violence or discrimination, for example? You can complain about the name to the Complaints & Appeals Board (C&AB). The C&AB considers complaints about domain names whose registration is inconsistent with public order or decency. If it's the content of a website you object to (the images or writing), you need to follow the Notice and Take Down Procedure.

How does the C&AB decide whether a domain name is acceptable?

Complaining about the content of a website

When considering your complaint, the C&AB will look at the domain name and the way it's used. Sometimes, a domain name may be acceptable because of the content it's used with.

Example

A highly offensive slogan registered as a domain name by a stand-up comedian could be acceptable if it's used for ironic or satirical humour.

Infographic complaining about a domain name

Follow the steps of this infographic complaining about a domain name

How do you complain about a .nl domain name?

Contact the C&AB. The way to do that is explained on the website of C&AB.

How do you complain about the content of a website?

Contact whoever put the content on the internet – the person who uploaded the video or posted the text, for example. If they won't take it down, try the next person or organisation in the chain of control. For details, see Complaining about website content.

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