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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

Opt-out requests

Would you prefer that your name and e-mail address don't appear in the Whois? And is there a good reason for us to make an exception to the rule that says everyone's details should be shown? If so, you can ask to opt out of making your details public. If we approve your request, your name and e-mail address will stay private.

In many cases, an opt-out request isn't necessary

SIDN and privacy

  • If your domain name doesn't look like your own name, people can't easily find information about you in the Whois. Users can search only by entering a domain name, not the registrant's name or anything else.

  • If you register your domain name as a private individual, the Whois will say very little about you anyway. For details, contact your registrar.

Your opt-out request will be approved only if you really need anonymity, and there isn't another way to arrange it.

How do you make an opt-out request?

  1. Write to your registrar.

    Send an e-mail or a letter explaining why you need to remain anonymous.

  2. Your registrar forwards the request to us.

  3. We decide whether to approve your request.

    We'll decide within three weeks, starting from the day we receive your request.

  4. We let you know our decision.

    We'll let your registrar know at the same time.

Any registrant can ask to opt out. That's stated in Article 23.4 of our General Terms and Conditions for .nl Registrants.

What do we look for in an opt-out request?

We consider whether your reasons for wanting anonymity are stronger than the reasons for normally making a registrant's details public. So it's important that you explain your reasons clearly:

  • Why do you want to opt out? Set out your argument.

  • Why can't you protect your name and e-mail address without opting out?

  • What have you done to protect your privacy elsewhere?

How do we decide whether to approve your request?

We'll see whether there are reasons for making an exception in your case. That's more likely if:

  • You have a material interest in anonymity.

  • The issue behind your request has been reported to the police.

  • You've already taken steps to protect your privacy elsewhere.

Your request won't be approved if you want to opt out simply to avoid spam or because someone has a grudge against you. Those are everyday problems that don't outweigh the reasons for publication.

What happens once we've made our decision?

  • If we approve your request, we'll make sure that your name and (where relevant) your address isn't shown in the Whois.

  • If we refuse your request, we'll write to you explaining why, and what your options are.