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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

Choosing a .nl domain name

Doing business without your own website is almost impossible these days. When, as a Dutch entrepreneur, you have to choose an extension for your domain name, you have several options such as .nl, .com, .net, .org and even .amsterdam. Why should you choose .nl?

Why a .nl domain name? 

The image of .nl

When you start a website, it is important that it matches the image of your company. This starts with choosing a domain name and an extension. SIDN had a study conducted* into how domain names ending in .nl are perceived by the Dutch. This shows that there are positive associations with this extension. And you, as an entrepreneur, can use that to your advantage.

Most positive image

The research shows that .nl has the richest and most positive image of all extensions in the Netherlands, followed by .com. Extensions such as .shop, .tk and .bmw are regarded as vague and less reliable.

The Netherlands and trust

Respondents associate the extension .nl with 'the Netherlands', 'trust', 'own', 'internet' and 'website'. It also evokes associations with successful companies that have a .nl domain name, such as marktplaats.nl, nu.nl and post.nl.

When people think of .com, they mainly think of 'international', 'foreign', 'global' and 'commercial'. When asked which words fit the image of .nl, 'close' (74%), 'trusted' (69%), 'reliable' (65%), 'secure' (64%) and 'value stable' (49%) are the most frequently mentioned words.

*1,025 respondents participated in this survey.

Why choosing for a .nl domain name?

When choosing an extension for your website, it is good to keep this information in mind. The look and feel of your website starts with your domain name.