Domain Registration Validation Requirements

The governing body for domain names on the internet, the Internet Corporation of Names and Numbers (ICANN), applied new rules on identity validation when changes are made to a registered domain name. These changes went into affect as of January 2014 and involve all domain registrars and generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Domain registrars are required to verify customers when the customer makes certain changes to the domain registration information.

When do you need to verify a domain?

• When you register a new domain
• When you transfer a domain to a new owner
• When you modify domain registration information
  • Modifying domain registration information (e.g. changing the address or email address that was used in registering the domain)
• If the 5-day or 30 day domain annual renewal notice fails to be delivered to the registered email address

Domain Registration Validation FAQs

How do I make changes to the contact information used in the domain registration?

You can change the contact information using the Account Management Panel (AMP) interface. The tutorial for this procedure can be found in Changing a Domain’s WHOIS information in AMP.

How are my previously registered domains affected by this rule change?

The rule change does not affect existing domain registrations unless you are making a change to the contact information of that domain. Changes that require you to verify include changing the contact information, transferring the domain, or failure of the 5 or 30 day annual renewal notice to be delivered to the registered email address of the domain.

How do domain registrars verify a change?

Domain Registrars send an email to the domain owner’s email address called a WHOIS Data Reminder Policy (WDRP) notice. This email is also copied to the Admin, Technical and Billing contacts for the domain during the 2nd and 3rd attempt of verification (day 10 and 13 of the validation period).

How many days do you have to verify and what happens if you do not verify within that period of time?

After you have received the WDRP email, you are given 15 days to verify. If you do not respond within 5 days, they resend the notice and then again on day 10, and 13 during the 15-day validation period. Failure to respond to the verification request will result in the domain registrar suspending your domain.

What happens to your website if the domain register suspends your domain?

If your domain is suspended then the website cannot be accessed through the internet.

How do you get your domain un-suspended if it was suspended because you did not respond to the WDRP notice?

Respond to the WDRP notice that was sent to the domain contact registered to the domain. In some cases, it may require that you contact the domain registrar to resolve the issue.

If you continue to have problems with the domain, then please notify our live technical support team available 24/7.