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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

Setting up a business online? Security matters!

7 tips for online start-ups

During the corona period, tens of thousands of businesses have quickly gone on line. Many had been planning an internet presence for years, but hadn't quite got round to it. Still many entrepreneurs start online. Unfortunately, criminals are turning to the internet as well. And they see start-ups as easy prey. Every year, one in five new businesses is hit by cybercrime. So don't get caught out. Protect yourself by following our seven tips.

1. Secure your Wi-Fi network

Many small traders operate their online businesses from their home networks. In principle, there's nothing wrong with that. But the importance of Wi-Fi security increases when your business is at stake. So double-check the settings and make sure everything's as secure as possible. Detailed Dutch-language advice is available here. Got a lot of users on your home network? It might be best to set up a separate network for your business.

2. Use multi-factor logins and strong passwords

It's a no-brainer, for your business and your personal accounts. Logins for e-mail and website accounts are like the keys to your safe. Cybercrooks can use them to steal customer data, intercept online payments or send mail pretending to be from your firm. Read this Dutch-language article for tips on password security.

3. Get a good SSL certificate for each of your domain names

An SSL certificate is a must these days. It promotes confidence and gets you better search engine rankings. What many businesspeople don't realise is that it's often worthwhile paying a little more to get an EV certificate: a more reliable type of SSL certificate. It probably won't be free, but an EV certificate usually pays for itself by earning you customer trust. For advice on using SSL for your business, check out this article.

4. Check the security of your domain

We advise protecting the domain name that's used for your website and business mail by enabling various security standards. One is DNSSEC, which stops visitors getting misdirected to fake websites. There are several security standards for e-mail as well, which make it harder for scammers to send mail pretending to be you. To find out whether your domain currently supports the standards, do the test on internet.nl.

5. Pay attention to security when choosing a hosting service provider

In the Netherlands, we have one of the most professional hosting sectors in the world. There are lots of high-quality service providers to choose from, nearly all offering security options. Unfortunately, though, businesses don't tend to pay much attention to security when choosing a hosting service provider or a hosting package. Don't make that mistake! Price and volume aren't the only things that matter.

6. Keep your software up to date and make proper backups

Website vulnerabilities are usually down to out-of-date software. If you're using the standard software offered by your hosting service provider, updates are probably handled for you. But, if you've got any applications of your own running on your web server, do regular checks. Tools are available to help, including the Dutch-built Patchman.

7. Make sure you know what personal data you're processing

All businesses have to comply with the GDPR, but not all are familiar with personal data processing. When you move an offline operation online, you may suddenly be processing much more personal data that you used to. So extra care will be needed. And possibly professional legal advice. Want to know more? Check out this Dutch-language advice page.

Good luck!