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  • The details registered about me/my company are incorrect or out of date.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

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ICANN publishes Applicant Guidebook: new TLD applications start on 30 April

Application window for new top-level domains opens soon

The abbreviation 'TLD' and the become 'top level domain' in pink and blue neon letters respectively on a black wall.
  • Tuesday 13 January 2026

ICANN has published the final version of its new Applicant Guidebook (AGB). We therefore have a definite start date and time for the upcoming application window for new domain name extensions: 23:59 UTC on 30 April 2026. The window will be open for just over 3.5 months, before closing again on 12 August.

Unique opportunity!

The last time anyone could apply for a top-level domain was back in 2012. The upcoming window is therefore a unique opportunity for organisations, brands and communities to get their own gTLDs (generic top-level domains) and create their own space on the internet. So thousands of applications are expected from all around the world. CRM provider Salesforce has said that it plans to go for its own extension, and Dutch service provider Mijndomein is preparing an application for the province of Twente.

What's in the AGB?

ICANN’s Applicant Guidebook (AGB) sets out all the conditions and rules governing applications for new extensions. For example, applicants must have:

  • The financial stability needed to run a registry.

  • The technical capability to provide reliable and secure DNS services.

  • Policies and procedures to ensure responsible management of the namespace.

Compared with 2012, the application procedure described in the new AGB is much more straightforward. For information about the main changes and improvements to the process, see our previous article. The cost of an application is $227,000.

Why start now?

Publication of the AGB means that we now have a definite timetable for the application window. Applying for a new TLD takes time and careful preparation. Getting started early and studying the AGB closely will help you maximise your chances of success.

Support based on Hello Registry

SIDN and CIRA (the registry for .ca) have teamed up to create Hello Registry, a shared registry service platform, via which we can offer:

  • Technical infrastructure and operational support

  • Experience and expertise to guide you through the whole application process

Hello Registry logo
https://helloregistry.nl

More information

Want to talk over a possible application? Looking for a registry service provider (RSP) to manage your new gTLD? Need help with you application? We can help! Drop a line to hello@helloregistry.com or visit Hello Registry for details. Additional information in Dutch is available from our website, in the registry services section.

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