As the registrant of a domain, it's crucial to provide accurate contact details and keep them updated throughout the domain's registration period. As the registrar, we are obligated to verify the accuracy of the provided information, as required by ICANN. This guide explains ICANN verification procedures, the reasons for verification, and the steps to update your domain's contact information.
About ICANN Verification
ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, governs domain registries for generic top-level domain (gTLD) names. We comply with ICANN regulations through our Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), allowing us to act as a registrar and facilitate domain sales. For more information, visit ICANN's website.
Every registered domain must provide identifying contact information for the registrant, administrator, and billing contacts. This information, known as "WHOIS data," is publicly available in the WHOIS database. ICANN mandates the accuracy verification of WHOIS records for all gTLDs during specific events:
- Registration of a new domain with us.
- Transfer of a domain to us from another registrar.
- Modification of registrant contact information.
- Suspected invalidity of contact information.
In such events, we email the domain's registrant to verify the contact information's accuracy within 14 days. Failure to verify leads to domain suspension.
WHOIS Verification
WHOIS data is crucial and must be accurate. As the registrant, you're responsible for providing and updating this information. We verify and include this information in the public WHOIS database, as required by ICANN.
New domains use your Account Profile contact information by default, which you can edit in your Domain Manager after registration. Each domain has three designated contacts: the registrant, admin, and billing. These contacts may have different information but the information must be accurate.
Change of Registrant
The Change of Registrant process applies to gTLDs and involves significant alterations to registrant details. ICANN requires both the current and new registrant to confirm changes through a verification link sent via email. After approval, the domain undergoes a 60-day transfer lock period.
Steps to Change Contact Information
- Log in to your Domain.com Account Manager.
- Click the Domains tab in the side navigation menu.
- Navigate to the Domain Contacts section and click EDIT next to Domain Contacts.
- View and edit each contact individually.
- Save changes.
- If adding new contact information, click "Add a new domain contact" first.
- Locate the verification email and approve the changes by clicking the link.
- Upon verification, your updated contact information will be reflected in our system and the WHOIS database.