*Also see the HelpDesk article: ICANN / RAA domain contact verification
What is WHOIS Contact Verification?
On January 1, 2014, eNom began verifying the WHOIS contact information for all new domain registrations and WHOIS contact information updates to existing domain registrations as mandated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Any new domain name registration or change to the Registered Name Holder of an existing domain name registration will require the verification of the Registrant contact email address.
An exception is made if the email address on the contact information has already been previously verified.
How does the Contact Verification process work?
A change to the Registered Name Holder of a domain name is defined as any change to the first name, last name, or email address of the registrant contact. A change to the Registered Name Holder of a domain name will trigger the contact verification process whereby an email containing a verification link will be sent to the registrant email address. The link in the email must be clicked by the recipient of the email in order to complete the verification process.
What if the Contact Verification process is not successfully completed?
Failure to complete the verification process will result in one of the following:
a) For new domain registrations and contact updates via our API: failing to complete the verification process within 15 days will result in the suspension of the registered domain(s) or those domains that were updated as a result of a contact change
b) For contact change requests submitted via our website, failure to complete the verification process within 7 days will result in the requested contact change request being cancelled.
What is domain suspension?
If contact verification is required and not successfully completed, then the domain(s) that were registered or associated with the contact change will require suspension. Domain suspension involves eNom taking over the DNS of the domain and posting a page on the domain listing instructions on how the name can be verified and have the DNS returned to the previous settings. If a domain is suspended, the website and email service associated with the domain will stop working.
*For a domain that has been verified previously, if you don't verify, the website/email will continue to work. There won't be any negative impact. The pending change to registrant information, however, won't go through.
*Once a domain is suspended, only a successful contact change can un-suspend the domain.
Why was my domain suspended?
A Registered Name Holder's willful provision of inaccurate or unreliable information, its willful failure to update information provided to Registrar within seven (7) days of any change, or its failure to respond for over fifteen (15) days to inquiries by Registrar concerning the accuracy of contact details associated with the Registered Name Holder's registration shall constitute a material breach of the Registered Name Holder-registrar contract and be a basis for suspension and/or cancellation of the Registered Name registration.
How can I get my domain unsuspended?
The suspension of the domain will be removed after the WHOIS information is successfully verified. Please update the WHOIS information with complete and accurate contact details through your domain service provider.
Who is ICANN?
ICANN is responsible for the coordination of the global Internet's systems of unique identifiers and, in particular, ensuring its stable and secure operation. ICANN maintains policies and specifications for registrars and registrants to abide by.
What is WHOIS?
WHOIS services provide public access to data on registered domain names, which currently includes contact information for Registered Name Holders. Registered Name Holders are required to provide accurate and reliable contact details to their Registrar to update WHOIS data for a Registered Name.
Where can I view my current WHOIS contact information?
The WHOIS information for domains can be viewed at https://www.whois.com/whois/.
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