What is Owner Email Verification (contact validation) and why it is required
Due to requirements from ICANN and the NIS2 directive, it is mandatory to verify the validity of any email address used in the owner (registrant) contact data for gTLD domains and certain ccTLDs. gTLD domains are generic extensions (for example .com, .net, or new gTLDs such as .app, .guru, etc.). The targeted ccTLDs are those that have adopted the NIS2-related regulations.
It is very important to complete this email verification — if you do not confirm the address, the associated domain(s) will become unavailable / suspended.
When the verification process is triggered
The verification starts in the following situations:
- When a new domain is registered or transferred to us, and the owner contact has an email address that has not yet been verified.
- When an existing domain is assigned to a new owner, and the new owner has an unverified email address.
- When an existing contact object used for gTLD/applicable ccTLD owners is updated — for example, the email address changes — and that address is not verified.
- If an email address that was previously verified becomes invalid, for example because we receive bounce reports, complaints, or other signs that it no longer works.
How the verification process works
After one of the events above occurs:
- A first email is sent to the owner containing a link to confirm the email address.
- If confirmation is not received within 7 days, a second reminder is sent to the owner.
- If no confirmation is received after another 7 days (14 days from initiation), the email verification fails. The domains linked to that email address are suspended, and the owner receives a notification.
After the email address is confirmed, it is marked as verified in the system. In general, no new verification is required for the same address, except in cases where it becomes invalid or when a relevant change occurs (e.g. owner change, email modification, etc.).
Domain suspension
If the verification fails (i.e., confirmation is not received within 14 days):
- Domains that have the unverified email address in the “owner contact” field will be suspended. Suspension means the domain will no longer resolve (website, email, and other associated services will not work).
- The domain remains registered, renewal payments / fees still apply, but it is non-functional.
To reactivate the domain:
- Confirm the email using the verification link from the email (if still valid).
- Or change the email address to one that is already verified, in which case the domains are reactivated immediately after the change. If the new email address is not verified, the domains will be reactivated after that address is verified.