Domain WHOIS Information Validation
Beginning January 1st 2014, ICANN enacted a policy that requires domain owners (registrants) to verify that WHOIS contact information is valid and up to date for all generic top-level domain names (gTLDs).
Validation is required upon the purchase or transfer of a domain name, or if a domain contact’s first name or last name have been modified. The validation process will also take place is a WHOIS Data Reminder notice, 30 day expiration notice, or 5 day expiration notice email is bounced.
Failure to provide valid WHOIS contact information or failure to complete validation within 15 days will result in the suspension of your domain name.
If a registrant has already validated their contact information, this process will not be initiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the validation process?
A: The validation process is a 15-day window during which a Registrant must provide an affirmative response to a validation request email. The email contains a link that the Registrant is asked to click. When they click this link, they are taken to a page that displays the email address, first and last name that they used to register the domain. The validation email message also includes a link to the domain registration terms and conditions and a checkbox that must be clicked to indicate that they agree to those terms and conditions. Failure to complete this process will result in the domain being suspended.
Q: What does “suspended” mean?
A: Suspended means that DNS for the domain will be interrupted, preventing the domain from resolving. The domain will be placed in ClientHold status and WHOIS will be locked.
Q: How is the validation process triggered?
A: Any change to the First name, Last name, or Email address will trigger the validation process. If 30-day or 5-day renewal notices bounce, the domain will enter the validation process.
Q: How many emails will I receive once the validation process has started?
A: Domain Owners will receive emails requesting contact validation on day 1, day 5, day 10, and day 13. If the validation process is not completed, a suspension notification email will be sent on day 16.
Q: What do I do if my domain is suspended?
A: You can simply click the link found in one of the validation emails. If you do not have a validation email, please contact Support (http://www.hostmysite.com/support/) to have the email re-sent. If you do not have access to the email address that the validation email is being sent to, you will need to log into the Control Panel to update your WHOIS contact information before resending the validation email.
Q: How long does it take to un-suspend my domain?
A: Once the validation is completed, your domain should come back online immediately.
Q: How do I update my WHOIS contact information?
A: Updating the WHOIS contact information is easy! Follow the instructions found in our knowledgebase
Q: Which TLDs does this process apply to?
A: The validation process applies to all generic top-level domain names (gTLDs). This includes .com, .net, .org, .aero, .asia, .biz, .coop, .info, .jobs, .mobi, .name, .pro, .tel, and .xxx.
As Product Manager for HostMySite, Ed is responsible for developing and delivering exciting new products and services for our customers. Ed joined the HostMysite team in 2007 as a Technical Support Representative. Throughout his tenure at HostMySite, Ed has performed in various roles including Dedicated Server Engineer, Entourage Team Lead, Support Supervisor, and Manager of Shared Support Services. Prior to joining the HostMySite team, Ed was the systems administrator for a local pharmaceutical CRO where he was responsible for all laboratory and office IT systems. Ed was responsible for maintaining the integrity and security of all electronic records as well as validating 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
