.nl domains: SIDN's rules
The main rules and properties of .nl domains at a glance.
SIDN manages the .nl extension. Knippin is connected to SIDN through a registered partner. These are the main points.
At a glance
| Topic | .nl |
|---|---|
| Registration period | 1 year, then renewed one year at a time |
| Transfer code | 12 characters. Does not expire, but changes after a holder change. |
| Transfer | Usually within an hour. The expiry date stays the same. |
| Transfer lock | Does not exist for .nl |
| Quarantine | 40 days after cancellation or expiry |
| DNSSEC | Supported. See What is DNSSEC? |
| Nameserver change | SIDN processes it within about 30 minutes. After that, providers refresh their cached data. |
Holder changes only with consent
The holder of a .nl domain may only be changed with their consent. SIDN carries out spot checks and can reverse an unauthorised change. See Changing the holder or contact details.
Your previous provider will not hand over the transfer code?
A registrar is required to provide the transfer code on request. If the previous provider refuses or does not respond, we can start an escalation with SIDN on your behalf. SIDN then gives the old registrar five more working days. After that, SIDN sends the code itself.
For this we need:
- a safe copy of your ID;
- for companies: an extract from the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) trade register, no older than 6 months;
- a statement signed by the holder. For a company, the authorised director signs; if several directors are jointly authorised, they all sign.
You can upload and digitally sign documents under Services → Domains → (your domain) → Documents, or send them in a ticket.
Error messages
| Message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Token incorrect | The transfer code does not match what SIDN has on record. Request a new code from the current provider. |
| Nameserver unknown | The nameserver is not yet registered with SIDN, or the zone does not exist yet. See Changing nameservers. |