Wait, we don't own that domain name? Help!

Here at the Domain Name Commission, we often see organisations with multiple domain names that have different registration details. This can lead to them having issues renewing their domain name in the future. If you can’t renew your domain name, you may lose your websites, email address, and domain name, and that’s never a fun thing to have to manage!

Want to be the owner of your domain name but don’t know where to start? We can help!

The first thing to do is to look at the registration record and check what registration details are associated with the domain name. Is it the company or is it, Linda, in accounts who left the company a year ago? 

You can check your domain name registration details using the ‘whois’ search on the DNC website. The ‘whois’ search allows you to enter the domain name (e.g. dnc.org.nz) and see the registration details associated with it.

Next, check the email address on the registration record; is it monitored or is it an old one that Linda used? The associated email address is likely to be where the bills are being sent to renew the domain name. If the bills are not paid, you can lose the domain name and the services connected to it.

How can I update my details?

You will need to contact your domain name provider and ask them to update your registration details. Your domain name provider is likely to be the business you are paying for supplying your domain name. They may ask you to provide supporting documents to show that you are the current domain name holder. If you have issues with contacting your domain name provider please let us know at [email protected] . 

How can I prevent this from happening?

A few simple things can make it much easier to manage your domain name or names if you have more than one. 

• Have an agreed system for management of your registrations. 
• For all registrations have the same name in the registrant field whether it is that of a person or the business’ name.
• Use a shared email address for the registration so that the renewal emails don't only go to one person.