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Modifying your Domain Name Record:
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I modify an existing domain name?

Please note that our current policy provides for modifying only contacts, servers, and addresses; the domain name itself cannot be modified at this time.

To replace an existing contact with a new contact, or to change information about the organization, or to change name servers, use the Domain Name Registration Agreement:

Please see "Updating Domain Name & Associated Records" for detailed instructions on these and other types of updates.

Is there a charge for modifying a domain name record?

Updates to a domain name record are covered under the annual maintenance fee. Updates that are not covered by this fee are: changes to the domain name itself; transfers of the domain name to another party; changes in the Organization's information that in effect represent a transfer of the domain name to another legal entity. These actions are not considered updates and require a new registration to be processed, which will be subject to the $100 (US) new registration fee.

Changes in the Organization's information that result from a legal change in the Organization's name or a move to a new location will be covered by the maintenance fee. After submitting the modified Domain Name Registration Agreement, the Organization must fax hostmaster (703 742-9552) the following information on Organization letterhead:

  1. domain name and NIC tracking number received after submitting modify Agreement;
  2. a statement, signed by an individual who has legally binding authority for the Organization (for example: owner, president, vice-president, or CEO), that explains the reason(s) for the change and authorizes that the changes be made. Include the printed name, title, and phone number of the signatory.

Should all domain modifications be submitted by the current administrative or technical contact?

To avoid delays in getting your domain name record modified, the current administrative or technical contact should submit all domain modifications.

Modifications submitted by users who are not the administrative or technical contact may be delayed until a listed point of contact can acknowledge that the changes are from an authorized source.

Although this may be an inconvenience for some customers, we feel it is necessary to protect the rights of domain name holders.

My domain name update request was rejected because I could not be verified as a contact. What do I do now?

When an update request is submitted, all of the current contacts for the domain are notified of the update request. If any of the contacts agree to the change(s), the update is made within 24-48 hours. If you know that at least one of the contacts will confirm the requested change(s), no further action on your part is required.

If none of the contacts can be reached to confirm, (due to changes in email addresses, etc.) we will accept verification via fax (703/742-9552) following these guidelines:

  1. The fax must be on letterhead from the company stated in the Whois database. If company letterhead does not exist, include a copy of a photo ID of a legally binding authority of the organization (see line 4).
  2. Reference the NIC tracking number and the domain name.
  3. Contain a statement of authorization and a statement explaining your specific situation.
  4. Be signed by an individual having legally binding authority to the organization, such as the owner, president, vice-president, or CEO. Include the printed name, title, and phone number of the signatory.

How do I change my contact information if I no longer have access to the e-mail account listed in the Whois database?
Complete the Contact Template and submit it to hostmaster@internic.net. After receiving a message that the changes cannot be verified, send a fax to hostmaster (703/742-9552) following these guidelines:
  1. The fax must contan a copy of signed legal identification (passport, driver's license, etc).
  2. The fax must be signed by the contact.
  3. The fax must reference the NIC ticket number.
  4. The fax must contain a statement explaining your specific situation.

What is the best way to update the IP address of a name server?

The Host Template should be used to update the IP address and/or host name of a name server. Version 3.5 of the Domain Registration Agreement will not allow changes to the IP address or name of a host. The Domain Registration Agreement will, however, allow the appropriate party to replace the current name server for a domain with a different existing name server. In other words, the Domain Registration Agreement can be used to switch a domain to a new service provider, but it cannot be used by an ISP or a server administrator to alter the IP address or name of a host.

Can the organization listed in Section 3 of the Domain Registration Agreement be changed?

The organization listed in section 3 of the Domain Name Registration Agreement is the domain name holder. The organization name can only be changed if the name is spelled incorrectly or the name of the organization listed is legally changed. If a domain name is being given from company A to company B, the domain must be deleted and added again as new. This can be accomplished by following the instructions for transferring a domain name.

If the IP address or host name of a name server needs to be changed, do all the domains and network records associated with the host need to be updated?

Fortunately, no! Once the IP address or host name of a server is updated, all domains and network records associated with the host will be automatically updated. This occurs because both the name and IP address of a name server are associated with a handle in the InterNIC database, and all domain and network records are associated with the handle of a host. Even if the name of the host or the IP address of the host changes, the handle of the host does not change.

Do you accept domain name record modifications via fax?

All domain name registrations and modifications should be sent via e-mail to hostmaster@internic.net.

Hard copy registrations of any kind are not accepted since all applications are processed electronically. This assures that the information you send to us is entered into our database exactly as it was submitted on the Domain Name Registration Agreement.

Can just anybody submit a request to change my domain record if I don't use PGP or choose an encrypted password?

The default method for updating domain records is to verify that an update request is submitted from either the administrative or technical contact's e-mail address. The domain registration software will attempt to verify that a request is submitted from the e-mail address of a point of contact listed on the domain's Whois record.

Which template or form should I fill out if I am switching service providers?

The Domain Name Registration Agreement should be used to replace the name servers of your old provider with the name servers of your new provider. The update must be submitted -- or acknowledged -- by the current administrative or technical contact on the domain name record. However, if changing service providers involves changing the IP address or host name of a server, the Host Template should be used to update the name server's information.

This file last modified 7/21/97.

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