What is the Certified Domain authorization and validation process?
Here's the Lowdown: This is your Certified Domain name verification road map. We've summarized the verification steps. Frequently asked questions are also included in each section. Click on any question to view the details.
During the domain name validation process, we verify the information listed in the Whois database is accurate and valid for the administrative, technical, and registrant contacts. The process also includes fraud screening and telephone verification. If you follow the proper procedures, we can generally process a Certified Domain name request within minutes of submission. Failure to complete a step will prevent the process from moving on to the next step and all procedures must be completed to certify the domain name.
NOTE: The Certified Domain name authorization and validation process must be completed every two years for all Certified Domain name holders.
How can I determine the status of my domain name's certification?
See Checking Your Certified Domain Status to determine the status of your domain name's certification.
What documentation must I provide in order to obtain a Certified Domain name?
Most certifications do not require submission of any documents to obtain a Domain Origination Certified seal for your domain name. All certifications require your contact information including valid phone number, so that we can contact you during the domain name origination trace and validation process for your Certified Domain name.
If our fraud screening process detects a possible problem, we may request documentation to allow the certification to proceed.
My domain name has privacy. Will I be able to complete the validation process?
Absolutely! Privacy on your domain name's contact information means that the configuration of your Domains By Proxy® (DBP) account controls the email address(es) to be used for the email verification process. If you need help accessing or configuring your DBP account, please contact
Generating Verification Emails
When a domain name is submitted for certification, we review the information listed in the Whois database. Domain name authorization email messages are sent to each unique email address listed for the domain name's registrant, administrative and technical contacts. If the domain name's registration information is not available (certification was requested for a domain name that is being transferred to us but not yet active in one of our accounts, or certification was requested for a backordered domain name that is not currently registered through us) this verification step will remain open until the registration information becomes available. At that time, verification emails will be sent to the domain name's contacts.
Who receives the email verification emails?
Each unique email address listed for your domain name Registrant, Administrative, and Technical contacts will receive the verification email and each of these must be validated. If only one email address is used for all domain name contacts, only one email is generated. If your domain name lists separate email addresses on the Whois for each contact, each must verify receipt of the email.
Can I re-send the verification emails?
Yes! You can re-send any or all of the verification emails at any time until the email verification is complete. See Resending Verification Email Messages for Certified Domains for instructions on this process.
What if I can't receive the verification emails?
Verification emails are sent to the email address(es) on file for your domain name's Registrant plus Administrative and Technical contacts - one email per unique email address. If you have re-sent the email and are still not receiving it, try the following:
- Check your Spam or Bulk folders to insure the email is not being redirected there.
- Use the Whois to view the email address(es) listed for your domain name contacts. This is the email address being used for the validation email.
- If, instead of your name and those of your domain name's contacts, Domains By Proxy is listed on the Whois, your domain name has privacy registration. With this domain name enhancement, you cannot view the actual email address(es) being used through the Whois listing and you will need to log into your Domains By Proxy (DBP) account to determine the email address(es) being used. If you need help accessing or configuring your DBP account, please contact
support @domainsbyproxy.com for assistance. If you make changes to your DBP account (i.e. changing the email address where the verification email will be sent), you'll need to re-send the email after making the change.
Verifying the Domain Name's Contacts
The domain name contacts — the domain name's registrant, administrative and technical contacts as listed in the Whois database — verify receipt of the Certified Domain name email. This step verifies the information listed in the Whois for the domain name's contacts and their corresponding email addresses is valid. Once all email addresses are validated, the request proceeds to the next step. The process will not continue until each unique email address has been validated.
How do I complete email verification?
To complete email verification for the domain name's certification process, see Verifying the Email Address for Domain Certifications for details.
What happens if I don't complete email verification?
If email verification is not completed, domain name certification cannot proceed to the next step. The process can move on only after each unique email address has been verified.
Fraud Screening
The Certified Domain name screens the domain name for a number of possible fraud indicators. If we don't detect any problems, we clear the domain name and the Certified Domain name authorization and validation process proceeds.
How does the Fraud Screening process work?
The domain name is screened for various fraud indicators. If initial screening indicates possible fraud, a more meticulous fraud review is applied to the domain name. If your domain name is identified as needing further review, the verification process can be delayed by up to 48 hours. If, during secondary screening, we determine there is sufficient reason to suspect fraud, we reject the Certified Domain name request.
If my domain name certification is denied due to fraud, what can I do?
Call our support line for assistance. We can help identify the problem and get you on your way again.
Telephone Verification
At your request we call the phone number you provide. Once connected, an automated message provides a PIN, which you must enter correctly in order for us to complete the validation process and issue the Domain Origination Certified Seal.
Why do you need a phone number to process my Certified Domain name?
Verifying a telephone number for your domain name is part of the certification process. It further validates the origin and registration of the domain name.
What phone types are allowed for the phone verification step for a Certified Domain?
You can use any valid U.S.-based or international phone number for the phone verification process, with the following exceptions:
- Pre-paid mobile numbers
- Toll-free numbers
- Restricted numbers (including numbers that start with "0")
- Numbers with the following area codes:
- 411
- 900
- 911
- Non-fixed VoIP (voice over IP) numbers
How do I initiate telephone verification?
When you are ready to attempt telephone verification for the domain name's certification process, see Verifying the Phone Number for Your Certified Domain for details.
NOTE: The automated message to complete telephone verification step is provided in English only. The requester, therefore, must be able to understand the message in order to perform the necessary actions.
Is there a limit to the number of times I can attempt telephone verification?
Yes. You are limited to attempting telephone verification three (3) times per day and a total of nine (9) attempts.
Issuing the Certification
When the authorization and validation process is complete, the Domain Origination Certified seal is issued. In addition, a computer-generated Domain Origination Certified Seal is added to the Whois listing for the domain name in question.
Once certified, you can place the digital site seal on your Web pages. Now that your domain name has completed the certification process, see Working with Your Certified Domain for information on working with your Certified Domain Name.
What are the Certified Domain system requirements?
To request a Domain Origination Certified seal for your domain name, your browser must comply with the following minimum requirements:
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
- Netscape Navigator 8.0 or later
- Mozilla Firefox 1.7.4 or later
- Safari 1.3 or later
