How to Update Domain Contact Information (WHOIS Data) 2025

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Why Update Contact Information

Keeping your domain contact information current is essential for domain ownership and security.

When to Update

Required updates:

• ✅ You've moved (address change)
• ✅ Changed email address
• ✅ New phone number
• ✅ Business name change
• ✅ Ownership transfer
• ✅ Company restructuring

Important reasons:

Security and verification:

• Transfer authorizations sent to contact email
• Ownership verification for disputes
• Password reset notifications
• Important renewal reminders

ICANN compliance:

• Accurate information required by policy
• Domain can be suspended for false data
• Verification emails must be responded to

Legal protection:

• Proves ownership in disputes
• Trademark claims require accurate data
• Court orders sent to contact address

Communication:

• Registrar notifications
• Billing reminders
• Security alerts
• Policy updates

Risks of Outdated Information

What can go wrong:

Lost domain access:

• Can't reset password (email bounces)
• Miss renewal notices (domain expires)
• Transfer requests fail (can't verify)

Security vulnerabilities:

• Can't receive security alerts
• Unauthorized changes unnoticed
• Domain hijacking easier

Legal issues:

• Can't prove ownership
• UDRP claims complicated
• Failed identity verification

ICANN suspension:

• Domain suspended for inaccurate WHOIS
• Verification emails not received
• Website and email go down

Understanding WHOIS Contact Types

ICANN requires four contact types for domain registrations.

The Four Contact Types

1. Registrant Contact (Owner)

• Legal owner of the domain
• Has ultimate authority
• Can transfer or delete domain
• Most important contact

2. Administrative Contact

• Manages administrative matters
• Can authorize changes
• Often same as registrant
• Receives policy notifications

3. Technical Contact

• Handles technical issues
• DNS and nameserver changes
• Often hosting provider or IT person
• Receives technical notices

4. Billing Contact

• Handles payment matters
• Receives invoices
• Renewal reminders
• Often same as registrant

Typical Setup

For individuals/small businesses:

Registrant: Your name
Admin: Your name (same)
Technical: Your name (same)
Billing: Your name (same)

For larger organizations:

Registrant: Company name / CEO
Admin: Domain manager
Technical: IT department
Billing: Accounting department

What Information Is Collected

Required fields:

• Full name (or company name)
• Organization (if applicable)
• Street address
• City
• State/Province
• Postal code
• Country
• Phone number (with country code)
• Email address

Optional fields:

• Fax number
• Additional address lines
• Organization title

Step-by-Step Update Process

Follow these steps to update your domain contact information safely.

Step 1: Access Your Registrar Account

Log in to where your domain is registered:

1. Open registrar website (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
2. Click "Sign In" or "Log In"
3. Enter credentials (username/email and password)
4. Complete 2FA if enabled
5. Access account dashboard

Don't know your registrar?

# Run WHOIS lookup
whois yourdomain.com | grep "Registrar:"

# Output shows:
Registrar: NAMECHEAP INC

Visit that registrar's website and log in.

Step 2: Navigate to Domain Management

Find your domain:

Typical paths:

• "My Domains" → Select domain
• "Domain Management" → Domain list
• "Products" → Domains → Manage
• Search for domain name

Common registrar locations:

Namecheap: Domain List → Select domain → "Manage" button

GoDaddy: My Products → Domains → domain name → DNS / Manage

Cloudflare: Domain Registration → Select domain → Manage

Google Domains (Squarespace): My domains → Select domain → Settings

Step 3: Find Contact Information Settings

Look for these labels:

• "Contact Information"
• "WHOIS Information"
• "Registrant Information"
• "Domain Contacts"
• "Edit Contacts"

Usually found under:

• Domain settings
• Domain details
• WHOIS settings
• Contact management

Example navigation:

Domain Details → Contact Information → Edit

Step 4: Review Current Information

Before making changes:

✅ Screenshot current information

• Save as backup
• Reference if needed
• Proof of previous ownership

✅ Note what needs updating

• Which fields are incorrect?
• What are the new values?
• Which contact types to update?

✅ Check all four contact types

• Registrant (owner)
• Administrative
• Technical
• Billing

Step 5: Update Information

Make your changes:

Click "Edit" or "Update" button

Update each field as needed:

• Name/Company name
• Email address
• Physical address
• Phone number
• Organization details

Important:

• ✅ Use real, accurate information
• ✅ Ensure email is accessible long-term
• ✅ Include country code in phone (+1, +44, etc.)
• ✅ Use complete address (no PO boxes for some TLDs)

Common options:

"Same as Registrant" checkbox:

• Often available for Admin/Tech/Billing
• Use same info as registrant
• Simplifies management
• Can change later if needed

"Apply to all contacts" option:

• Updates all four contact types at once
• Good for individuals
• Review before applying

Step 6: Review Changes Carefully

Before saving:

Double-check accuracy:

• ✅ Email address correct (no typos)
• ✅ Can access that email
• ✅ Address complete and current
• ✅ Phone number includes country code
• ✅ All required fields filled

Common mistakes to avoid:

• ❌ Typos in email (verification will fail)
• ❌ Old email address (can't verify)
• ❌ Incomplete address
• ❌ Wrong country code
• ❌ Special characters in name

Step 7: Save and Confirm

Complete the update:

1. Click "Save" or "Update Contacts"
2. Review confirmation screen
3. Confirm changes if prompted
4. Note any warnings or messages

You may see:

• "Changes saved successfully"
• "Verification email sent"
• "Updates will propagate in 24-48 hours"
• "Transfer lock applied for 60 days"

Step 8: Verify Email

Critical step:

Within minutes:

• Check email inbox (including spam)
• Look for verification email
• Subject: "Domain Contact Verification" or similar

Email contents:

Action Required: Verify your contact information
for yourdomain.com

Click this link to verify within 15 days:
[Verify Email Address]

Failure to verify may result in domain suspension.

Click verification link immediately:

1. Opens confirmation page
2. Confirmation message displays
3. Verification complete

Must complete within 15 days or domain may be suspended

Step 9: Confirm Propagation

Wait 24-48 hours, then verify:

Check WHOIS:

whois yourdomain.com

Or use online tools:

• whois.domaintools.com
• whois.icann.org
• Your registrar's WHOIS lookup

Verify:

• ✅ New information showing
• ✅ Updated date changed
• ✅ Registrar info unchanged (unless transferring)

If using WHOIS privacy:

• Your actual info hidden from public
• Privacy service info shown instead
• This is normal and correct

Verification Requirements

ICANN requires email verification for contact information changes.

When Verification Is Required

Always required for:

• Registrant email address changes
• Registrant name changes
• Any registrant contact field changes

Sometimes required for:

• Admin contact changes
• Technical contact changes
• Billing contact changes

Not required for:

• Phone number only
• Address only (sometimes)
• Organization field only

Depends on registrar: Some require verification for any change.

Verification Process

Timeline:

Immediately: Verification email sent Within 15 days: Must click verification link After 15 days: Domain may be suspended if not verified

What the email contains:

From: [email protected] or verification service Subject: Domain Contact Verification Required Content:

• Domain name
• What changed
• Verification link
• Deadline (15 days)
• Consequences of not verifying

What Happens If You Don't Verify

Day 1-14: Reminder emails sent Day 15: Domain suspended (stops working)

When suspended:

• ❌ Website goes offline
• ❌ Email stops working
• ❌ Visitors see error messages
• ❌ All domain services disrupted

To restore:

1. Find verification email
2. Click link (usually still works)
3. Contact registrar support if link expired
4. Domain reactivated after verification

Prevention: Always verify immediately!

Important Considerations

Several important factors to understand when updating contact information.

Transfer Lock After Changes

ICANN 60-day transfer lock:

When you change registrant information:

• Domain locked from transfer for 60 days
• Prevents immediate hijacking after change
• Security measure to protect owners

Affected by:

• Registrant name changes
• Registrant email changes
• Registrant organization changes

Not affected by:

• Admin/tech/billing changes
• Phone/address only changes
• Adding/removing privacy

Planning transfers?

• Update contact info first
• Wait 60 days
• Then initiate transfer

Or:

• Skip update if transferring soon
• Update after transfer completes

WHOIS Privacy Impact

How privacy affects updates:

With privacy enabled:

• Your real info stored but hidden
• Privacy service info shown publicly
• Changes still go to your actual email
• Verification emails sent to you

To update with privacy:

1. Keep privacy enabled (don't disable)
2. Update contact information normally
3. Verify via email
4. Privacy remains active

Exception: Some registrars require temporarily disabling privacy for changes.

GDPR and Privacy Laws

In EU/EEA:

• Personal data protected by GDPR
• Much WHOIS data redacted from public view
• Registrars still have your data
• Available for legitimate purposes

Requirements:

• Must still be accurate
• Verification still required
• Registrar maintains records
• Accessible for disputes/legal matters

What's hidden publicly:

• Personal names (often)
• Personal addresses
• Personal phone numbers
• Personal email addresses

What's visible:

• Registrar information
• Creation/expiration dates
• Nameservers
• Domain status

Business vs Personal Information

Personal domains:

• Use personal name
• Personal address
• Personal email
• Residential phone

Business domains:

• Company legal name
• Business address
• Company email ([email protected])
• Business phone

Best practice for businesses:

• Use company information
• Use generic email ([email protected])
• Makes transitions easier
• More professional appearance

Common Update Scenarios

Different situations require different approaches.

Scenario 1: Email Address Changed

You moved to new email:

Steps:

1. Update registrant email address
2. Verify from NEW email (check immediately)
3. Ensure access to OLD email temporarily
4. Some registrars send to both old and new

Important:

• Keep old email active during transition
• Verification may go to old address
• Wait for confirmation before closing old account

Scenario 2: Moved to New Address

You relocated:

Steps:

1. Update address fields
2. Update phone if changed
3. Verification usually not required (unless email also changed)
4. Update immediately (don't wait)

Why prompt update matters:

• Legal documents sent to WHOIS address
• Renewal notices may be mailed
• Proof of ownership in disputes

Scenario 3: Company Name Change

Business renamed:

Steps:

1. Update organization/registrant name
2. Update registrant contact to authorized person
3. Verification required
4. 60-day transfer lock applied

Documents to keep:

• Articles of incorporation showing name change
• Proof of business continuity
• For potential ownership disputes

Scenario 4: Transferring Ownership

Selling or giving domain to someone else:

Option 1: Change of Registrant (CoR)

• Update registrant contact to new owner
• Verification required from both parties
• Official ownership transfer
• 60-day transfer lock

Option 2: Transfer to new owner's registrar

• New owner initiates transfer
• More complete ownership change
• Includes registrar change

Best practice:

• Use official CoR process
• Document transaction
• Get payment before changing ownership
• Use escrow for sales

Scenario 5: Employee Departure

Person managing domains left company:

Immediate actions:

1. Change registrant email to company address
2. Update admin contact
3. Change registrar account credentials
4. Verify access to all accounts

Prevention:

• Use company emails (not personal)
• Centralize domain management
• Document all domain registrations
• Regular access audits

Potential Issues and Solutions

Common problems when updating contact information.

Issue 1: Verification Email Not Received

Problem: Email never arrives

Causes:

• Spam filtering
• Typo in email address
• Server delays
• Wrong email on file

Solutions:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Add registrar to safe senders
3. Request resend from registrar
4. Verify email address has no typos
5. Wait 30 minutes (sometimes delayed)
6. Contact registrar support

Issue 2: Can't Access Old Email

Problem: Verification sent to old email you can't access

Solutions:

1. Contact registrar support immediately
2. Provide identity verification (ID, billing info)
3. Request manual verification
4. May require fax or uploaded documents
5. Be prepared for delays

Prevention: Update email before losing access

Issue 3: Changes Not Showing in WHOIS

Problem: Updated but WHOIS still shows old info

Wait time:

• 24-48 hours for propagation
• Some registries update slower
• Cache may show old data

Solutions:

1. Wait 48 hours
2. Clear browser cache
3. Try different WHOIS tools
4. Contact registrar if still not updated after 48 hours

Issue 4: Locked Due to Incomplete Verification

Problem: Didn't verify, domain suspended

Immediate actions:

1. Find verification email
2. Click link (often still works)
3. Contact registrar support if link expired
4. Provide identity verification
5. Request unlock after verification

Resolution time: Usually within hours after verification

Best Practices

Follow these guidelines for managing domain contact information.

Keep Information Current

Regular review schedule:

• ✅ Annually review all domains
• ✅ After major life events (move, job change)
• ✅ When employee roles change
• ✅ During company restructuring

Set reminders:

• Calendar event every 6-12 months
• Review contact info for all domains
• Update any changes immediately

Use Long-Term Email

Best practices:

• ✅ Use domain-based email ([email protected])
• ✅ Or long-term personal email (Gmail, Outlook)
• ❌ Don't use work email for personal domains
• ❌ Don't use school email (.edu addresses)
• ❌ Avoid free temporary emails

Why: You'll need access for years

Centralize Management

For multiple domains:

• Use one primary email for all
• Maintain spreadsheet of domains
• Document which email used for each
• Use password manager for credentials

For businesses:

• Use generic company email ([email protected])
• Set up forwarding to multiple people
• Don't rely on one person's email
• Create redundancy

Document Everything

Keep records of:

• Current contact information
• Update history
• Verification confirmations
• Support ticket numbers
• Screenshots of changes

Why: Proves ownership in disputes

Enable Notifications

Set up alerts for:

• Contact information changes
• Verification requests
• WHOIS updates
• Suspicious activity
• Renewal reminders

Most registrars offer: Email notifications for domain changes

Verify Immediately

Never wait:

• ✅ Check email within minutes of update
• ✅ Click verification link immediately
• ✅ Don't wait hours or days
• ✅ Reduces risk of suspension

Add to routine: Update → Verify → Confirm

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update my domain contact information?

Update whenever information changes—don't wait for specific intervals. Review annually even if nothing changed to ensure accuracy. After moving, changing jobs, updating email, or any life change affecting contact details, update immediately.

Will updating my contact information affect my website?

No. Updating WHOIS contact information doesn't affect your website, email, or domain resolution. DNS settings remain unchanged. Your site continues working normally. Only the administrative contact information in the WHOIS database changes.

Can I use a PO Box for my domain address?

Generally yes for gTLDs (.com, .net, .org), but some registrars and ccTLDs require physical street addresses. ICANN allows PO Boxes, but certain verification processes may require actual address. Check specific TLD requirements if uncertain.

What happens if I don't verify the change?

After 15 days without verification, ICANN policy requires registrars to suspend your domain. When suspended, your website goes offline, email stops working, and all domain services cease until you verify. Always verify immediately to avoid suspension.

How long does it take for changes to show in WHOIS?

Changes typically appear in WHOIS within 24-48 hours, though some registries update faster. Public WHOIS databases cache data, so different lookup tools may show updates at different times. If not updated after 48 hours, contact your registrar.

Can I update contact information during a transfer?

Not recommended. Wait until transfer completes, then update. Updating during active transfer can cause complications, delays, or transfer failure. Handle one process at a time for safety.

Do I need to disable WHOIS privacy to update contacts?

Usually no. Most registrars allow updates with privacy enabled—your changes go to the registrar, they update their privacy service. Some registrars require temporarily disabling privacy. Check your registrar's specific process.

What if I sell my domain—how do I transfer ownership?

Use your registrar's "Change of Registrant" (CoR) process. Update registrant contact to new owner's information, both parties verify, 60-day transfer lock applies. For sales, consider using escrow service for protection. Document everything.

Can someone else update my contact information?

Only if they have access to your registrar account. This is why strong passwords, 2FA, and account security are critical. If unauthorized changes occur, contact your registrar immediately and report possible hijacking.

Why am I getting emails to verify contact info I didn't change?

Could be: routine verification (some registrars do periodic checks), registrar system updates, automatic verification after other changes, or concerning—potential unauthorized access. Log into registrar and check change history. If suspicious, change password immediately.

Key Takeaways

Next Steps

Now that you understand how to update domain contact information:

Take Action Now:

1. Review your current information: Log into registrar and check accuracy
2. Update if needed: Follow the step-by-step process above
3. Verify immediately: Click verification links within minutes

Learn More:

1. Understand WHOIS privacy: Domain Privacy Protection: Complete Guide
2. Secure your domain: How to Protect Your Domain from Hijacking
3. Transfer ownership properly: How to Transfer a Domain Name Between Registrars

Maintain Properly:

1. Set annual reminder to review contact information
2. Document all updates in spreadsheet or password manager
3. Enable account notifications for any changes

Domain owners