Why Update Your WHOIS Information
Maintaining updated contact information for your domain name in the WHOIS database is an important practice. You may not realize it, but there are certain important reasons why you should update this information, especially the Registrant's contact email address for your domain.
About the WHOIS database
Your registrar is responsible for publishing the relevant domain information in a WHOIS database. A WHOIS database is an online directory where the general public can look up domain names using the WHOIS search tool.
Requirement for accurate contact information
ICANN policy requires registrars to maintain accurate contact details for the domain name owner in the WHOIS database. When registering a new domain or making changes to the registrant, admin, tech, or billing contact information listed in the WHOIS, the domain registrar will send an email requesting verification. The domain name will be suspended if no response is received within 15 days.
Additionally, the registrar may contact the email address on file to notify the domain name owner of domain expiration, transfer attempts, and general domain management information. If no response is received, the registrar has the authority to delete the domain name, allowing someone else to register the same domain name.
Keep your domain information private
Domain Privacy is a service that allows you to keep your personal and business contact information, such as your name, address, email, and phone number, private from prying eyes while still ensuring that you list valid contact information for your domain.
Please check out the following article to learn how to activate your Domain Privacy.
Inaccurate information can lead to domain expiration and redemption
Domain expiration can be disruptive. ICANN provides for a redemption period, during which the registrar temporarily deactivates the expired domain name. However, reactivating the domain name during this period requires a reactivation fee of $75 to $90 USD in addition to the renewal fee (some registrars charge as much as $250).
No domain, no website
Domain expiration can cause you to lose important incoming emails and experience the unavailability of the related website. Domain name expiration can seriously impact the business of the domain name owner.
Practice good domain name management
You can avoid expiration by practicing good domain name management. Simply log into the domain control panel every 3 months to update the domain name's contact details and maintain your WHOIS entry's accuracy.
WHOIS updates
HostGator recommends that you update the entire WHOIS record, including phone, address, email, and business organization information. This will help ensure you receive notice about renewals, transfers, and domain management. If you require help in updating your contact details, please read the related articles listed below: