This article explains what domain suspension is, outlining the common reasons for it and detailing the necessary steps to reinstate a domain. It serves as a guide for ensuring a domain remains active and in compliance
Key Takeaways
- Suspension – A domain suspension temporarily disables the domain, preventing the website and email from functioning.
- Causes – Common reasons for suspension include non-payment, violating policies, legal disputes, and providing inaccurate WHOIS information.
- Reinstatement – To reinstate a domain, you must first identify the cause of the suspension and then resolve the issue, such as paying fees or updating your details.
- Consequences – If a domain is not reinstated in time, it may be permanently deleted and re-enter the public marketplace.
- Prevention – Using a privacy service like Trustname's Two-Tier Privacy can help prevent suspensions related to inaccurate WHOIS information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Domain Suspension and reinstatement are critical processes to ensure compliance with domain registration policies and address issues that may arise. Here’s a detailed look at what these terms mean and how they are handled.
Domain Suspension
What is Domain Suspension?
Domain suspension occurs when a domain name is temporarily disabled, preventing it from resolving to a website or handling email. Suspension can result from various issues, including non-payment, policy violations, or legal disputes.
Reasons for Domain Suspension
- Non-Payment
Failure to renew the domain name or pay associated fees may result in suspension. This typically occurs when
[Component][List][Markers] Custom - Automatic renewal fails due to outdated payment information
- There are insufficient funds in the account linked to the domain
- Additional services, such as domain hosting or SSL certificates, have unpaid fees
- Registrars like Trustname usually provide a grace period after the expiration date (30 days), but if payment is not received within this timeframe, the domain will be suspended
- Policy Violations
Violating registrar or registry policies, such as providing false registration details or infringing on trademarks, may result in suspension. Other common policy violations include
[Component][List][Markers] Custom - Using the domain phish to distribute malware
- Using the domain for purposes that breach the terms of service. E.g., Setting up fake e-commerce sites for credit card fraud.
- Legal Disputes
Ongoing legal disputes, including those related to intellectual property rights, may result in suspension until resolved. Other disputes occur when
[Component][List][Markers] Custom - A trademark owner files a UDRP complaint alleging cybersquatting
- There's a court order requiring the domain to be suspended
- The registrar receives a valid cease and desist letter
- WHOIS Inaccuracy
Failure to maintain accurate WHOIS information or verify contact details as required by ICANN’s WHOIS Accuracy Program can lead to suspension. This includes
[Component][List][Markers] Custom - Deliberately providing false contact information
- Failing to update WHOIS data when contact details change
- Not completing the required verification process for specific domain extensions
- Using obviously fictitious names or addresses in the WHOIS record
Process of Suspension
- Notification – The registrar (Trustname.com) will typically send a notification to the domain owner regarding the suspension, detailing the reason and any required actions.
- Suspension – Once the suspension is enacted, the domain will no longer resolve to its associated website or handle email. Any related services will be disrupted.
- Resolution – The domain owner must address the issue that led to the suspension to restore functionality.
Reinstating a Suspended Domain
Steps to Reinstatement
- Identify the Cause
Determine the reason for suspension by reviewing the notification sent by the registrar.
- Address the Issue
[Component][List][Number] Custom - For Non-Payment – Settle any outstanding fees or renew the domain.
- For Policy Violations – Correct any issues related to policy compliance or contact the registrar for clarification.
- For Legal Disputes – Resolve the legal issue or comply with UDRP decisions.
- For WHOIS Accuracy – Update and verify WHOIS information as required.
- Submit a Reinstatement Request
Follow the registrar’s process for requesting reinstatement. This may involve contacting customer support or completing a reinstatement form in the customer portal.
- Review and Processing
The registrar will review the request and verify that the issue has been resolved. This may take a few days, depending on the nature of the problem.
- Domain Restoration
Once approved, the registrar will restore the domain’s functionality, allowing it to resolve to its website and handle email again.
Examples of Reinstatement Scenarios
- Example 1 – A domain is suspended due to non-payment. The owner pays the overdue renewal fees, and after processing, the domain is reinstated and becomes active again.
- Example 2 – A domain is suspended due to inaccurate WHOIS information. The owner updates the WHOIS data and submits a request for reinstatement. Once verified, the domain is restored.
Actions by Trustname
- Suspension Notification – Trustname will notify the domain owner of the suspension, providing details and instructions for resolution.
- Reinstatement Process – Trustname will guide the owner through the reinstatement process, ensuring that all issues are addressed and resolved.
- Support – Trustname provides customer service to assist with any questions or issues related to domain suspension and reinstatement.
When dealing with domain suspensions related to Whois accuracy, Trustname's Two-Tier Privacy system makes it incredibly easy to maintain WHOIS contact accuracy and incredibly hard for anyone to access it. How it works
- Tier 1 registers domains under Perfect Privacy LLC, shielding your actual details. This provides a buffer against legal issues, with the LLC serving as the initial point of contact.
- In Tier 2, Trustname replaces the WHOIS information with details of another LLC regardless of whether the domain is registered under the Tier 1 LLC or your name.
You can revert to public registration at any time. More importantly, Trustname provides this service free for life.
FAQs
Check the notification email sent by Trustname for details on the reason for the suspension. You can also contact customer support for more information.
Settle any outstanding renewal fees or invoices promptly. Once payment is processed, you can request reinstatement through the customer portal or contact our support team.
No, domain suspension will disrupt your website and email services until the issue is resolved and the domain is reinstated.
The reinstatement process typically takes a few days, depending on the issue and the registrar’s processing times.
If the issue is not resolved, the domain may eventually be deleted or enter a redemption period, during which additional fees and processes may be required to recover it.