Transferring a domain out of quarantine: here is how it works
Your website is offline, your email no longer works and you discover that your domain name is in quarantine. Panic? That is understandable, but there is good news: you can transfer your domain out of quarantine to another provider. In this article we explain step by step how that works, what it costs and what to look for.
What is domain name quarantine?
When a .nl domain name is cancelled or is not renewed in time, the domain goes into quarantine. This is a waiting period of 40 days set by SIDN (the manager of all .nl domains).
During the quarantine period the following happens:
- Your website is no longer reachable
- Your email addresses on that domain no longer work
- The domain name is not yet free for registration by others
- Only the original holder can restore or transfer the domain
After the 40 days of quarantine end, the domain name is released. Anyone can then register it again - and you have lost your domain for good.
Please note: for international extensions such as .com, .net and .org, different rules and terms apply. The quarantine period (also called the "redemption period") often lasts 30 days there and the restoration costs are usually higher.
How does your domain name end up in quarantine?
There are three common scenarios that cause a domain name to end up in quarantine. By understanding how it happens, you can assess whether you need to transfer your domain out of quarantine or whether there is another solution.
Forgetting to renew
This is by far the most common cause. You miss a renewal reminder, the payment fails, or you do not have auto-renewal turned on. The registration period expires and your provider cancels the domain with SIDN. Read more about renewing your domain name to prevent this.
Accidentally cancelled
You wanted to cancel a different domain, or while cleaning up your hosting plan you accidentally cancelled your domain name as well. Unfortunately this happens more often than you think.
The provider cancelled the domain
Some providers cancel domain names if there is a payment arrears or if your hosting plan is terminated. You usually get a warning about this, but not always.
Your options when your domain is in quarantine
Once your domain name is in quarantine, you have three options. Which one you choose depends on your situation.
Option 1 - Back with the same provider
The simplest option: ask your current provider to take the domain out of quarantine. Most providers can arrange this for you, but the costs vary. Some providers charge €50 or more on top of the regular renewal costs.
Downside: if you are unhappy with your current provider (perhaps their poor communication was the reason your domain ended up in quarantine), you are back with the same party.
Option 2 - Transfer to a new provider
This is what most people are looking for: transferring your domain out of quarantine to another hosting provider. This is possible, but not every provider offers this service. It requires direct communication with SIDN and the right documentation.
Advantages of transferring:
- You can switch to a better provider straight away
- Often cheaper than with your old provider
- Your domain is immediately renewed for a year
- Fast turnaround (1-3 business days)
Option 3 - Waiting until quarantine expires
In theory you can wait until the 40 days of quarantine are over and then register the domain again. However, this is very risky:
- Others can try to register the domain at the same moment
- Domain grabbers actively monitor .nl domains that are becoming available
- You are offline for 40 days without a website and email
- There is no guarantee that you will get the domain back
Our advice: never wait for this. The cost of transferring your domain out of quarantine is a fraction of the damage if you lose your domain permanently.
Transferring a domain out of quarantine to Theory7
At Theory7 you can transfer your domain out of quarantine, even if the domain is with another provider. Our procedure is simple:
- Get in touch with our support team through a ticket or live chat
- Send the required documents (see below)
- We arrange it with SIDN - we submit a transfer request with the correct documentation
- Domain is active - within 1-3 business days your domain is back online with Theory7
Cost: a one-time €79 excl. VAT, including 1 year of renewal of your domain name. That is all - no hidden costs.
After the transfer you can set up your website and email again straight away. Your domain name is renewed for a full year, so you do not have to worry about renewal dates for a while.
What does it cost to get a domain out of quarantine?
What does it cost to transfer your domain out of quarantine to a new provider? The costs vary considerably. Below is a comparison:
| Provider | From another provider | Existing customer | Renewal included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory7 | €79 excl. VAT | €50 excl. VAT | Yes, 1 year |
| Vimexx | €99 excl. VAT | Unknown | Yes |
| TransIP | ~€100 excl. VAT | €50 excl. VAT | Yes |
| Antagonist | Not possible | €50 excl. VAT | Yes |
Theory7 is therefore one of the cheapest options for transferring your domain out of quarantine from another provider. On top of that, we handle the entire process for you - you do not have to contact SIDN yourself.
Which documents do you need?
SIDN requires documentation to prove that you are the rightful holder of the domain name. Which documents you need depends on your situation:
For individuals
- Copy of proof of identity - passport or driver's license of the domain holder
For companies
- Copy of proof of identity - of an authorized signatory
- Recent Chamber of Commerce extract - no older than 3 months
In case of a name change
- Marriage certificate or proof of name change - if the name on the domain differs from your current proof of identity
Tip: make sure the name on your proof of identity matches the name the domain name is registered under. In case of discrepancies, SIDN may request additional documentation.
How do you check whether your domain is in quarantine?
Before you can transfer your domain out of quarantine, you first need to be sure that the domain is actually in quarantine. Here is how you check it:
WHOIS check
Use a WHOIS tool to look up the status of your domain name. For a .nl domain in quarantine you see the status "inactive" or no active registrar is listed anymore. You can use the domain name checker for a quick check.
SIDN registration check
On the SIDN website you can look up the exact status of your .nl domain. There you see whether the domain is active, in quarantine or already released.
Contact with your (former) provider
Call or email your previous hosting provider. They can tell you whether the domain has been cancelled and whether it is in quarantine.
Preventing domain name quarantine
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are the most important measures to prevent your domain name from ever ending up in quarantine:
Turn on auto-renewal
The most effective measure. Turn on auto-renewal with your provider so that your domain is automatically renewed before it expires. At Theory7 this is on by default.
Keep your contact details up to date
Make sure your email address with your domain provider is current. Renewal reminders and warnings arrive at that address. If your email address is wrong, you miss crucial notifications.
Check your payment methods
An expired credit card or a blocked direct debit can cause the renewal payment to fail. Regularly check that your payment details are still correct.
Pay several renewal periods ahead
Register your domain name for several years at once. This reduces the chance of a missed renewal. With most providers you can register up to 10 years ahead.
Also read our article about protecting your domain name for more tips to prevent losing your domain.
Timeline: from quarantine to transfer
Curious how quickly you can arrange to transfer your domain out of quarantine? This is the typical course at Theory7:
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | You get in touch with Theory7 |
| Day 0-1 | You send the required documents |
| Day 1-2 | We submit the transfer request to SIDN |
| Day 2-3 | SIDN processes the request and the domain becomes active |
| Day 3 | Your website and email work again |
In most cases your domain name is active again within 1 to 3 business days. Transferring a domain out of quarantine is therefore considerably faster than waiting 40 days for the quarantine to end.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer any domain name out of quarantine?
You can only transfer a domain name out of quarantine if you are the rightful holder. You have to be able to prove this with a valid proof of identity and possibly a Chamber of Commerce extract.
How long does the quarantine of a .nl domain last?
The quarantine period for .nl domains is 40 days. After this period the domain is released and anyone can register it.
What if the 40 days are already over?
If the quarantine period has expired, the domain is released. You can then only get it back by registering it again - if no one else has beaten you to it.
Can I get my domain out of quarantine without transferring?
Yes, you can ask your current provider to restore the domain. But if you want to switch, transferring during quarantine is precisely the ideal moment.
Does my email still work during quarantine?
No. As soon as a domain goes into quarantine, all services running on that domain stop: website, email and any subdomains. Emails sent to you are returned to the sender.
What does it cost at Theory7 if I am already a customer?
If your domain name is already with Theory7 and has gone into quarantine, you pay €50 excl. VAT for the restoration. This includes 1 year of renewal.
Does quarantine also apply to .com and other extensions?
Yes, but the rules and terms differ per extension. For .com domains it is called the "redemption grace period" and it lasts 30 days. The restoration costs are usually higher than for .nl domains.
Do I have to rebuild my website after the transfer?
No. With a transfer out of quarantine, only the registrar changes (the party where your domain is registered). Your website files and databases are not touched. You do have to adjust your DNS settings or nameservers so that the domain points to your new hosting.
Practical tips for getting your domain name back
The process of getting a domain name out of quarantine goes more smoothly if you are well prepared. Below are a few tips from practice:
Act quickly when you get a notification
As soon as you receive a notification that your domain name is going into quarantine, with .nl domains you have 40 days to take action. Do not wait too long with this. The sooner you contact your provider or choose a new registrar, the faster the process goes. After the quarantine period the domain name is released and someone else can register it.
Store your authorization code safely
To transfer a domain name you always need an authorization code (also called an EPP code or transfer code). You get this code from your current or former provider. Store this code safely, because without it the transfer cannot be started. At Theory7 we are happy to help if you have trouble obtaining the code.
Check your DNS settings after the transfer
After a successful transfer out of quarantine you have to check that your DNS settings are correct. This is especially important if your website and email are on different servers. Do not forget to adjust your nameservers and check your MX records so that your email is delivered correctly again. With a transfer to Theory7, our support helps with this, so that your website and email are back online as quickly as possible.
