Registering a domain name

If you want to start a website, you must first choose a domain name (internet address). You then buy the domain name and register it.

Checking a domain name

When choosing a domain name, you have to make sure it does not yet exist. You cannot choose a domain name that is already in use, and your domain name must respect the trademark rights and trade name rights of other companies.

You can use the Whois-search option on the website of the Foundation for Internet Domain Registration in the Netherlands (Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland, SIDN), if you want to check if a certain domain name (.nl) already exists. You could also consult your internet provider's website, which usually offers domain name checks for .nl and other extensions as well.

Submitting a request for domain name registration

You must register a domain name from a domain names registrar. They will then submit a registration request on your behalf to the organisation that administers domain names. The organisation administering the top level domain (TLD) ‘.nl’ is SIDN.