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General / Registering a .ie domain / Questions about existing .ie domains
Index of Questions:
General
1. What exactly is the IEDR - is it a statutory body, is it a semi-state, is it part of University College Dublin (UCD), is it some kind of public service or is it a monopoly?
2. What is a domain name (or: what does .ie mean) and do I need one for my business?
3. How come anyone can get any .com domain name and yet it seems difficult to get a .ie domain name?
4. Why is it cheaper to get a .com domain name compared to a .ie domain?
5. I want to contact the holders of a particular .ie domain. What should I do?
6. I object to the content or usage of a particular .ie website. What should I do?
7. I believe a particular .ie website is being used for illegal activities. What should I do?
8. I have a complaint about a policy, decision, or action taken by the IEDR or one of its affiliates. Who should I contact and in what format?
9. Can you please explain the layout of the WHOIS Search results?
10. What is a NIC-Handle?
11. What is an Admin-Contact?
12. What is a Tech-Contact?
13. What is a Billing-Contact?
Registering a .ie Domain name
14. I would like to register a .ie domain name. How do I go about it?
15. What supporting information do I need to submit to register a .ie domain name?
16. What characters can I use in my domain name?
17. Do I have to register my domain name through a Registrar?
18. Does the IEDR provide any hosting services?
19. How long does it take to register a .ie domain name?
20. I already have a .ie domain name registered and want to register another. Do I have to send all of the same information again?
21. If I register a .ie, does that prevent others from using similar names as .ie domains, or even the same name as a .com, .org, etc?
22. I want to apply for a domain name under the “Discretionary Name“ category, can you tell me what supporting information is required?
23. Can my Admin-Contact be a third-party, such as a web developer?
24. A domain name that I want is already registered. Is there anything I can do to get the domain name?
Questions about your existing .ie Domain name
25. I need to edit my website and/or set-up e-mail. Who do I contact to do this?
26. I want to transfer my domain name to another Registrar–what is the procedure and how long will it take?
27. I want to transfer the billing of my domain to a non-Registrar, how do I go about this and how long will it take?
28. I want to change the nameservers that my domain name points to but I don’t know my user name and password. How can I do this?
29. I need to change the IP address, “MX record“ or “A Record“ for my domain. Who should I contact?
30. The renewal date for my domain has passed, but I haven't received a bill for it. What does this mean?
31. The renewal date of the domain xxxxxxx.ie is in the past but the domain has not yet expired, why is this?
32. I recently registered a domain and the renewal date is still the same as the date of registration, why is this?
33. I forgot to renew my domain name and now it has been deleted. What should I do next?
34. My domain has a status of “Active - Locked“. What does this mean?
35. My domain has a status of “Suspended“. What does this mean?
Questions and Answers:
1. What exactly is the IEDR - is it a statutory body, is it a semi-state, is it part of University College Dublin (UCD), is it some kind of public service or is it a monopoly?
The IEDR's originated in UCD but since July 2000 it has been a private company, limited by guarantee. It has no shareholders, the company is owned by its members who are the directors. Surpluses are not distributed, they are added to opening reserves. Directors as per the company's constitution do not have a “beneficial interest“ in the reserves of the company. Only the IEDR can administer .ie - which it does as a public service - but it is not a monopoly in the sense that anybody in Ireland, or elsewhere, can register domains from a choice of approximately 250 different national and generic TLD names. The IEDR liaises as required with national and international governments, governing bodies, trade associations and abides by Internet best practice principles while still operating as an independent private company.
2. What is a domain name (or: what does .ie mean) and do I need one for my business?
A domain name is essentially the Internet equivalent of a postal address or a telephone number. The same way in which "Ireland" as a postal address and the "353" phone prefix flags where you're physically located, the Internet "suffix" of .ie advises the entire e-business world that you're doing business in, or from, Ireland. If you are doing business in Ireland you are unlikely to want to use an American phone number or an Armenian postal address. That's why .ie is the logical domain name for Irish companies.
3. How come anyone can get any .com domain name and yet it seems difficult to get a .ie domain name?
You have actually answered your own question. Anyone can get any .com domain name - which means somebody has probably already grabbed your .com domain name! Because it's a .ie domain name it tells your potential customers that you are doing business in, or from, Ireland and that you really are who you say you are! This difference between a .ie "Internet address" and a .com "Internet address" has been described as the difference between a recognisable business address and a PO address. Both perform precisely the same function but, from the consumers' perspective, the clearly recognisable business address in a known geographic location inspires more confidence.
4. Why is it cheaper to get a .com domain name compared to a .ie domain?
You are not comparing like with like! .com is a high volume, free-for-all, automated, budget priced domain name and, like any other TLD, it functions adequately. Like many other ccTLDs, .ie is a managed, national domain which, due to necessary human intervention to ensure and validate each registration, comes at a higher cost - but due to its exclusivity and the checks we carry out it also conveys commercial credibility and respectability. It also underlines to your prospective customers and clients that you are transacting business in Ireland. The world may be a global village electronically but consumers still like to know where you are based.
The prices for .ie domain names have been reduced significantly over the past number of years and if you choose to register a domain through one of our Accredited Registrars you will often get it for a fraction of the full retail price that we offer.
5. I want to contact the holders of a particular .ie domain. What should I do?
Due to Data Privacy/Data Protection regulations the IEDR cannot give out any contact details other than what is listed publicly on our WHOIS. Should you wish to contact the owner of a particular .ie domain name, the only method we can suggest is going to their website and seeing if they have any contact details listed there. The IEDR not provide contact details for a domain under any circumstances.
6. I object to the content or usage of a particular .ie website. What should I do?
The IEDR are not responsible for and do not monitor the content of, .ie domains. If we are notified of illegal content on a website, we will refer the matter to An Garda Siochana. However unless the material is illegal, the IEDR can rarely intervene.
7. I believe a particular .ie website is being used for illegal activities. What should I do?
You should report any suspicions of illegal activity to An Garda Siochana immediately.
8. I have a complaint about a policy, decision, or action taken by the IEDR or one of its affiliates. Who should I contact and in what format?
In the first instance, you should contact the person in charge of the Registration Services team in the IEDR. You may do this by email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or by registered post to:
Registration Services Manager,
IEDR,
Harbour Square,
Block 2, 4th Floor,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin.
If the response you receive in not satisfactory, you may escalate the matter to the CEO of the IEDR by email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or by registered post to:
David Curtin
IEDR,
Harbour Square,
Block 2, 4th Floor,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin.
If you need to escalate the matter to the Board of Directors you may write to the Company Secretary in confidence and send it to the company's registered address:
IE Domain Registry,
Harbour Square,
Block 2, 4th Floor,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin.
In the final instance you may wish to contact the Minister with responsibility for the .ie namespace by contacting his agents at The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. ComReg's Consumer Line is LoCall 1890 22 9668 or you can visit their website www.askcomreg.ie.
9. Can you please explain the layout of the WHOIS Search results?
Please see below for a summary of the WHOIS output.
A NIC-Handle is a unique identifier assigned to the contact records on each domain name. This way, if you make a change to the NIC-Handle (i.e., the email address), all domains using that persons' NIC-Handle will be updated as well, thus keeping all your information up to date. It can be likened to an account number.
The Admin-Contact is the individual or company that is responsible for authorising any changes, transfers or deletion of the domain names. To change the Admin-Contact listed on your domain we will require a signed fax on the Domain Holders letterhead to be submitted. This fax must state:"I authorise the change of Admin-Contact for the domain xxxxxxxxx.ie from (Previous Admin-Contact name) to (New Admin-Contact name + email address)." If the previous Admin-Contact is no longer with the Domain Holder organization, please also state this on the authorisation fax. NB: Authorisation must be signed, on headed paper and faxed to: (+353 1) 230 0365. To update your NIC-Handle contact information, please click here to make the necessary changes.
The Tech-Contact is the individual or company that is responsible for the nameservers listed on your domain name. If there are any problems with DNS at the time of registration or modification, this contact will be notified by email. The Admin, Technical and Billing Contacts for a domain name can update the Tech-Contact by simply logging in using their assigned username and password. The IEDR do not require an authorisation fax if you are only amending the Tech-Contact. If you are a contact on the domain and have forgotten your password, click here.
13. What is a Billing-Contact?
A Billing-Contact is the individual or company that is responsible for payment of the initial registration fee and the annual renewal fees for a domain. The IEDR will send an invoice to the Billing-Contact each year for the renewal fee of your domain name.
14. I would like to register a .ie domain name. How do I go about it?
We always recommend that you register your .ie through a Registrar. Registrars can guide you through the application process; they will provide you with the necessary hosting information required in an application, and they will pay the IEDR for your .ie domain as your billing agent when the renewal date arrives.
You should also review our Registration Policy to see what supporting information we may require. For example, in the case of an Irish company or business wishing to register a name that reflects their business name, we would simply require the RBN or CRO number to be entered in the remarks field of the online application form.
15. What supporting information do I need to submit to register a .ie domain name?
Registering a .ie domain has never been easier. To find out what supporting information you will need to submit with your application (if any), click here.
16. What characters can I use in my domain name?
Domain names can only use letters, numbers, and hyphens ("-"). Spaces and other symbols are not allowed. They cannot begin or end with a hyphen. Domain names are not case sensitive. Domains cannot exceed 63 characters.
17. Do I have to register my domain name through an IE Registrar?
No, you can register it directly through us. This is consistent with the IEDR's ethos of providing a public service. However you will need to provide us with two nameservers that are configured to host your domain name, so unless you have your own hosting package we strongly recommend that you register the domain through an Accredited IE Registrar. You will often save money on your renewal fees by registering through a Registrar whether you have your own hosting or not.
18. Does the IEDR provide any hosting services?
No, the IEDR does not provide any hosting services. You can contact one of our Accredited IE Registrars to obtain these services.
19. How long does it take to register a .ie domain name?
When the IEDR receive an application for a .ie domain name it is usually processed within 3 hours. If the registration requirements are meet immediately, the application will be accepted and the domain will go live in the following IE Zone Reload which occurs five times daily (10am/12pm/3pm/5pm/10pm). Should the registration requirements not have been meet in the initial application then an email notification will be sent to advise the applicant what is required to complete the application.
20. I already have a .ie domain name registered and want to register another. Do I have to send all of the same information again?
No, we keep this information on file so that it is not necessary for you to resubmit the information for each new application. However, if you wish to register a domain name that does not have a direct link to your company/business/organisation name, we will require that you submit a self issued letter outlining your claim to the domain name. All documentation can be faxed to (+353) 1 2300365.
21. If I register a .ie domain, does that prevent others from using similar names as .ie domains, or even the same name as a .com, .org, etc?
No. If you register a domain name, for example test1234.ie, this does not prevent other people from registering similar domain names such as test-1234.ie or testing1234.ie etc. The applicant must of course, be able to demonstrate a legitimate claim on the domain they request. If you do not want other individuals or organizations to be able to use variations of your domain name, you can register them first.
With regard to other TLDs, there is nothing to stop someone registering the same .com, .net etc domain name that you have registered under .ie.
22. I want to apply for a domain name under the “Discretionary Name“ category, what supporting information will I need?
To view our page about discretionary names - click here.
23. Can my Admin-Contact be a third-party, such as a web developer?
The Admin-Contact must be from the domain holder organisation. This is very important and ensures that the control over of the domain name remains with the domain holder. The Admin-Contact has the power to transfer, renew or delete the domain name. For these reasons it is extremely important that this power lies with the holder and not, for example, with the person whom you commissioned to design your website. The only exception to this rule is where a legal professional, such as a solicitor, has been chosen to manage this role on behalf of an organisation.
24. A domain name that I want is already registered. Is there anything I can do to get the domain name?
Many different people and organisations can have a claim on the same domain name. We work on a first come first served basis. So if someone else with a legitimate claim to the domain name has gotten there first then there is nothing you can do. Your only alternative is to choose a different domain name.
If you feel strongly that the domain has been registered in bad faith by the current holder, you can avail of our Dispute Resolution service. Complaints are not decided on by IEDR, but by an independent and impartial panel of one or three experts appointed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation. However this may be a costly and a long drawn out process. It costs €1,500 to €5,000 depending on how many domains you are disputing and how many panelists you would like to review your case.
A Complaint must comply with the following:
1. the domain name is identical or misleadingly similar to a Protected Identifier in which the Complainant has rights; and
2. the Registrant has no rights in law or legitimate interests in respect of a domain name; and
3. the domain name has been registered or is being used in bad faith.
A Complaint is only valid if it complies with this Policy and the Rules of Procedure for initiating and the hearing of a Complaint - which can be found at http://arbiter.wipo.int/domains/rules/ie.html. Fees are payable (to WIPO and NOT to IEDR) and you should refer to http://arbiter.wipo.int/domains/fees/cctlds/ie/index.html for the applicable costs.
25. I need to edit my website and/or set-up e-mail. Who do I contact to do this?
You should contact the company that is responsible for hosting your domain name. The IEDR cannot assist you when it comes to uploading content for your website or setting up new email addresses.
26. I want to transfer my domain name to another Registrar. What is the procedure and how long will it take?
On receipt of the correct authorisation, transfer requests are usually processed within 3 hours.
STEP 1: To transfer your domain Billing Contact to a new IE Registrar we will require signed authorisation on headed paper from the Administrative Contact listed on the domain. This fax must state:- "I authorise the transfer of domain xxxxxxxxx.ie to (Name of New IE Registrar)".
If the intended Billing-Contact is not a currently a contact for any other .ie domains we will require them to register themselves as a user - click here .
STEP 2: Upon receipt of the authorisation fax we will contact your chosen IE Registrar advising them to modify the hosting arrangements to your requirements. Please click here for a list of all IE Registrars.
STEP 3: Your chosen IE Registrar modifies the hosting information for your domain.
NB: A domain will receive a "Locked" status following the transfer of Billing Contact. The domain will become unlocked and available for transfer again when the Transfer Renewal fee is paid by the receiving Registrar .
27. I want to transfer the billing of my domain to a non-Registrar, how do I go about this and how long will it take?
On receipt of the correct authorisation and the relevant payment, transfer requests are usually processed within 3 hours.
STEP 1: To transfer your domain Billing-Contact to a non-IE Registrar we will require a signed fax, on headed paper from the Administrative Contact. This fax must state:- "I authorise the transfer of domain xxxxxxxxx.ie to (Name of New Billing Contact)".
If the intended Billing-Contact is not a currently a contact for any other .ie domains we will require them to register themselves as a user - click here.
STEP 2: All transfers to non-IE Registrar Billing-Contacts require a renewal payment to be submitted in advance. To submit an advance renewal payment - click here.
STEP 3: Upon receipt of the authorisation fax and renewal payment we will contact the new Billing Contact and provide them with access to modify the nameservers.
28. I want to change the nameservers that my domain name points to but I don't know my user name and password. How can I do this?
The Admin, Technical and Billing Contacts for a domain name can update the nameservers by simply logging in using their assigned username and password. The IEDR do not require an authorisation fax if you are only amending the nameservers.
A minimum of 2 nameservers that are set up to host your domain must be included in your request.
If you are a contact on the domain and have forgotten your password click here, or if you already have you login details, click here.
29. I need to change the IP address, “MX record” or “A Record” for my domain. Who should I contact?
To change these details you need to contact your hosting provider. The IEDR have no control over the information that your hosting provider has stored for your domain on their nameservers.
30. The renewal date for my domain has passed, but I haven't received a bill for it. What does this mean?
If your renewal date is in the current month – you will not be sent an invoice until the first working day of the month following the renewal month. (For example. If your domain name has a renewal date of the 10th of September – then it will be invoiced on the 1st working day of October). If your domain name is registered through a Registrar, you should contact them directly about any billing queries. If your domain is billed from us directly and you believe that you should have received a copy of your invoice by now, please log into your account online to ensure that we have the correct contact details for you. When you log in, you can also view any outstanding invoices that are on your account and pay for them online. If you do not have your log in details, click here to reset them.
31. The renewal date of the domain xxxxxxx.ie is in the past but the domain has not yet expired, why is this?
All domain names are invoiced on the first working day of the month following the month that their renewal falls in. For example. If your domain name has a renewal date of the 10th of September – then it will be invoiced on the 1st working day of October. The renew date will remain in the past until payment is made. When payment is made the renewal date will instantly go forward by one year. If payment is not received within 30 days of the invoice date the domain name will move into a suspension process.
The suspension process initially notifies the Admin-Contact by email that the domain name has not been paid for and unless payment is made, will be suspended in two weeks from the date of the email. If payment is not received within those two weeks – we will proceed to suspend the domain name as advised. The domain will be suspended for 2 weeks during which time payment can be made and the domain reactivated. However if payment is not received the domain name will be deleted two weeks after suspension and will then be available for re-registration to the general public, on a first come first served basis.
32. I recently registered a domain and the renewal date is still the same as the date of registration, why is this?
The renewal date will not go forward until we have received payment for the domain name.
NB: Please note that if your domain name has been registered through one of our .ie Registrars, it is perfectly normal for the renewal date of the domain name to be in the current year. This is because Registrars are not required to pay in advance for domains they register but rather are invoiced at the end of each month for their total registrations during that month. They then have 30 days to submit payment for these domains.
33. I forgot to renew my domain name and now it has been deleted. What should I do next?
If the domain name is still available (You may check this using our WHOIS service) then you can submit a new application for the domain name. We recommend that you contact one of our Registrars to register the domain. Unfortunately someone else may have registered your domain name in the mean time. As soon as a domain name is deleted it becomes available to the general public again for re-registration on a first come first served basis. The new applicant would also have had to demonstrate a legitimate claim on the domain name. In this case, you should choose an alternative domain name to register.
34. My domain has a status of “Active - Locked”. What does this mean?
If your domain name is 'Locked' this simply means that it is not available to be transferred to another billing contact during the 'locking' period. It does not mean that your domain is unavailable and you are free to make amendments to your DNS as you wish.
The domain will become unlocked when the IEDR issues an invoice to your Registrar for the domain and the fee has been paid (Invoices are issued on a monthly basis).
It is perfectly normal for newly registered/recently transferred domains to have a 'Locked' status, this is due to the IEDR's billing cycle.
35. My domain has a status of “Suspended”. What does this mean?
The most common reason for a domain to be suspended is a result of non payment. The Suspension period lasts for 14 days, during which time the domain name is still registered to the current holder but does not have any functionality ie., no website or email. After 14 days of suspension if the renewal fees have still not been paid, the domain name will be deleted and made available to the general public for re-registration on a first come first served basis.
If your domain name is registered through one of our Registrars, you should contact them directly to pay your renewal fees.
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