Why Update Your RDAP Information for Your Domain Name

Keeping your RDAP information up to date is essential for maintaining control, security, and proper management of your domain name. Accurate domain contact details ensure you receive important notifications and remain compliant with industry requirements.

• About the RDAP database
• Requirement for accurate contact information
• Keep Your Domain Information Private
• Inaccurate Information Can Lead to Domain Expiration
• No Domain, No Website
• Practice Good Domain Name Management
• RDAP Updates
• Change of Registrar (COR) Lock
• Summary

About the RDAP database

Your domain registrar is responsible for publishing domain-related details through the RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) system. RDAP is a modern replacement for traditional lookup systems, allowing users to access domain registration data through a standardized and secure online directory.

This information may include:

• Domain ownership details
• Contact Information
• Registration and expiration dates

Requirement for accurate contact information

According to ICANN policies, registrars must maintain accurate contact details for domain owners. When you:

• Register a new domain
• Update registrant, admin, technical, or billing contact details

You will receive a verification email. If no action is taken within 15 days, the domain may be suspended. Additionally, your registrar may use your RDAP contact email to notify you about:

• Domain expiration reminders
• Transfer requests
• Important account or domain updates

Failure to respond to these notifications may result in domain suspension or deletion, making the domain available for others to register.

Keep Your Domain Information Private

Domain Privacy helps protect your personal and business information by masking your RDAP contact details from public access. This includes:

• Name
• Address
• Email
• Phone number

Domain Privacy allows you to keep your information secure while still maintaining valid domain records. To learn more, see How to Enable and Disable Domain Privacy and Protection.

Inaccurate Information Can Lead to Domain Expiration

Failing to maintain accurate RDAP information can result in missed renewal notices and domain expiration. If your domain expires:

• It may enter a redemption period.
• A reactivation fee (typically $75-$90 USD, sometimes higher) may apply
• You must also pay the renewal fee

No Domain, No Website

If your domain expires, your website and email services will stop working. This can lead to:

• Lost website traffic
• Missed business opportunities
• Email delivery failures

Keeping your RDAP information accurate helps prevent these disruptions.

Practice Good Domain Name Management

To avoid issues, follow the best practices:

• Review your domain details regularly
• Log in to your Bluehost Portal every few months
• Update your contact information as needed
• Ensure your RDAP information remains accurate

RDAP Updates

Bluehost recommends updating your full RDAP record, including:

• Phone number
• Address
• Email Address
• Organization details

Keeping this information current ensures you receive important updates about your domain.

Change of Registrar (COR) Lock

This ICANN-mandated lock is placed for 60 days after changes to the registrant's name, organization, or email. It helps prevent domain hijacking following ownership or contact information updates.

Triggers for COR Lock include:

• Changing the registrant's name, email, or organization
• Internal domain transfer (Registrant Name Change Agreement - RNCA)
• No registrant email is shown in RDDS (admin email triggers the lock)
• Transfer from one party to another

During the 60-day lock, you can still manage and renew domains or transfer them internally between Bluehost accounts—but not to another registrar.

Summary

Maintaining accurate RDAP information is critical for domain security, compliance, and uninterrupted service. Keeping your contact details updated ensures you receive important notifications, avoid domain expiration, and protect your online presence. Regular updates and proper domain management practices help safeguard your website and business continuity.