How to Manage and Update Domain Contact Information

Domain contact information includes the name, address, email, and phone number of individuals responsible for a domain. ICANN requires this information for domain ownership verification, renewal notifications, security compliance, and technical issue resolution.

In the Domain Contacts section, you will see the following:

• Domain Contacts - Personal information registered to the customer's domain name. The customer can manage the Admin and Tech contacts.
• Domain Privacy + Protection - An encrypted version of the domain contact's information will be visible on the Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS), formerly WHOIS, shown on the right side, indicating the customer's private domain name. You can toggle to turn on and off by following the steps.

• Understanding Domain Contacts and Permissions
• How to Edit Domain Contact Information
• Managing Domain Privacy Protection
• What Happens When You Edit Domain Contact Information?
• Understanding COR Lock and Other Domain Locks
• Summary

Understanding Domain Contacts and Permissions

Every domain has a Domain Owner, who holds legal authority over the domain and manages permissions for associated domain contacts. These contacts are listed in the Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS), formerly the WHOIS, and recognized by ICANN as authorized representatives. Keeping registrant details up to date is essential, especially for domain transfers.

Domain Contacts and Permissions

Permissions	Owner	Admin	Tech
Approve any transfers for the domain name
Change and appoint domain contacts
Maintain and update the Domain Nameservers (DNS)
Make changes without permission from the domain owner
Manage domain name settings
Receive notifications regarding the domain name expiration
Responsible for payment of the domain name renewal
Right to use, sell or destroy a domain name

How to Edit Domain Contact Information

To update domain contact details:

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Click on the Domains tab in the main navigation menu.
   
   • If you have only one domain in your account, clicking the Domains tab in the left-hand menu immediately opens the Domains Overview panel.
     
   • If you have multiple domains, click on the domain you want to manage to access its management panel.

     Alternatively, you can use the Search box to find the domain name you wish to manage.
     

3. Go to the Contacts section.
   
4. Click the Manage Admin and Tech Contacts link to add or edit the domain contact.
   
5. Choose the contact type (Admin or Tech). From here, you can:
   
   • Add a New User (Admin or Tech)
   • Add an Existing User

Add a New User (Admin or Tech)

1. Click on the Change button to add the domain contacts.
   
2. Toggle between the Admin and Tech tab.
3. Click the Add new link.
   
4. In the Add New User pop-up, invite a new user to your account to become a domain contact by entering their Name and Email Address.
   
5. Choose the Role (Admin or Tech) based on the permissions required.
6. Click ADD to save your changes.

Add an Existing User

1. Click Change in the Contacts section.
   
2. Select an existing user from the dropdown.
   
3. Update the information, and then click Save to update contact details.

Managing Domain Privacy Protection

Domain privacy protection is an essential service for website owners that helps safeguard personal information from public view. By managing this feature, you can decide when to enable or disable it, ensuring that your sensitive data remains secure while maintaining your online presence.

• Enabling Domain Privacy Protection
• Disabling Domain Privacy Protection

Enabling Domain Privacy Protection

Domain Privacy Protection ensures personal information remains hidden in the public Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS), formerly WHOIS.

To activate domain privacy and protections, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Domain Privacy + Protection in the Contacts section.
2. Toggle the switch ON to enable protection.
   
   If unavailable, proceed with purchasing Domain Privacy Protection.
   

Disabling Domain Privacy Protection

To turn off domain privacy and protections, follow these steps:

1. In the Contacts tab section, look for Domain Privacy + Protection.
2. Toggle to turn off domain privacy protection.
   
3. Read the disclaimer in the Turn Off Private Registration pop-up, check the agree box, and click the Turn Off button to save your changes.
   

It may take some time for domain setting updates to be reflected entirely in our systems.

What Happens When You Edit Domain Contact Information?

• A Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS) email is sent for confirmation.
• A 60-day transfer lock may be applied to prevent unauthorized transfers.
• Some registrars may temporarily hold updates for security verification.

Understanding COR Lock and Other Domain Locks

• What is a COR Lock?
• How to Unlock a COR Lock
• Other Locks That May Occur

What is a COR Lock?

A Change of Registrant (COR) lock is a security feature that prevents unauthorized domain transfers after registrant information updates. It applies a 60-day transfer lock.

How to Unlock a COR Lock

• Some registrars allow opting out before submitting changes.
• If locked, the customer must wait 60 days.

Other Locks That May Occur

• Transfer Lock: Prevents transfers after contact updates.
• Registrar Lock: Requires manual removal by the registrar.
• ICANN Hold: The domain may be suspended if Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS) verification isn't completed in 15 days.

We use various locks on domain names to prevent accidental or malicious transfers and changes that could disrupt associated services or products. For more details, check out the article on The Different Types of Domain Locks.

Summary

Managing domain contacts is crucial for ownership verification, security, and compliance. To secure their information, you should update contact details promptly and enable domain privacy protection. Changes may trigger Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS) verification emails and domain transfer locks, ensuring domains remain protected.