.DE Domain Policies

OpenSRS nameserver workaround 

Use a DNS template to apply zone records to the domain. Use templates on transfers, new registrations or active domains.

Back to top

All .DE domains auto-renew. There is no grace period for .DE domains. Domains enter the redemption period immediately after expiry.

The redemption period is 30 days after deletion. 

Expire and Deletion Process

Domain Expire Process

An internal expiry process has been created which will allow .DE domains to be set as “auto-expire”.

While this process differs from the standard gTLD expiration flow, it will allow .DE domains to be set to auto-expire without requiring a written deletion request from the registrant. Enabling this status will trigger the domain to delete on its OpenSRS expiration date. It is important to note this will follow the OpenSRS expiration date, and the date of deletion will not be visible in Whois.

Important: Before setting a .DE domain to auto-expire, resellers must obtain clear, explicit, and verifiable consent from the listed registrant. This ensures the deletion is based on a clear and unambiguous instruction from the domain holder, which must be evidenceable at any time., see "Domain Delete Process" for consent options

Domains will enter a Redemption Grace Period (RGP) for 30 days, during which the domain can be restored by the original registrant (for an additional restore fee). For detailed information regarding .DE restores, please refer to the .DE Restore Process.

Domain Delete Process

Resellers may now collect registrant consent electronically, provided the registrant’s intent to delete is explicit, verifiable, and traceable. Acceptable electronic consent methods include:

• An online form submission.
• A checkbox or toggle clearly labeled, for example:
  “I am requesting the deletion of my domain name.”
• Other digital mechanisms that directly capture and log the registrant’s explicit deletion request.

If an electronic method is used, resellers must be able to provide logs or records of the consent within 2 business days of request by OpenSRS or the registry. If electronic collection is not possible, signed deletion forms remain acceptable.

Immediate Delete Process

In rare cases where the registrant requests immediate deletion and explicitly waives the Redemption Grace Period, Tucows Compliance will continue to handle the review of signed deletion requests. In these cases:

• A digital signature is sufficient; a physical (“wet”) signature is not required
• Documentation must be submitted to OpenSRS by the reseller, not directly by the registrant.
• If Tucows Compliance cannot verify that the signature belongs to the registrant, the OpenSRS Support team will contact the submitting reseller for correction

Record keeping Requirements

Resellers must retain log files for at least three (3) years following the final deletion of the domain name.

These logs must document:

• Each registrant’s explicit deletion request, and
• The date and method by which consent was obtained.

Resellers must be able to provide these records to Tucows upon request within two business (2) days.

Restore Process

.DE domains are managed by the DENIC registry, and their restore process differs slightly from other top-level domains (TLDs).
When a .DE domain reaches its OpenSRS expiration date, it is deleted and automatically enters a 30-day Redemption Grace Period (RGP).
When a .DE domain reaches its OpenSRS expiration date:

• The domain is deleted at the registry.
• It immediately enters a 30-day Redemption Grace Period (RGP).
• During this time, the domain cannot be re-registered by a third party.
• It can only be re-registered (restored) on behalf of the previous domain holder

This cooling-off period is intended to protect domain holders from accidental loss of their domain name.
If no restore (re-registration) request is made during the RGP, the domain will become available for general registration after the 30-day period ends.

How to Request a .DE Restore

There are two ways to initiate a restore request:

Option 1: Reseller Web Interface (RWI)

• Log in to your Reseller Web Interface (RWI).
• Select “Domain Redemption.”
• Enter the domain name and your reseller email address for notifications.
• Submit the request.

Option 2: Contact OpenSRS Support

• The domain name.
• Your reseller username.
• Confirmation that your customer wants to restore the domain.

Please note: Automatic restores via API are not supported for .DE domains.

Transit

Transit is a service of DENIC that ensures the domain holder will not lose the domain if a provider no longer administers it. The domain is not deleted immediately and is not available for registration to anybody else while in transit.

A transit order is processed for the following reasons: 

1. The reseller cannot reach the registrant.
2. The registrant refuses to pay for the domain.
3. The registrant refuses to sign the form.
   

To place a transit order, the reseller must contact OpenSRS support via e-mail with the reason for submission. Once OpenSRS support processes the transit order, the registry no longer points the domain to OpenSRS, and we no longer administer the domain. The registry takes over the process of contacting the end-user. 

Domains set to transit require the registrant to contact the DENIC Transit Service Centre directly for further management, including requesting the authcode.  

The registrant selects whether the domain shall be transferred or deleted within 30 days in the Transit Service Center or by contacting the DENIC transit team. If the choice is to transfer, the registrant generates an authcode at the registry.

When the domain holder does not transfer, delete or initiate payment within 30 days, DENIC sends a termination of the contract without notice by e-mail. When the registrant fails to provide an e-mail address, the registry sends the termination notice via postal service.
Note: Postal letters to domain holders are combined to send only a single message.

Change of ownership

Transfers

Domains transfer into OpenSRS using the standard transfer process. Transfers don't follow the normal 60-day hold period. Transfers are permitted any time after a domain is registered.

Transfers in

When a .DE domain transfers into OpenSRS with invalid nameservers, the transfer order still completes successfully. The domain does not point to the nameservers until the nameservers are active. Send a nameserver update order to notify the registry.

The transfer authorization message goes to the admin contact specified in the transfer order.

Transfers away

Authcodes expire after 30 days.

DE NIS 2 Domain Registration Requirements

Detailed information about upcoming NIS 2 requirments can be found here.

Additional Resources

• .DE NIS 2 Domain Registration Requirements
• DENIC NAST tool
• Transit Service Centre
• Frequently Asked Questions (DENIC Help Centre)
• OpenSRS TLD Reference Chat
• .DE domain transfers
• DENIC Name Server Predelegation Check Documentation 

Back to top