FAQ
- Contacts and General Information
- What is a domain name?The domain name is the address of your website on the Internet. A domain name is a name that is easily memorized and is used to locate and identify computers on the Internet.
e.g. dns.pt; google.com; rtp.pt; icann.org; - How can I contact .PT?Preferably, the contact should be made via our contact form or phone number (+351) 215 907 711 - weekdays from 8:00 to 20:00; weekend from 9:00 to 18:00 (local time, only for phone calls from outside Portugal).
- How can I register a domain name under .pt?To register your domain you may use entities that are specialised in this field, REGISTRARS, or submit a request directly at www.pt.pt.
- What's a "3em1" domain name?A "3em1" domain name is a domain registered under the national initiative "Empresa, Associação ou Sucursal na Hora" and that complies the terms and conditions available at www.3em1.pt.
- Registering New Domains
- Can I choose any domain name?There are only a set of limitations that you must take into account when choosing your domain name. Thus, the chosen name cannot:
- Correspond to an already registered name with the same hierarchy;
- Correspond manifestly to obscene language or words or expressions contrary to the law;
- Correspond to a protected designation of origin or to a Portuguese or European geographical indication;
- Correspond to a geographic name, as referred to in article 7 of the .pt Registration Rules;
- Corresponds to the reproduction of a trademark, name or designation of broad and widespread knowledge that constitutes an abusive appropriation of a right or interest of a legally protected third party, done in bad faith, following the criteria referred on article 27 (3) of the .pt Registration Rules.
- The name I want is already registered by another entity. What can I do?If the domain name you want to register is taken, you can:
- Choose to register a different domain name;
- Choose to register in .com.pt classifier, if the name is available;
- Choose to resort to institutionalized voluntary arbitration (www.arbitrare.pt) if you consider that there is a conflict over the registered domain name and the conditions referred to in articles 26 and 27 of the Registration Rules are complied.
- In which .pt classifiers may I register my domain name?Apart from registration directly under the .pt TLD, there are 2 official .pt classifiers: .gov.pt and .com.pt.
- I have a domain registered in: .net.pt, .int.pt, .publ.pt, .nome.pt, .org.pt, .edu.pt, what will happen to my domain?These classifiers were eliminated and new registrations are no longer accepted, however, the domains previously registered under these classifiers will remain valid and can be renewed.
- Which .pt classifier can I choose?The registration of domain names must respect the limitations provided for in the .pt Registration Rules, namely, in article 6, thus, and not exempting the complete reading of the Registration Rules, the general requirements for registration in each classifier are:
- .pt - domain names under .pt may be registered by all individual or corporate entities. In the case of geographic names, these can only be legitimately registered by the legal administrative authority, as stated in paragraph f) of Glossary;
- .gov.pt – the registration is limited to entities that are part of the Government structure of the Portuguese Republic;
- .com.pt – any individual or corporate bodies may register a domain name under this classifier.
- How can I find out if a trademark exists with the same name that I want to use to register my domain and vice-versa?You can carry out a complete search of domains and trademarks, which are freely available at www.pt.pt and/or www.inpi.pt.
- It is necessary to send any documentation when registering a domain name?It is not necessary to send any documentation when registering a domain name, nevertheless, .PT may request the domain registrant and the managing body to provide, within 2 days, proof of compliance with the provisions of .pt Registration Rules.
- What are my rights and responsibilities after registering a domain name?After the valid registration of a domain name, the registrant acquires an exclusive and renewable right of use over the registered name and may transfer or dispose of it, under the terms and conditions provided for in the .pt Registration Rules and applicable law.Nevertheless, when registering a domain name, the registrant must comply with the provisions set out in the .pt Registration Rules, refraining from any unlawful use of said name and being solely liable for any damage caused directly or indirectly by its registration or misuse.The registrant is also solely liable for the possible creation, management and maintenance of its domain name’s subdomains (e.g. associação.pt.pt).
- Can .PT remove my domain name?.PT may remove your domain name in the following circumstancies:- When the registration of the domain name is inadmissible under the terms of article 6 of the .pt Registration Rules;- Loss of the right to use a domain name, namely by virtue of a judicial or arbitration decision or notice by a body with legal jurisdiction to do so (article 22 (1) a) of the .pt Registration Rules);- Dissolution and termination of the registrant’s activity, when it refers to a legal person (article 22 (1) b) of the .pt Registration Rules);- Insufficient, inaccurate or false identification data or contact information provided (article 22 (1) c) of the .pt Registration Rules);- Existence of a domain name to which third party data have been associated, without their knowledge and without consent having been given for said purpose (article 22 (1) d) of the .pt Registration Rules);- Non-activation of a domain name renewal mechanism (article 22 (1) e) of the .pt Registration Rules);- When notified by a public authority with legal competence for this purpose, if the domain name unequivocally conflicts, namely, with the designation of an initiative or public service for social, public health, humanitarian or educational purposes (article 22 (4) of the .pt Registration Rules).
- After registering my domain, what is the rule term for .PT to evaluate it?10 calendar days. Period after which, except in the conditions expressly provided for in the rules, the domain is considered registered for all purposes.
- Changes to registered domain names
- Can I change the name of my domain?No. The process of changing a domain name involves removing the previous one and then register a new domain.
- What is a Nic-Handle?A Nic-Handle is the unique alphanumeric identifier in the .pt domain name registration and management system for those responsible for a domain name. Whenever a person/entity registers online for the first time, they are given a Nic-Handle, which will be duly communicated to them. Nic-Handles should be used in the registration of domain names, as they save time and help to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the information.
- How do I create a Nic-Handle?The creation of a Nic-Handle can be done here.
- How to create a user?- Select "Create account”;- Insert the requested data. Please pay special attention when selecting the country/Vat or TIN number and inserting the email address that matches with the information linked to your Nic-Handle;- When you finish the previous step, a notification will be received on the indicated email address; This notification has a link that allows you to confirm the new user creation;- Only after confirmation, you will be able to access the .pt domain name registration and management system, by using the registered username and password.
- How can I make changes to the details of my domain name?Changes must be carried out online, through your reserved area, using the access credentials that were attributed to you.
- How can I recover or change my password?To recover the password, you must go online and carry out the respective request, by using your Nic-Handle, username or VAT/TIN number.
After making your request, at the email address associated to your Nic-Handle, you will receive the username and a link to indicate a new password. This link is valid for a maximum of 5 days and it may only be used once. - What if I don't remember the nic-handle, username and VAT/TIN number?In case you don’t remember any of your identifiers (Nic-Handle, username or VAT/TIN NUMBER) or if the email associated with your Nic-Handle is out of date, you should contact .PT and we, in accordance with our security measures, will help you recover or change your password.
- May I transfer the domain name ownership to another entity?Yes, however, in order to do that the following elements are necessary:
- Statement of ownership transfer duly issued by the current registrant, identifying the domain name, the current registrant and the new registrant;
- Nic-Handle of the new domain registrant;
- Statement relative to the acceptance of the arbitration agreement, issued by the new registrant.
Please note that it is not possible to transfer the ownership of a domain name that is in the technical status "Pending-Delete” or on which a judicial or arbitration proceeding is pending. - Can I transfer the management of my domain?Yes, for that purpose, you as the domain name registrant must access your reserved area, with the respective username and password, then access the process file of the domain you want to transfer, generate the "authorization key" in the button "Actions" - "Transfer Domain Management", and then provide that authorization key to the new managing body.The new managing body should access its reserved area, with its username and password, click on the link "Domain transfer key", and then place the domain name and authorization key provided by the registrant, upon confirming the change, the management transfer of the domain will be processed immediately.Features of the authorization key to change the domain management:
- It is associated with only one domain name;
- It can be used only once;
- It is valid for 30 days,
- If a new authorization key is generated, the one previously generated expires automatically.
- How can I remove my domain?The registrant or the managing body may request the removal of the domain by accessing its reserved area, using the respective username and password.The removal of the domain name can also be requested directly to .PT.
- Renewal and payments
- How much does a domain registration cost?The price of registering and maintaining domain names is as follows:
NOTES:- VAT at the legal rate is added to these amounts (According to national and to EU regulation);- Changes made by the .PT: whenever changes to the information on the domain's file are carried out by the .PT, the unit value of those changes is 15.00€;- Registrars are responsible for all the payments to .PT applicable to their domain registration. The amount billed by .PT to registrars is €8.97+VAT/domain name.- The maintenance fee covers the costs of registration, management and maintenance of the domain. - Who is responsible for the payment?The domain name managing body is responsible for its registration and renewal payments and in the name of which the corresponding invoices/receipts are issued.
- What methods of payment are available to me?
ATM
You will be provided with a reference to use in order to pay at an ATM – service payment or using your home banking.VISA
Use online payment with your credit card.Paypal
Use online payment with the popular payment website
How PayPal Works - What happens to my domain if it is not renewed?If a domain name is not renewed, it will be removed and become free for registration.The domain name is available for renewal, at any time, by the managing body, through reserved area, however, this entity will be contacted by .PT 30 days before the expiration date of the domain to proceed with its renewal.The list of domains available for renewal can also be checked by the registrant through reserved area.
- Arbitration (Alternative Dispute Resolution)
- What is the arbitration procedure?The arbitration procedure consists of an extra-judicial mechanism for resolving disputes over domain names, in this cases, the stakeholders can resort to voluntary institutionalised arbitration, according to Voluntary Arbitration Law and designating, for this purpose, ARBITRARE - Arbitration Centre for Industrial Property, Domain Names, Trade Names and Corporate Names. For further information: www.arbitrare.pt.
- Against whom can I file an arbitral case?Arbitration applies to situations of non-conformity regarding a domain name and may be sought by any interested party:a) Against the registrant of the domain name which is the subject of arbitration; orb) Against .PT, for the removal or acceptance of a domain name registration;
- Is the arbitration decision final, or can I appeal to courts?You can appeal from the arbitration decision to the judicial courts.
- Technical FAQs
- Is it necessary to carry out a technical configuration and have a name server to register a domain name?No, but the domain name will not be activated. For this, some name servers need to be correctly configured. If you do not have any technical knowledge on this matter you should contact a specialist in this field.
- How can I confirm if my domain name is properly configured?A DNS Evaluator Tool it at your disposal. By simply inputting the domain name and IP address /primary server's name, you can find out if it is properly configured.
- Can I put my web server in the .pt domain registration system?This is not directly related to our services. The service of .PT do not make the delegation of domains to web servers, but to name servers, so, the data you should provide us must be related to the name servers.
- What is required to use the domain name on the Internet?Before a domain can be used on a web page, e-mail or other services, the existence and correct configuration of name servers is necessary. The web and e-mail server (s) also have to be configured for the mentioned services to work.In most cases, the hosting provider has available service packs that include all these matters. The .PT does not provide these services, but for this purpose you can resort to one of ourregistrars.
- I found that a domain is registered but has no webpage, this is possible?It is possible to register a domain name for reservation, for this purpose, it is enough to register your domain and it is not necessary to comply with the technical conditions referred to in the .pt Registration Rules, namely, indicate an IP address or a name server. However, in these cases, the domain name will not be visible on the internet, having no associated services, such as aweb pages or e-mail.
- My domain is already active but the website does not work, why?If the domain has just been technically evaluated with a positive result, you should wait a few hours for it to spread on the Internet and then the services associated with it will also be available and visible.
- In the .PT domain system there is only one field to indicate the technical data, how can I specify the secondary DNS for the domain?In the .PT domain system, when the technical data the primary DNS server (IP address or server name) is indicated, a technical evaluation is made automatically by the system for the respective domain. Within the configuration found, besides the information relating to the primary itself, there should be information about the secondary server(s), in this way the system obtains the necessary data.
Please note that all secondaries will also be evaluated and therefore all must be correctly configured for the domain. - How to can I change the domain resource records?If there is a change in the domain's primary name server, it is sufficient to indicate the new data (IP address or name server) in our system, which automatically recognizes the need to carry out a new technical assessment of the domain.In case the primary name server does not change but there are changes in its configuration or in the secondary servers, it will be necessary to make a new request for a technical evaluation of the domain name.
- What is IPv6?Internet Protocol version 6 or IPv6 (also previously referred to as IP new generation or IPng) is meant to support the continued growth of the Internet, both in terms of size and functions. In relation to IPv4, it provides a considerably larger address space, as well as other improvements. For further information about the DNS service in Ipv6 see RFC1886 at http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1886.
- What is DNSSEC?cDNSSEC is the name given to the security extensions to the DNS protocol and was created to protect and authenticate DNS traffic. These extensions seek to validate data by means of digital signatures, using asymmetric key-cryptography. For further information go to www.dnssec.pt.
- Glossary of .pt domain name Technical Status
- Glossary of .pt domain name technical status:
- Stand-By-Payment - The domain name is awaiting the payment of its registration. Payment must be made within 48H or the domain will be removed and free for registration;
- Registered - Technical status of a registered domain name with technical information and delegated in the .pt zone;
- Reserved – Technical status of a registered domain name without technical information and not delegated in the .pt zone. For the domain to be active, it will be necessary to proceed with its correct technical configuration (to indicate an IP address or a nameserver);
- Pending-Delete – The domain name is under an additional period of 30 days to complete its renewal during which it will no longer be active and delegated in the .pt zone. The domain is in a pre-removal situation but can still be renewed by the managing entity;
- Deleted - The domain name has been removed and is no longer active or delegated in the .pt zone.
- DNSSEC - Domain Name System Security Extensions at .pt
- What is DNSSEC?DNSSEC is the name given to security extensions to the DNS protocol and was created to protect and authenticate DNS traffic.
These extensions seek to validate data by means of digital signatures, using asymmetric key-cryptography. - What is the purpose of DNSSEC?The additional security provided by using DNSSEC extensions to the DNS protocol make it possible to:
- Overcome vulnerabilities;
- prevent attacks;
- reduce the risk of manipulation;
- provide a secure service;
- reinforce security.
- If I sign my domain name, how does this protect me?These security extensions to the original protocol consist of a hierarchy of cryptographic signatures that authenticate the origin of the DNS data, and the integrity and authentication of the reply denying the existence of a domain.
These measures protect against corruption of cache memories and modified transmissions and contribute to increasing trust in the Internet and its systems. - What are the new Resource Records?The real function of DNS is to match domain names to their corresponding Resource Records. These are divided into classes and types, and a wide variety of types currently exist.
A group of Resource Records with the same domain name, class and type is known as a Resource Record Set (RRset).
Among the commonest types of resource records are SOA records that indicate where the zone authority is delegated, NS records that indicate a name server for the zone and A records that attribute a name to an IP address.
DNSSEC introduces additional Resource Records, which are divided into four different types:- DNSKEY - Public key;
- RRSIG - Digital Signature of the RRset;
- NSEC/NSEC3 - Authenticated denial of the existence of a domain or Resource Record Set associated with a domain;
- DS - Fingerprint of the public key that links a domain and sub-domain so as to create a chain of trust.
- What is cryptography?Cryptography is a science that makes it possible to write in a way that hides the content. The objective of cryptography is to enable a limited set of entities, typically two, to exchange information that is unintelligible to third parties or to save and transmit private information on open networks (such as the Internet) without the risk of it being read or modified by anyone other than the intended final recipient of the message.
Cryptography is based on the use of ciphers. A cipher is a specific cryptography technique i.e. a specific way of hiding information. - What exactly is asymmetric cryptography?Asymmetric cryptography, or public-key cryptography, uses a pair of distinct but related keys: a public key for encrypting and a private key for decrypting; it is not possible to calculate the private key from the corresponding public key. Ciphers also allow reverse encryption i.e. encrypting with the private key and decrypting with the public key, which is not very useful for concealing information but is useful for guaranteeing authorship of the information.
Pairs of asymmetric keys are personalised i.e. they are associated with people, services or servers. The private component must be kept secret and should only be known and used by the entity with which it is associated. The public key may (and should) be widely and publicly distributed so that it can be used by any entity.
In operational terms, the main advantage of asymmetric ciphers is the fact that they require fewer keys to effect secure exchanges because they permit a relationship of many to one.
In administrative terms, the main problems underlying the use of asymmetric cryptography are:- Stringent restriction of private keys to their legitimate owners;
- Reliable distribution of public keys to all who wish to use them;
- Control of the lifetime of pairs of keys.
- What is spoofing?A spoofing attack is a situation in which an entity (person or program) disguises itself as another by falsifying the DNS data so as to gain an illicit advantage.
- What is pharming?Pharming is an attack characterised by poisoning of the DNS cache which consists of corrupting the DNS of a network so that the traffic of a web page is redirected to another.
- What is phishing?Phishing is a method of electronic fraud characterised by an attempt to acquire sensitive information such as user names, passwords, credit card details, etc, in which the attacker poses as a trusted entity via disguised electronic communications.
- Is response time increased with a signed zone?The use of DNSSEC involves an exchange of messages of larger dimensions. In reply to data requests in signed zones, DNS servers with security support will reply with DNSKEY, RRSIG, NSEC3 and/or DS resource records. The addition of these new RRs requires the allocation of greater bandwidth to exchange messages between the server and the client. However, the vast majority of requests initially made to signed zones will be made by clients that do not support security extensions and those additional resource records will not provide any advantage to those clients or increase response times.
In terms of the response capacity of a DNS server with DNSSEC implementation, although there is an increase in access time to the DNS from a signed domain, this is not significant from the point of view of the end user detecting any impact on the response time because we are talking about values of the order of milliseconds. - DNSSEC keys submission/update (DS resource record)For the submission, update or removal of DNSSEC keys (DS resource record) of a domain that is active under the .pt zone, this procedure should be made through the .pt domains management system, reserved area.To configure the DNSSEC information, through the .pt domains management system, you must access as the technical contact of the domain name to be configure.1) Login as the technical contact;2) Go to the menu "Domains";3) Select the domain to configure;4) In the domain detail page, select the menu "Technical Settings";Through the tab menu "Technical Settings" there are two ways to add DNSSEC information, being recommend the automatic method, described below as option A):A) Automatic Fetch Configuration:- Select the option "Automatic Fetch Configuration";- Insert one of the authoritative name server for the domain;- Select "Fetch";- Confirm if the fetched information is the intended one, regarding name servers (NS) and DNSSEC keys (DS);- If so, select "Save".B) Manual Configuration:- Select the option "Manual Configuration";- Use the button "Add DNSSEC Configuration";- Add the hash data of the key(s) KSK into the proper fields, manually;- If you intend to add more than one resource record DS choose "Add new DNSSEC record";- After you finish editing you need to "Save DNSSEC";5) The new technical information, either obtained automatically or entered manually, will only take effect in the next .pt zone generation and delegation, that occurs automatically at specific time periods.
- DNS Abuse
- What is DNS Abuse?Cases in which the domain name is used, whether intentionally or not, for malware, phishing, pharming, botnets and/or spam activities.What is Malware?A domain name that distributes malicious software, usually in a covert manner, with the intention of compromising the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the victim's data, applications or operating system, or disturbing the victim.What is phishing?Phishing is a method of electronic fraud characterised by an attempt to acquire sensitive information such as user names, passwords, credit card details, etc, in which the attacker poses as a trusted entity via disguised electronic communications.What is pharming?Pharming is an attack characterised by poisoning of the DNS cache which consists of corrupting the DNS of a network so that the traffic of a web page is redirected to another.What is Botnet?A domain name that supports activities associated with computer networks infected by malicious software and controlled remotely, without the users' knowledge, for the purpose of sending unsolicited electronic messages, stealing information or launching coordinated cyberattacks.What is Spam?A domain name used to send of unsolicited e-mails.
- What happens if my domain sets up DNS Abuse?If .PT identifies that a domain name might configure DNS Abuse, the entities responsible for the domain are notified to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to correct the issue. If the identified malicious activity persists, whenever applicable, .PT will report the situation to the competent authority.
- What can I do if I identify a domain that is being used for DNS Abuse?If you identify a domain name that you consider is supporting activities such as the spread of malware, phishing, pharming, botnets and/or spam, you should report this situation to .PT through the email: abuse@pt.pt.
- Registry Lock Service
- What it isThe Registry Lock Service is a premium service provided by .PT, which provides additional security protection for the data linked to domain names, thereby avoiding unauthorized changes, transfers or deletions.By subscribing to this service, additional measures will be implemented for verifying the data linked to a domain, in terms of legitimacy for carrying out the following actions, where applicable:- Transfer of domain name management;- Transfer of technical responsibility for domain names;- Deletion of domain names;- Changes to technical information and assignments in the zone.
- Who can subscribeRegistrants registered under .pt through a Registrar or administrative contact.
- How to subscribeThe subscription to the service is carried out online, by the Management Entity, at the request of the Domain Registrant, simply by following the steps below:- Access the domain to which you want to associate registry lock to;- In the "Technical Configuration” menu, subscribe to the service indicating the intended scope of protection and the authorized contacts;- Read and accept the applicable Terms and Conditions.
- Terms and conditionsThe provision of this service is subject to the express acceptance of the applicable Terms and Conditions.
- Price and invoicingThe provision of this premium service implies the payment of a maximum, additional monthly amount of 0.75 euros.Click here to access the reserved area.NB:The present conditions may be changed at any time without giving rise to any obligation to a prior notice.
- Other Information
- How can I register a domain name under .com or another TLD?The .PT only manages the .pt top level domain, so registration under .com, as well as any other TLD must be carried out with the accredited entities for this. For further information, go to the website www.iana.org.
- How do I register a domain under .gov.pt?Registration under the .gov.pt hierarchy must be carried out at www.ceger.gov.pt.
- For how many domains can an entity be the registrant?There is no limit.