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Domain Name Management Agreement Template
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Domain Name Management Agreement Template
This Domain Name Management Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of [Effective Date] by and between:
Client/Owner: [Client Legal Name], address: [Address] (“Client”)
Service Provider: [Provider Legal Name], address: [Address] (“Provider”)
Registrar Account(s): [Registrar name(s)]
Domains Covered: [List domains or attach as Exhibit A]
1. Ownership and Registrant Records
1.1 Client owns all right, title, and interest in the Domains Covered, unless explicitly listed otherwise in Exhibit A.
1.2 Provider will ensure the registrant/owner contact information for each domain remains in Client’s name (or Client-designated entity), including administrative and billing contacts as agreed.
1.3 Provider will not register new domains in Provider’s name unless Client gives written approval specifying ownership and transfer timing.
2. Scope of Management Services
2.1 Provider will provide domain management services (the “Services”), which may include:
renewals management and reminders
DNS record changes (A/AAAA/CNAME/TXT/MX, etc.)
nameserver and DNS provider changes
domain locks, 2FA enforcement, and security settings
WHOIS/contact updates as approved
coordination with hosting/email/CDN vendors as needed
other: [List]
2.2 Out of scope unless approved: buying/selling domains, complex DNS architecture redesign, litigation support, UDRP actions, or trademark enforcement.
3. Access and Roles
3.1 Registrar Account Ownership (Select One):
☐ Client owns the registrar account; Provider is granted delegated/admin access.
☐ Provider manages via Provider account; Provider must maintain Client as registrant and provide read/admin access as listed below.
☐ Other: [Describe].
3.2 Authorized Contacts:
Client domain owner contact: [Name/Email]
Provider domain manager contact: [Name/Email]
3.3 Provider will maintain access logs/records for material changes upon request.
4. Renewals and Billing
4.1 Renewal Responsibility (Select One):
☐ Client pays registrar directly; Provider monitors and notifies.
☐ Provider pays and invoices Client: [Monthly/annual], terms: [__].
☐ Other: [Describe].
4.2 Provider will notify Client of upcoming renewals at least [] days before expiration.
4.3 If payment is not received by [] days before expiration (where Provider pays), Provider may suspend renewal actions after written notice.
5. DNS Change Process
5.1 Routine DNS changes require:
a written request from an authorized Client contact, and
Provider confirmation of the change details and expected impact.
5.2 Approval Threshold (Optional): Changes affecting email routing, nameservers, or CDN/WAF require explicit approval from: [Role/Name].
5.3 Provider will document: requested change, timestamp, records modified, and validation steps.
6. Emergency Changes
6.1 An “Emergency” includes: website outage, email outage, active security incident, or imminent expiration risk.
6.2 Provider may implement emergency DNS or security changes to restore service or reduce harm, provided Provider:
notifies Client as soon as practicable, and
provides a change summary within [__] hours after stabilization.
7. Security Requirements
7.1 Provider will enable and maintain:
2FA on registrar and DNS provider accounts
domain transfer lock and registry lock (if available/approved)
strong password policies and limited admin access
recovery email/phone controlled by Client or agreed secure address
7.2 Provider will not share credentials by unsecured email and will use a secure password manager or secure delivery method: [Method].
8. Transfers and Vendor Changes
8.1 If Client requests transfer to a different registrar or provider, Provider will cooperate and complete transfer steps within [__] business days, including providing auth codes and unlocking domains as needed.
8.2 Provider will not unreasonably withhold access or transfer as leverage for payment disputes; undisputed amounts remain payable.
9. Records and Reporting (Optional)
9.1 Provider will provide: ☐ monthly status summary ☐ quarterly summary ☐ on request only.
9.2 Reports may include: renewals completed, expirations, DNS changes, and security actions.
10. Fees
10.1 Management Fee (Select One):
☐ Included in broader IT/maintenance retainer
☐ $[Amount]/month
☐ $[Amount]/domain/year
☐ Other: [Describe]
10.2 Additional work (out of scope) billed at: $[Rate]/hour or per quote.
11. Term and Termination
11.1 Term begins on the Effective Date and continues: ☐ month-to-month ☐ for [] months ☐ until terminated.
11.2 Either party may terminate with [] days’ written notice.
11.3 Upon termination, Provider will:
transfer access and provide current DNS/renewal status, and
remove Provider access after handover, except for limited transition support if agreed.
12. Limitation of Liability (Optional)
12.1 Consequential damages: ☐ excluded ☐ not excluded.
12.2 Liability cap: ☐ none ☐ $[Amount] ☐ fees paid in last [__] months.
13. Governing Law
13.1 This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State/Country].
Signatures
Client/Owner: [Client Legal Name]
Name/Title: [Authorized Signer]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
Service Provider: [Provider Legal Name]
Name/Title: [Authorized Signer]
Date: [Date]
Signature: ___________________________
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Domain Name Management Agreement Template
DOMAIN NAME MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a domain name management agreement?
A Domain Name Management Agreement sets rules for who controls domain registrar access, who approves DNS changes, how renewals are handled, and how the domain is secured (2FA, lock, contacts). It helps prevent accidental outages, hijacking, and disputes over ownership.
When should you use it?
Use it when an agency, MSP, IT vendor, or contractor manages domains for a client; when multiple domains are shared across teams; or when ownership and billing need to be documented clearly.
What should be included?
Common terms include: ownership confirmation, registrar account and access roles, renewal and payment responsibility, DNS and nameserver change procedures, emergency changes, security requirements, and incident response steps. This template includes each of these.
Who should be listed as the owner?
Typically the business (Client) should be the registrant/owner of record. This template includes a section to confirm registrant contact details and requires provider cooperation to keep ownership correctly recorded.
How do you handle emergencies?
If the website/email is down, someone may need to make fast DNS changes. This template includes an emergency change process with post-change reporting and approvals.
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