Verifying your EU domain registration information
To comply with NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive 2) requirements for domain registration data, certain EU domains require verification of owner information. This article explains the verification process, how to complete it, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
On this page
- Understanding EU domain verification
- NIS2 compliance requirements
- Domains requiring verification
- Timeline for verification
- Verification process overview
- Locating your domain information
- Consequences of incomplete verification
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Tips for successful verification
- Frequently asked questions
- Privacy and security
- Related topics
Understanding EU domain verification
Domain verification is a process required by EU compliance law to confirm that the information registered to your domain is accurate and up-to-date. This requirement is triggered by specific domain registries (such as .DE for Germany and .IT for Italy) to ensure compliance with European regulations.
NIS2 compliance requirements
The NIS2 Directive requires domain registries in the European Union to maintain accurate registration data. This helps ensure the security and integrity of domain registrations across Europe by confirming the identity of domain holders.
Domains requiring verification
Not all domains require verification. You need to verify your domain information when the domain registry specifically requests it and you receive a verification request from Shopify.
The following EU domain extensions commonly require verification:
| Domain extension | Country | Verification details |
|---|---|---|
| .DE | Germany | Requires verification of contact information accuracy |
| .IT | Italy | Requires verification through Registro Imprese |
| .EU | European Union | May require verification through EURid |
| .BE | Belgium | May require verification through DNSBelgium |
| .NL | the Netherlands | May require verification through SIDN |
Timeline for verification
Verification requests typically include a deadline of 14 calendar days to complete the process. However, the timeline may vary depending on the specific domain registry.
The verification process follows these stages:
- Day 1: You receive the verification request.
- Days 1-14: Review your information and submit required documents.
- After document submission: Registry reviews your documents (review times vary by registry).
- Verification complete: Domain is unlocked and fully functional.
Verification process overview
Receive notification
You receive a verification request and notification in two ways:
- Email notification: Sent to your registered email address with the subject line "Action Required: Verification for [your domain name]"
- Admin notification: A notice displays in your Shopify admin dashboard
The email contains a secure link to upload your verification documents. This link is unique to your verification request.
Review your domain information
The verification email includes your current registered information:
- Organization name
- Contact name
- Street address
- City and postal code
- Country
Review this information carefully. If any details are incorrect, then you need to update your domain contact information before completing verification. Your uploaded documents must match the registered information exactly.
Submit required documents
To verify or update your identity, upload government-issued photo identification through the secure link provided in the email.
For individual registrations:
- Passport, OR
- Driver's license
For business registrations:
- Owner's government-issued photo ID, AND
- Business Registration Certificate
Document requirements
Ensure your documents meet the following requirements:
- File format: JPEG, PNG, or PDF
- File size: 8 MB or smaller per file
- Image quality: Clear, legible, and in color (not grayscale)
- Complete visibility: All edges of the document must be visible
- No modifications: Don't cover, blur, or redact any information
- Current validity: Expired documents aren't accepted
- Original photographs: Submit original photos taken with a camera, not scans or photocopies
Upload documents securely
Steps:
- Click the secure upload link provided in your verification email or admin notification.
- Select the document type you're uploading.
- Upload clear photos or scans of your documents.
- Ensure all information is legible in the uploaded files.
- Submit your documents before the deadline.
Locating your domain information
Find your domain name in your Shopify admin
Steps:
From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Domains.
Your domain names display in the list on the Domains page. The domain requiring verification displays an Action Required badge.
Locate your verification email
If you can't find your verification email, then check the following locations:
- Spam or junk folder: Verification emails are sometimes filtered
- Promotions or updates tab: If you use Gmail, check these tabs
- Registered email address: Ensure you're checking the email address associated with your domain registration
To confirm which email address is registered to your domain:
Steps:
From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Domains.
Click the domain name that requires verification.
In the Registration details section, click the edit icon next to Contact information.
Review the Email field to confirm the registered address.
Consequences of incomplete verification
If verification isn't completed by the deadline:
- Your domain remains in locked status
- You can't make any changes to the domain
- Domain services may be disrupted, including email and website functionality
- Your domain may eventually be suspended by the registry
Troubleshooting common issues
Troubleshoot verification email not received
If you haven't received the verification email, then try the following steps:
Steps:
- Check your spam, junk, or promotions folders.
- Search your inbox for "Action Required" or "Verification" from Shopify.
- Confirm that you're checking the email address registered to your domain. You can view your registered email in your Shopify admin.
- Add Shopify email addresses to your safe senders list to prevent future filtering.
- If the email still isn't found, then contact Shopify Support to request a new verification email.
Troubleshoot verification link expired
If your verification link has expired, then you need to request a new one.
Steps:
- Don't try to use the expired link, as it won't work.
- Contact Shopify Support and explain that your verification link has expired.
- Provide your domain name and the email address associated with the domain.
- Shopify Support can help generate a new verification link for you.
Troubleshoot documents not accepted
If your documents weren't accepted, then review the following common issues:
- Name mismatch: The name on your ID must match the name on your domain registration exactly. If they don't match, then update your domain contact information first.
- Poor image quality: Ensure your photos are clear, well-lit, and all text is legible.
- Incomplete documents: All edges of the document must be visible. Don't crop or cut off any part.
- Expired ID: Only current, valid IDs are accepted.
- Wrong document type: Ensure you're submitting the correct documents for your registration type (individual or business).
- File format issues: Submit documents as JPEG, PNG, or PDF files under 8 MB.
If your documents were rejected, then upload new documents that address the specific issues mentioned in the rejection notice.
Troubleshoot domain showing "Action Required" after verification
If your domain continues to display Action Required after you've submitted your verification documents, then the registry may still be reviewing your submission. Review times vary by registry.
If you've been waiting longer than expected, then contact Shopify Support to check on the status of your verification.
Troubleshoot information on documents doesn't match registration
If the information on your verification documents doesn't match your current domain registration, then you need to resolve the mismatch:
Option 1: Update your domain registration
If your documents are current and accurate, then update your domain contact information to match your documents before resubmitting verification.
Option 2: Use different documents
If your domain registration is correct but your documents display old information (such as a former address), then use an alternative document that matches your current registration details.
Tips for successful verification
- Check your email regularly: Verification requests are time-sensitive and have strict deadlines.
- Ensure documents are current: Expired IDs aren't accepted.
- Upload clear images: Blurry or partially visible documents may delay verification.
- Match registered information: Your ID must match the name on the domain registration exactly.
- Reply promptly: If you need to update information, respond to the email quickly to avoid missing the deadline.
- Keep the verification email: Save it for reference if you need to contact Shopify Support.
Frequently asked questions
What if my domain was already suspended?
If your domain was suspended due to missed verification, then contact Shopify Support immediately. For domains that have been suspended for an extended period, then the registrar may need to manually remove the suspension before you can complete verification.
Can someone else complete verification on my behalf?
No. The person listed as the domain registrant must complete verification using their own identification documents. The documents must match the registered contact information exactly.
What if my documents don't match my domain registration?
If your documents don't match your domain registration, then you have two options:
- Update your domain registration: Edit your domain contact information to match your documents before resubmitting verification.
- Use different documents: If your domain registration is correct, then use an alternative document that matches your current registration details.
When submitting documents, contact Shopify Support to specify what contact information needs to be updated to match your documents.
Privacy and security
Your documents are uploaded through a secure, encrypted link and are used only for domain verification purposes.
Shopify protects your personal identification information with strict security measures. The data you provide during verification, such as government-issued IDs, is used solely to confirm your identity and comply with domain registry regulations.
Information to have ready when contacting Shopify Support
Before reaching out to Shopify Support, gather the following information to help resolve your verification issue faster:
- Your domain name (for example, yourdomain.de)
- The original verification email you received (if available)
- The email address registered to your domain
- Screenshots of any error messages you've encountered
- The date you received the verification request
- Steps you've already tried from the troubleshooting section above
Having this information ready helps Shopify Support assist you more efficiently.