A domain is only removed from an UltraDNS account when a request is received, typically because another account is attempting to add that same domain to their account.
This usually occurs after the domain’s authoritative nameservers have already been updated at the registrar.
Why This Happens
Domain ownership is managed at the registrar level and reflected in WHOIS records, while DNS authority is determined by the domain’s configured nameservers.
In most cases, a removal request is triggered when another account attempts to add a domain that is already present in an existing UltraDNS account. Before making that request, the domain’s nameservers are typically updated at the registrar to point to a different UltraDNS nameserver set.
UltraDNS evaluates the domain’s authoritative nameservers and compares them to the configuration in the existing account. If the nameservers no longer match and instead align with a different UltraDNS configuration, this indicates that control of the domain has changed.
WHOIS information may also reflect a change in ownership, but nameserver delegation is the primary signal used to determine which account is actively managing the domain.
This process is similar to how official identity records work. For example, a driver’s license reflects your current identity and address. If those details change, the issuing authority updates its records to reflect the current owner.
In the same way, nameserver delegation and WHOIS records indicate who is responsible for a domain. When those no longer match with your account, the domain may be removed.
Notification Process
Before a domain is removed, UltraDNS follows a standard notification process.
- Initial Notification
- You will receive an email explaining that a removal request was received.
- 24-Hour Follow-Up
- If no response is received, a follow-up email is sent after approximately 24 hours.
- 48-Hour Final Notice and Removal
- If no response is received within approximately 48 hours, the domain may be removed from the account.
Timing is handled with business hours in mind. If a notice is sent late in the week, Thursday, additional time may be allowed to account for weekends.
If a request is received on Thursday, the timeline may extend into the following week before removal is completed as early as Monday.
What You Should Do
If you receive one of these notifications and believe the domain should remain in your account, respond as soon as possible and provide any relevant details about your ownership or control of the domain.
This allows the request to be reviewed before any action is taken.
Important Considerations
- Domains are not removed proactively from active accounts without a request
- Removal requests are initiated when another account attempts to add the same domain
- Nameserver delegation is the primary indicator of which account is actively managing the domain
- WHOIS information can support ownership validation when available
- Some domains use privacy protection, which may limit visibility of registrant information
- If a domain is no longer using your UltraDNS nameservers, your account is no longer serving authoritative DNS for that domain
Summary
Domains are removed when a valid request is received and the domain’s nameserver delegation indicates it is being managed by a different UltraDNS configuration. UltraDNS provides advance notice and an opportunity to respond before removal is completed.