How to Recover a Domain Registered Under a Different Name and Email Address – This applies to .ae .com .bh .qa and any other domains registered with AEserver
When you discover that a domain name such as a .ae .com or another domain you legitimately own is registered under another person’s name or email address, it can be frustrating and confusing. However, there are specific steps you can follow to resolve this issue and regain control of your domain. Below is a detailed, easy-to-follow guide explaining the process.
1. Introduction #
Your domain name is an essential asset, especially if it represents your business or personal brand. Occasionally, the registration details might be incorrect or might have been set up under someone else’s credentials. This guide will help you understand how to update the registration information so that it correctly reflects your ownership.
2. First Step: Contact the Current Owner #
The most straightforward way to fix incorrect domain registration details is to directly reach out to the individual or organization that currently holds the domain.
- Request an Update: Ask them to change the domain’s registered name and email address to your own correct details.
- Provide Supporting Information (If Needed): If the current registrant is unsure or requires proof, be ready to present any documentation indicating your rightful ownership of the domain (for instance, business records or previous email receipts).
In many cases, this direct communication can resolve the matter quickly without the need for further steps.
3. If Direct Contact is Not Possible: Submit Required Documents #
If you are unable to reach the current owner, or if they are unresponsive or unwilling to cooperate, the next step is to submit official documentation to us. We need these documents to verify that you are indeed the legitimate owner of the domain. Please provide:
- An Official Letter Explaining the Situation
- This letter should be typed on your company’s official letterhead.
- It must clearly describe the circumstances under which the domain name ownership was misplaced or registered incorrectly.
- Include any additional proof or evidence that supports your claim of ownership.
- The letter must be stamped with the company seal (if applicable) and signed by an authorized manager.
- A Copy of Your Company’s Trade License
- This helps establish the legal existence of your company.
- Ensure the trade license name matches the entity you claim should own the domain.
- A Valid ID of the Authorized Signatory
- The person who signed the official letter should provide a valid form of identification (passport, driver’s license, government-issued ID, Emirates ID, etc).
- The name on this ID must match the name on the trade license copy to confirm the signatory’s authority.
4. Security Procedures and Verification #
Because domain ownership is a critical matter, we take steps to ensure that no unauthorized changes are made. If the request to change domain details does not come from the email address currently associated with the domain, we perform additional checks:
- Verification with the Current Account Holder: We will attempt to contact the current registered email address or account holder on record. This step ensures that the request to change the domain information is valid and prevents fraudulent or unauthorized transfers.
5. Estimated Processing Time & Fees #
Once you have submitted all the necessary documents and verification steps are underway, please note:
- Typical Processing Time: It usually takes anywhere between 48 to 72 hours to process your request.
- Possible Delays: If the current owner cannot be reached or if there are any discrepancies in the submitted documents, the process could take longer.
- We charge an administrative fee for this manual process. Please inquire with your account manager about the fees.
6. Limitations & Exclusions #
It is important to note that we can only assist in straightforward ownership recovery for domain names that are registered with AEserver and when enough evidence is provided in a goodwill manner to assist in claiming the ownership. We in noway act as an arbitrator or legal advisor in such cases and you will need to refer to the correct legal methods, such as a WIPO domain dispute, .ae UDRP dispute method or other local authorities to deal with more complex cases.
