This guide explains which documents are required to change the owner (holder) of a domain name, i.e., the domain's “WHOIS” details, and why these documents are required. For a simple change of contact details (address, phone number, etc.) without changing the owner, please refer to this other guide.

Introduction

• WHOIS contact details always prevail in the event of a dispute regarding domain ownership: Infomaniak therefore never changes an owner without identity verification, and the change requires the agreement of both parties (current owner and new owner).
• These requirements protect against domain hijacking: without supporting documents, anyone could claim ownership of a domain that does not belong to them. This is standard practice among all registrars and registries – for example, the Swedish registry requires an official identification number to authenticate the new owner, and the Spanish registry requires an identity document for any transfer request.
• An incorrect or invalid WHOIS email address can block the annual ICANN accuracy check as well as any modification request: keeping this information up to date is therefore essential, even with Domain Privacy enabled.
• The domain-related hosting is never affected: it belongs to the account holder on which it is located. Only a court order would allow any changes to be made.

Documents to be provided based on the type of owner

The request must be submitted in writing to support.

The required documents vary depending on the type of owner:

Individual

1. A signed letter mentioning the domain and the request to make the WHOIS change.
2. Front and back copy of the identification document (or passport), which must be valid.

Why: the signature on the letter must match the signature on the identification document, ensuring that the request originates from the actual individual.

Association

1. Letter signed by the president mentioning the domain and the desire to make the change.
2. Latest minutes of the association, recent (current or previous year), mentioning the current president.
3. Copy of both sides of the president's ID.

Reason: only the current president can commit the association; the minutes prove their current legitimacy, and the ID authenticates their signature.

Company

1. Letter signed by a person authorized to sign according to the commercial register, mentioning the domain and the request to make the change.
2. Extract from the commercial register of the company that owns the domain.
3. Front and back copy of the identification document of the signatory.

Why: the excerpt from the register establishes who has the legal right to represent the company; the signature and identification document confirm that the signatory is indeed that person. In the case of a joint signature (e.g., "joint signature by two"), provide the identification documents of all signatories and, if applicable, a copy of an official power of attorney (issued by a notary or lawyer).

Sole proprietorship (not registered in the commercial register)

In Switzerland, registration in the commercial register is not mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover of less than CHF 100,000. In this case:

1. Letter signed by the person listed on the AVS affiliation certificate, including the domain name and the request to make the change.
2. Proof of affiliation with the AVS.
3. A copy of both sides of the ID card of the person named on this certificate.

Why: In the absence of a commercial register, AVS affiliation is the official proof of the company's existence and that of its owner.

Deceased owner

1. Notarized certificate of inheritance, signed and sealed.
2. A signed request from the heirs mentioning the domain and the desired changes.
3. Copies of the heirs' identification documents.

Why: the certificate of inheritance is the only document that legally establishes the transfer of the estate.

The domain is managed by a third party (webmaster, agency)

If the domain was registered with a provider who declared themselves the owner, Infomaniak cannot provide any information or take any action unless the person contacting support is formally identified as the WHOIS holder— legally, the domain belongs to this owner. If you are indeed the owner, the procedure and supporting documents described above apply; otherwise, only a court decision will allow you to recover the domain.

Exceptions based on the extension

Some registries require their own process in addition to the documents mentioned above:

• .de: The ownership change cannot be performed independently from the Manager. Download the form in the Domain Owner section, complete it with the documents listed at the end of the document, and send it to support.
• .pt: after submitting the completed form, the process is automated by the registry – the former owner approves the change within 8 days via the link received by email, and then the new owner has 8 days to accept it. Both parties must have an account on the registry portal.
• .be, .es, .se…: each extension may require additional forms, registry credentials, or documents – consult the dedicated guides, such as the .es or the .se.

Depending on the domain extension in question, these operations may involve fees.