Registrant Name Change (Umfirmierung)

What happens to domains when a company rebrands — by TLD family

When a company changes its legal name through a merger, rebrand, or restructuring, its domains may need updating. This is not automatic. Each TLD registry has its own rules about what a name change triggers, what documentation is needed, and how long it takes.

ℹ A registrant name change is different from a domain transfer. In a name change (Trade/Owner Change), the domain stays with the same registrar, only the registrant's name changes. Do not combine both in the same operation.

Requirements by TLD Family

DENIC (.de)

Formal update to holder contact object. DENIC validates against commercial register. No physical docs for most cases. Real-time to 1 working day.

Physical Document ccTLDs (.bg, .hr, .ba, .rs)

.bg: Business certificate (<6 months), signed + stamped application form. Originals by post. Up to 45 days. Application form valid 30 days only; incorrect submission locks the slot.
.hr: Company registration docs. Registrant data must match registry records exactly. 3-7 working days.
.ba: Company letterhead, signed + stamped. Two originals (not copies). 2-4 weeks.
.rs: Documentation confirming name change. 5-10 working days.

gTLDs (.com, .net, .org)

ICANN COR procedure. Both previous and new registrant notified by email. Real-time to 24 hours. If registrant email changes, contact verification triggered. 60-day transfer lock applied (opt-out available).

.tr / .com.tr

⚠ BLOCKED: Registrant changes NOT currently possible via TRABİS until further notice. No workaround. Plan accordingly.

Recommended Sequence for Multi-TLD Rebrand

Compile full domain list by TLD. Group by registry family.
Start documentation collection early for .bg, .ba, .hr (longest lead times).
Process gTLDs first (fast). Complete while physical docs are being prepared for ccTLDs.
Do NOT combine name change with registrar transfer. Complete one before initiating the other.
Monitor domain status. Locked/pending states during processing are normal.