How Does Zone Verification Work?

Last updated October 26, 2026

When you add a zone to DNSimple, you may be asked to verify that you own the domain first. This happens when the zone was previously in a different DNSimple account and the domain is still delegated to DNSimple name servers. Verification stops someone else from adding a zone that still points to DNSimple. For the background, see What Is Zone Verification and Why Does It Matter?.

Steps to complete zone verification

1. Add your zone in DNSimple.
2. DNSimple checks the domain’s history and current name servers. If verification is needed, the zone is not added yet. Instead, you get two verification name servers, such as 01jsy4hmybfde046awb3082jks.dnsimple-verify.com.
3. At your domain registrar, add the two verification name servers to the domain’s current name servers. Keep the existing name servers in place.
4. DNSimple checks the delegation automatically every three minutes. You can also open the verification from the Verify now link above your domain list and click Verify now to check right away.
5. When DNSimple sees both verification name servers in the delegation, it marks the zone as verified and emails your account’s notification recipients.
6. Add the zone again. This time it is added to your account.
7. At your registrar, remove the two verification name servers from the delegation.

Verifications expire after 48 hours. If one expires, DNSimple emails you, and you can start over by adding the zone again.

Using the API

Verification also applies when you create a zone through the API. The request fails with an error that lists the verification name servers to add. DNSimple checks the delegation in the background, and retrying the request after you add the name servers also triggers a check.

Have more questions?

If you have more questions or need assistance with zone verification, contact support, and we will be happy to help. You can also read more about DNS hosting at DNSimple.