What FOA (Form of Authorization) is
FOA is the registrant email confirmation required for many domain registrations and contact changes. NextShopper sends a message to the registrant email; you must complete it within the FOA window. The domain page warns: Confirm the registrant email from the message we sent. Unverified names are suspended after the FOA window. Portal Notices may also show Confirm registrant email.
This guide explains how to find the message, complete confirmation, and verify the domain stays active.
Who this guide is for
- New domain registrants
- Anyone who changed the registrant email on Contacts
- Customers who see FOA on Home, Notices, or the domain banner
Before you start
- Know which inbox is the registrant email (domain Contacts)—it might differ from your login email.
- Check spam, junk, and quarantine folders.
- Act before the FOA deadline; suspension after the window is disruptive.
- Do not ignore FOA because WHOIS privacy is on—FOA still applies.
Step-by-step: confirm FOA
- Sign in and note any FOA item under Notices or Home (Confirm the registrant email for [domain].).
- Open the registrant inbox and find the NextShopper / registry FOA message.
- Click the confirmation link (or follow the exact instructions in the email).
- If the link expired, update nothing randomly—open a ticket or use available resend paths, and confirm the contact email is correct under Contacts.
- Return to the domain page; the FOA pending banner should clear after success.
- Refresh Notices until the FOA item disappears.
What happens next / how to verify success
- Domain remains active (not suspended for FOA).
- FOA banners and notices clear.
- You can manage DNS and renewals normally.
If the window passed and the name suspended, contact support immediately with the FQDN and any FOA reference IDs from email headers you still have.
Common problems
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| No FOA email | Check spam; verify contact email; wait briefly; ask support to resend |
| Link expired | Request a fresh FOA; complete promptly |
| Confirmed but notice remains | Refresh; wait for status sync; re-open domain |
| Wrong inbox | Update Contacts email, then complete the new FOA |
| Suspended after window | Ticket to staff with timeline; restore path depends on registry |
Frequently asked questions
Is FOA the same as account email verification?
No. Account verification is under Account / Home. FOA is domain-registrant specific—see How to verify your email.
Can my admin complete FOA?
Anyone with access to the registrant inbox can click the link. Prefer controlled access.
Does transferring in require FOA?
Transfer flows have their own approval emails; still monitor registrant mail.
Will locking the domain block FOA?
No.
Related guides
- How to update domain registrant contacts
- How to understand Notices
- How to verify your email
- How to search and register a domain
Still need help?
Open a support ticket or Contact with the domain name and whether you received any FOA message (yes/no)—do not forward full secret tokens in public channels if avoidable.