DNS Changes Expected in 2025: What Domain Managers Need to Know

January 15, 2025·7 min read·DNS Infrastructure

ICANN has announced significant DNS protocol updates rolling out across Q1 2025. For domain managers overseeing large portfolios, understanding these changes is critical to maintaining compliance and preventing renewal complications. Here's what you need to know and how to prepare.

What's Changing

The primary update centers on DNSSEC validation requirements and enhanced resolver specifications. Starting March 1, 2025, all authoritative nameservers must implement stricter DNSSEC signing protocols, and registrars are required to validate DNS configurations during renewal cycles.

Additionally, the DNS flag day initiative is expanding scope to include EDNS0 padding recommendations and response size optimization. This means your DNS providers need to support modern DNS features or face potential service degradation.

Impact on Large Portfolios

If you manage 5,000+ domains, these changes could affect:

  • DNS propagation times during the transition period
  • Renewal workflows if your registrar hasn't updated their systems
  • Email delivery if DNSSEC signing isn't properly configured
  • SSL certificate validation processes tied to DNS

Action Items for 2025

Audit Your DNS Configuration

Run DNSSEC validators on your entire portfolio now. Tools like Zonemaster (available at zonemaster.iis.se) provide free audits. Flag any domains with missing DNSSEC records or invalid signatures before March 1st.

Coordinate with Your Registrar

Contact your registrar and confirm they support the new DNSSEC requirements. Ask specifically about their Q1 2025 compliance roadmap. If they're not prepared, consider consolidating to a registrar that is.

Update Your Renewal Calendar

Add a 30-day buffer before the March 1st deadline. Schedule renewal checks for February to catch any edge cases. This prevents last-minute scrambling when the new rules take effect.

Why This Matters

The DNS underpins everything—email routing, SSL validation, API connections. When DNS breaks, business stops. These updates strengthen the entire system but require proactive preparation on your end.

Organizations that act early will avoid the last-minute chaos that always accompanies industry-wide transitions. Start your audits this month.

Have questions about your DNS configuration? Our security team can audit your portfolio during a demo. Request a demo.