sonr/docs/reference/messages/svc-initiate-domain-verification.mdx

---
openapi: post /svc.v1.Msg/InitiateDomainVerification
title: Start Domain Verification
description: Generate DNS TXT record token for domain ownership proof
og:title: Domain Ownership Verification
---

<Info>
  Domain verification ensures only legitimate domain owners can register services, establishing trust in the ecosystem.
</Info>

## Verification Process

### Step 1: Initiate Verification
Call this endpoint to generate a unique verification token:
```bash
snrd tx svc initiate-domain-verification example.com --from alice
```

### Step 2: Add DNS TXT Record
Add the provided token to your domain's DNS:
```
Type: TXT
Name: @ (or subdomain)
Value: sonr-verification=<token>
TTL: 300
```

### Step 3: Complete Verification
After DNS propagation (5-30 minutes), verify:
```bash
snrd tx svc verify-domain example.com --from alice
```

## DNS Provider Examples

### Cloudflare
1. Go to DNS settings
2. Add record → Type: TXT
3. Name: @ → Value: sonr-verification=<token>
4. Save and wait for propagation

### Route53 (AWS)
1. Navigate to Hosted zones
2. Create record → Type: TXT
3. Record name: (leave blank for root)
4. Value: "sonr-verification=<token>"

<Tip>
  Use DNS lookup tools to verify your TXT record is propagated before completing verification:
  ```bash
  dig TXT example.com
  nslookup -type=TXT example.com
  ```
</Tip>

## Requirements

- **Valid TLD**: Must be a registered top-level domain
- **DNS Access**: Ability to manage DNS records
- **Unique Ownership**: Each domain can only have one owner
- **Time Limit**: Complete within 7 days of initiation

<Warning>
  Verification tokens expire after 7 days. If expired, you must initiate a new verification.
</Warning>