NIC-MT: FAQ - NIC(Malta)

General Information

1. What is a contact Handle?

A Handle will enable you to log into NIC(Malta) website and register a domain name. A Handle will also enable you to manage existing domains according to your role as Holder or Admin/Billing/Technical Agent. For more information regarding Handles, follow the link below:

www.nic.org.mt/go/about-handles

2. What is a domain name?

A domain name, such as for example myname.com.mt, acts like an address and identifies a particular entity in the Internet.

3. Can I register a domain name directly with you, or it must be done through a Registrar?

Yes, you can register a domain name directly with us.

4. Does NIC(Malta) offer DNS, web and email hosting services?

No, NIC(Malta) does not offer DNS, web and email hosting services. These services must be sourced through a third-party service provider/s.

Contact Handle

1. How do I apply for a Handle?

You can apply through NIC(Malta) website by clicking on “register handle” from the left-hand menu, and filling in the required form.

Ensure all details are accurate, especially the legal entity name.

2. What is a legal entity name and what should I enter when applying for a Handle?

The legal entity can be either an individual, company, or organisation that has a distinct legal personality.

For companies, use the official registered company name, not the name of a director or shareholder.

For individuals, enter your full name as it appears on your official documents.

3. I own a trademark but do not have a company set up. Can I still apply for a domain name for this trademark?

Yes, you can still apply for a domain name by applying for a Handle for the person/s legally responsible for the trading name and setting this Handle as the Holder of the domain name.

4. I forgot my login/password. What can I do?

If you do not know the login/password you can follow the steps below:

Go to NIC(Malta) website, www.nic.org.mt and choose 'login'
Click on 'request to have Handle's details sent' and then choose 'know Handle'.
Type in your Handle ID (e.g. AB1-MT) and the human verification code. An email will be sent with a link. This email will be sent to the registered email address of your Handle..
Follow the link in this email and then change the password.

5. My handle has been locked, how do I unlock it?

When you try and login and you get message that handle is locked, further down you should also get the following text:

"Your handle has been locked, possibly following numerous failed login attempts. Click here to request your account to be unlocked."

Follow the link there to unlock the handle.

6. I do not have access to the email address associated with my Handle.

If you have access to your Handle`s login and password, can first log in our website (https://www.nic.org.mt) using your Handle`s details. Then, once logged in, select 'update e-mail' from the menu on the left-hand side of the screen and change the email address.

On the other hand, if you do not know your Handle`s login and password and have no access to the email address associated with your Handle we require a letter authorising us to change the email address and specifying the new email address you wish to use.

For Handles owned by a company:

The letter must be printed on the company’s letterhead and signed by an authorised representative.

For Handles owned by an individual (or individuals):

The letter must be signed by the Handle owner(s) and accompanied by a copy of a valid identification document (e.g. ID card, passport, or driving licence) for each individual.

The document(s) should be sent as attachments to help@nic.org.mt.

.mt Domain Name

1. How do I register a domain name?

In order to register a domain name, follow the link ‘register .mt domain’ through NIC(Malta) website and check the domain availability. If the domain is available and you already have a registered Handle, log into the website with your Handle`s details and submit a domain name registration form.

On the other hand, if you do not have a registered Handle with NIC(Malta) first register a Handle. Once the Handle is activated you will be able to register a domain name.

2. Can I pay for a domain for more than one year?

The initial payment includes a registration fee and a one-year renewal fee. From the second year onwards, you can renew the domain for two years at a time.

For more information you can refer to the Fees page.

3. Can I set up the CNAMEs, TXT records, or IPs on your portal?

Through the NIC(Malta) website, you can only set up nameservers provided by your DNS hosting provider. Any other DNS records, such as CNAMEs, TXT records, or A records (IPs), must be configured directly through your DNS hosting provider portal.

4. I want to delete my domain. What is the procedure? Do I get a refund on a pro-rata basis?

In order to delete a domain, allow the domain name to expire and you may also inform us by sending an email on help@nic.org.mt. No refund is given.

Contact Number Verification Process

1. How do I verify my contact number?

If your Handle is already active:

Log into NIC(Malta) website with your Handle and you will be automatically instructed to enter your contact number for verification.

If your Handle is not active yet:

You will first need to receive an email from NIC(Malta) with instructions to activate your Handle. As part of the activation process you will set up the password and verify your contact number.

To verify your contact number, you will receive a code via phone call or SMS, which you will need to enter on the NIC(Malta) website.

2. From when will I be required to verify my contact number?

As of 28th August 2026.

3. Why do I need to verify my contact number?

This requirement is in line with the NIS2 Directive, which aims to ensure a high common level of cybersecurity across the European Union.

4. Do I need to verify my contact number every time I log into the NIC(Malta) website?

No, this is a one-time verification process. However, in the future, you may be required to re-verify your contact number.

5. How do I change my verified contact number?

If your Handle is already active:

Log into the NIC(Malta) website with your Handle, select ‘Update Handle’, enter the new contact number in the ‘Telephone number’ field, click ‘Update Details’, and complete the verification process for the new number.

If your Handle is not yet active and you have already set up a password:

Log into the NIC(Malta) website and you will be guided to enter and verify your contact number.

6. How do I remove my verified contact number from appearing in the whois?

The verified contact number can be made visible or hidden in the whois. This option is initially chosen while verifying your contact number.

If you wish to change the option you originally chose, you will need to:

Log into NIC(Malta) website with your Handle.
Select 'update handle'.
Click on 'change', which is located near your contact number.
Select/unselect the option ‘I want the Contact Number to show in the whois'.
Click on the button 'Proceed'.

7. I’m trying to verify my contact number but not receiving the verification code.

If you entered a landline number, you will receive a phone call.

If you entered a mobile number, you will receive a SMS. However, you will receive a call if the code is not entered on our website within 30 seconds.

If the landline number you entered is connected to a phone system with interactive voice response (IVR), use another contact number that is not connected to an IVR.

Ensure the country code and phone number are entered correctly. These are displayed at the top of the page where you are asked to input the code.

If the details are incorrect, click ‘home’ and re-enter the correct number.

If you still experience issues, or you only have one IVR contact number, please contact NIC(Malta) for further support.

New Handle and New Domain Name Registration Process

1. From when will the new registration process be in effect?

As of 28th August 2026.

2. How does the new Handle process work?

The entire application process is carried out online and is as follows:

Submit Application: Complete and submit the online Handle application form on the NIC(Malta) website. An automated email will be sent by NIC(Malta) to the email address provided in the form, confirming receipt of the application.
Vetting: NIC(Malta) will vet the application and, if necessary, contact the Handle owner for clarification.
Set up & Activation: Once vetting is completed an email containing a link to set up a password will be sent to the Handle owner. Once the password has been set, the Handle owner must also:
1. Verify their contact number.
2. Confirm their Handle contact details.
3. Accept the terms and conditions.
The Handle will automatically be activated once this step is completed.

3. How is the new domain name process?

The entire application process is carried out online and is as follows:

Submit Application: Complete and submit the online domain name application form on the NIC(Malta) website. An automated email will be sent to the registered email address of the Holder and Administrative Agent, confirming receipt of the application.
Holder to confirm details if the domain name was applied by an Administrative Agent on your behalf: The Holder will receive an email from NIC(Malta) instructing them to log into NIC(Malta) website, confirm the domain name’s Agents, and accept the terms and conditions before the domain can be registered.
Vetting: NIC(Malta) will vet the application and, if necessary, contact the Holder and Administrative Agent for clarification.

Once the above steps are completed, an email will be sent confirming the domain registration.

4. I applied for a Handle and/or domain name but have not received any further communication from NIC(Malta).

Please check your spam/junk folder and ensure your mailbox is not full or inactive.

For further assistance you can contact NIC(Malta).

5. I submitted an application for a Handle and/or domain name before 28th August 2026. Do I still need to complete the PDF form(s)?

Yes. If your application was submitted before 28th August 2026, the previous registration process still applies, and you will need to complete and submit the relevant PDF form(s) that you would have received by email.