Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for validating ownership of a domain name. According to one embodiment, a validating ownership of a domain name can comprise retrieving one or more domain name ownership records. For example, the one or more domain name ownership records comprise Who Is records. Validity of the one or more domain name records can be confirmed with a designated domain manager. According to one embodiment, confirming validity of the one or more domain name records with the designated domain manager can comprise authenticating the designated domain manager based on a certificate provided by the designated domain manager.