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Custom Domains

What is a Custom Domain?​

By default, eCourtDate sends emails and hosts portals using eCourtDate addresses (like @ecase.io). A custom domain lets your agency use its own domain instead — so emails come from notifications@yourcourt.gov and portals live at portal.yourcourt.gov.

Behind the scenes, this works through DNS (Domain Name System) — the internet's phone book that maps human-readable domain names (like yourcourt.gov) to servers. Setting up a custom domain involves adding a few DNS records that tell the internet "eCourtDate is authorized to send email and host pages on behalf of our domain."

Why do courts want this? Messages from your own domain are more trusted by recipients, look more professional, and are less likely to be flagged as spam. For web portals, a custom domain reinforces your agency's brand and credibility.

Overview​

Custom domains allow your agency to use its own domain name for email communication and web portals instead of the default eCourtDate subdomains. Domains are managed in the eCourtDate Console under the Domains section.

Domain Types​

Email Domains​

Email domains let your agency send and receive messages using your own domain instead of the default {agency}@ecase.io address.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced credibility and branding -- messages come from your agency's domain, increasing trust with recipients
  • Security and privacy -- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication records protect against spoofing and phishing
  • Unlimited email addresses -- create as many email addresses as needed under your verified domain
  • Inbound email -- receive email directly to your custom domain addresses
  • Authentication -- full SPF/DKIM/DMARC support for improved deliverability

Web Domains​

Web domains let your agency host public portals and dashboards on your own domain instead of the default {agency}.ecase.io or {agency}.courtdashboards.com addresses.

Benefits:

  • DDoS protection -- built-in protection against distributed denial-of-service attacks
  • SSL certificates -- automatically provisioned and managed SSL for secure HTTPS connections
  • Uptime monitoring -- continuous monitoring with configurable alert contacts
  • Embedding capabilities -- embed portals and dashboards within your existing website infrastructure

Choosing a Domain​

Use a subdomain of your agency's primary domain to avoid conflicts with existing email or web infrastructure. For example:

  • email.agency.gov for email
  • portal.agency.gov for web portals

Your main domain (e.g., agency.gov) can be used for outbound email by adding only a verification TXT record. However, configuring MX records on your main domain for inbound email is not recommended, as it would conflict with your existing email provider.

Next Steps​