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DNS Records

After creating a domain in the Console, you will receive the specific DNS record values to add to your DNS provider. This page describes each required record and provides provider-specific setup guides.

Understanding DNS Record Types​

DNS records are entries in your domain's configuration that control how it behaves. Here's what each type does in plain language:

  • TXT record — A text note attached to your domain. Used to prove you own the domain and to publish email authentication policies. Think of it as a signed statement that says "yes, we authorize this service."
  • CNAME record — An alias that points one domain name to another. For example, it tells the internet that portal.yourcourt.gov should route to eCourtDate's servers.
  • MX record — Tells email systems where to deliver mail for your domain. Required if you want to receive inbound email at your custom domain.
  • SPF — A TXT record that lists which servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. Helps prevent others from impersonating your agency.
  • DKIM — Adds a digital signature to outgoing emails that proves they haven't been tampered with in transit.
  • DMARC — A policy that tells receiving email servers what to do if an email fails SPF or DKIM checks (e.g., reject it or flag it). Protects against spoofing and phishing.

Required Records​

Record TypePurposeNameValue
TXTOwnership VerificationFrom ConsoleFrom Console
TXTDMARC (email only)_dmarc.yourdomain.comDMARC policy from Console
TXTSPF (email only)yourdomain.comSPF record from Console
TXTSSL Validation (web only)From ConsoleFrom Console
CNAMEAcme Challenge (web only)From ConsoleFrom Console
CNAMEDomain Routing (web only)Your subdomainFallback domain from Console
MXInbound Email (email only)Your subdomainMail server from Console

All record names and values are generated by the Console when you create a domain. Download or copy these values before configuring your DNS provider.

Provider-Specific Guides​

CloudFlare​

  1. Log in to CloudFlare and go to Websites > select your domain > DNS tab.
  2. Click "Add Record".
  3. Add a CNAME record: set the name to your subdomain and the target to the fallback domain provided by the Console.
  4. Add TXT records for Ownership Verification and SSL Validation using the values from the Console.
  5. Add a CNAME record for the Acme Challenge using the name and target from the Console.
caution

If the CloudFlare Proxy is turned on, your own CloudFlare settings may override the eCourtDate network settings. Consider turning off the proxy (grey cloud) for your eCourtDate subdomain.

GoDaddy​

  1. Log in to GoDaddy and navigate to your domain's DNS tab.
  2. Click "Add Record".
  3. Add a CNAME record: set the name to your subdomain and the target to the fallback domain provided by the Console.
  4. Add TXT records for Ownership Verification and SSL Validation using the values from the Console.
  5. Add a CNAME record for the Acme Challenge using the name and target from the Console.

AWS Route 53​

  1. Open the AWS Management Console and navigate to Route 53 > Hosted Zones > select your domain.
  2. Click "Create Record Set".
  3. Create a CNAME record: set the name to your subdomain and the value to the fallback domain provided by the Console.
  4. Add TXT records for Ownership Verification and SSL Validation using the values from the Console.
  5. Add a CNAME record for the Acme Challenge using the name and target from the Console.

See Also​