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TXT

What is a TXT record?

TXT records hold text used for email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and domain verification. Learn the format and how to check them.

example.com.   3600   IN   TXT   "v=spf1 include:_spf.example.net -all"

A TXT record stores text. DNS doesn’t interpret it, but other systems do — today mostly for email security and for proving that you control a domain.

Common uses

  • SPF (v=spf1 …) lists which servers may send mail for the domain.
  • DKIM keys live at selector._domainkey.example.com and let receivers verify message signatures.
  • DMARC (_dmarc.example.com, v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; …) tells receivers what to do when SPF/DKIM fail and where to send reports.
  • Verification tokens for search consoles, certificate authorities and SaaS products.

Format notes

A single TXT string is limited to 255 bytes; longer values (such as 2048-bit DKIM keys) are split into several quoted strings that are joined back together. A domain must have only one SPF record.

Frequently asked questions

Can a domain have multiple TXT records?
Yes, as many as needed. But there must be only one record starting with v=spf1.
Where are DMARC records published?
As a TXT record on the _dmarc subdomain, e.g. _dmarc.example.com. You can look it up with this tool.

DNS record guides