Use your own domain with Web Portals, Data Dashboards, and to send and receive emails.
Benefits of Email Domains
- Improve credibility and branding.
- Enhance security and privacy.
- Use unlimited email addresses with your domain.
- Receive inbound emails in eCourtDate.
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email authentication for better deliverability.
How to Choose an Email Domain
Email domains should be easy to remember and represent your agency or organization.
There are two options:
Option A: Use the same email domain that you currently use for your agency's emails. For example, agency.gov. You will only need to verify ownership of the domain. You will not receive inbound emails in eCourtDate unless you configure email forwarding in your email provider.
Option B: Use a subdomain for your email domain. For example, email.agency.gov. You will need to configure MX records to receive inbound emails in eCourtDate.
Step 1 - Create an Email Domain
Follow these steps to create a domain that will be linked with your eCourtDate agency:
- Log in to the eCourtDate Console at console.ecourtdate.com.
- Click on the Domains link in the top navigation.
- Choose your desired customer from the top left customer switcher.
- Click on Add Email Domain.
- Enter the internal name for the domain.
- Enter the domain name (e.g. email.agency.gov).
- Choose the region (you can change this later).
- Click Save to create the domain.
- Click the Download DNS Records button to download the DNS records for your domain.
Once the domain is created, you will see the domain status as Verification Pending. Follow the next steps to configure your domain's DNS records.
Step 2 - Configure DNS Records
Follow these steps to configure your domain's MX records:
- Log in to your domain provider's website.
- Locate the DNS settings for your domain.
- Add the Email Verification TXT Name and Value to your DNS settings.
- Add the DMARC TXT Name and Value to your DNS settings.
- Add the SPF TXT Name and Value to your DNS settings.
- (optional) Add the MX records to receive inbound emails in eCourtDate.
Step 3 - Configure Agency Email Settings
Follow these steps to use your email domain in the eCourtDate agency:
- Log in to the staging or production agency that you enabled the email domain in.
- Click on Admin > Settings in the top navigation.
- Click the Agency Emails tab.
- Fill in the Create Agency Email form.
- Choose your domain in the Domain dropdown.
- Set an email address (e.g. listserv@email.agency.gov) based on the domain.
- Click the Create button.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?
DNS changes typically take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours to fully propagate across the internet. However, most changes are visible within 1-2 hours. You can check the status of your domain verification in the eCourtDate Console.
Can I use my main agency domain for sending outbound emails?
Yes, you can absolutely use your main agency domain (e.g., agency.gov) for sending outbound emails from eCourtDate. This is often the preferred option because:
- Maintains existing branding - Recipients see emails coming from your established domain
- Builds trust - Users recognize and trust your official agency domain
- Simple setup - Only requires domain ownership verification via TXT records
- No conflicts - Your existing email system continues to handle inbound emails normally
With this setup, you'll add SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to authorize eCourtDate to send emails on behalf of your domain, but all inbound emails continue to be delivered to your current email provider.
Can I use my main agency domain for receiving inbound emails in eCourtDate?
Using your main agency domain for receiving inbound emails in eCourtDate is not recommended and can be problematic because:
- MX record conflicts - Your existing email system already uses MX records for your main domain
- Email disruption - Changing MX records would redirect ALL emails to eCourtDate, potentially breaking existing email workflows
- Loss of existing functionality - Staff emails, administrative communications, and other non-eCourtDate emails would be affected
- Complex migration - Would require migrating your entire email infrastructure
Better alternative: Use a subdomain like listserv.agency.gov or notifications.agency.gov for receiving inbound emails in eCourtDate. This allows you to:
- Set up dedicated MX records without affecting your main email system
- Maintain separate email workflows for eCourtDate and general agency business
- Easily manage and troubleshoot email delivery issues
- Keep your existing email infrastructure intact
- Create an unlimited number of email addresses based on the subdomain in eCourtDate
What happens if I don't configure MX records?
Without MX records, you can still send emails from eCourtDate using your custom domain, but you won't be able to receive inbound emails directly in eCourtDate. Emails sent to your domain will be delivered to your existing email provider based on your current MX records.
How many email addresses can I create with my custom domain?
There is no limit to the number of email addresses you can create using your custom domain. You can create unlimited email addresses for different departments, users, or purposes (e.g., clerk@agency.gov, jury@agency.gov, support@agency.gov).
What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records and why are they important?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) verifies which servers are authorized to send emails from your domain.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to your emails to verify authenticity.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) tells receiving servers what to do with emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks.
These records are crucial for email deliverability and help prevent your emails from being marked as spam.
Can I change my email domain after it's been configured?
Yes, you can modify your email domain configuration through the eCourtDate Console. However, changing the domain name will require updating DNS records and may temporarily affect email delivery. We recommend testing changes in staging before applying them to production.
What should I do if my domain verification fails?
If domain verification fails, check that:
- All DNS records (TXT and MX) are correctly configured
- There are no typos in the record names or values
- DNS changes have had time to propagate (up to 24 hours)
- Your domain provider supports the required record types
If issues persist, contact our support team at help@ecourtdate.com for assistance.
Benefits of Web Domains
- Improve credibility and branding.
- Enhance security and privacy.
- Customize your web portal and data dashboard.
- DDoS protection, SSL certificates, and uptime monitoring.
- Ability to embed a web portal or data dashboard in your website.
How to Choose a Web Domain
Choose a domain that represents your agency or organization. A domain name is the address where users can access your website or web portal.
We recommend using a subdomain for your web portal and data dashboard. For example, portal.agency.gov and dashboard.agency.gov.
If you have multiple departments using eCourtdate, you can use a subdomain for each department. For example, jury.agency.gov and clerk.agency.gov.
Any Web Domains configured in eCourtDate should not be used for other purposes. We recommend verifying that the domain is not already in use before creating it in eCourtDate.
Subdomains and Wildcard Domains
In most cases, we recommend creating a subdomain for each web portal or data dashboard. For larger deployments, you may want to use a root domain that will act as a wildcard domain. For example, agencymessages.gov and *.agencymessages.gov.
Contact our support team for assistance with wildcard domains.
Step 1 - Create a Web Domain
Follow these steps to create a domain that will be linked with a Web Portal or Data Dashboard:
- Log in to the eCourtDate Console at console.ecourtdate.com.
- Click on the Domains link in the top navigation.
- Choose your desired customer from the top left customer switcher.
- Click on Add Web Domain.
- Enter the internal name for the domain.
- Enter the domain name (e.g., portal.agency.gov).
- Choose the domain alias (Web Portal or Data Dashboard).
- Choose the region (you can change this later).
- Choose the verification method (we recommend TXT).
- Click Save to create the domain.
Once the domain is created, you will see the domain status as Verification Pending. Follow the next steps to configure your domain's DNS records.
Step 2 - Configure DNS Records
Generic DNS
Follow these steps to configure your domain using a Generic DNS provider:
- Log in to your domain provider's website.
- Locate the DNS settings for your domain.
- Copy the Ownership Verification TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the SSL Validation TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the Acme Challenge CNAME Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Add a CNAME record for your chosen domain pointing to the provided DNS fallback domain.
CloudFlare
Login to your CloudFlare account and follow these steps:
- Click Websites in the CloudFlare navigation.
- Click the domain you want to configure.
- Click the DNS tab.
- Click Add Record.
- Choose CNAME as the record type.
- Enter the subdomain you want to use (e.g., portal.agency.gov).
- Enter the provided DNS fallback domain as the target.
- Copy the Ownership Verification TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the SSL Validation TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the Acme Challenge CNAME Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
Should you turn on the CloudFlare Proxy?
As our custom domains feature is powered by CloudFlare, if you are also using CloudFlare for your domain, you may want to turn off the CloudFlare Proxy (orange cloud) for any CNAME records.
If the CloudFlare Proxy is turned on, your own CloudFlare settings may override the eCourtDate network settings. Ensure that an SSL certificate is installed on your CloudFlare account.
We recommend enabling the CloudFlare Proxy and testing the domain to ensure it is working correctly. If you encounter any issues, turn off the CloudFlare Proxy for the CNAME records.
GoDaddy
Login to your GoDaddy account and follow these steps:
- Click on the DNS tab for the domain you want to configure.
- Click Add Record.
- Choose CNAME as the record type.
- Enter the subdomain you want to use (e.g., portal.agency.gov).
- Enter the provided DNS fallback domain as the target.
- Copy the Ownership Verification TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the SSL Validation TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the Acme Challenge CNAME Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
AWS
Login to your AWS account and follow these steps:
- Click on the Route 53 service.
- Click on the Hosted Zones tab.
- Click on the domain you want to configure.
- Click Create Record Set.
- Choose CNAME as the record type.
- Enter the subdomain you want to use (e.g., portal.agency.gov).
- Enter the provided DNS fallback domain as the target.
- Copy the Ownership Verification TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the SSL Validation TXT Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
- Copy the Acme Challenge CNAME Name and Value and add it to your DNS settings.
Step 3 - Update Domain Agency Settings
Return to the Console Domain profile to configure the following settings:
Choose a Default Agency - this is the primary agency that the domain will be used in.
Choose the Enabled Agencies - choose the same default agency. Wildcard domains support multiple agencies.
Configure Monitoring Reports - add email addresses to receive monitoring reports about issues with the domain.
Step 4 - Verify Domain Status
DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate. Once the domain status is Verified, you can use the domain in your enabled agencies.
Step 5 - Configure Domain in Web Portals
Follow these steps to configure the domain in your web portal:
- Log in to the staging or production agency that you enabled the web domain in.
- Click on Admin > Portals in the top navigation.
- Fill in the Create Portal form.
- Choose your domain in the Domain dropdown.
- Click the Create button.
Frequently Asked Questions
DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate. If you encounter any issues after following this guide, check the following:
What should I do if I get a 404 error when accessing my web portal or data dashboard?
If you encounter a 404 error when accessing your web portal or data dashboard, check the following:
- In the Console, ensure the domain's Default Agency is configured.
- In the Admin Application, ensure at least one Portal is assigned to the domain.
A 404 should mean that the DNS records are configured correctly, but the domain is not assigned to a Web Portal or Data Dashboard.
How do I fix an SSL Handshake Failed error?
If you encounter an SSL Handshake Failed error, check the following:
- In the Console, ensure the domain's SSL Validation TXT record is configured.
- In the DNS settings, ensure the SSL Validation TXT record is correct.
If you do not see Active in the Console Domain status, the DNS records may not be configured correctly. Check the DNS settings for the domain and ensure the records are correct.
What does a Validation Timeout error mean?
If you encounter a Validation Timeout error, please contact our help team to regenerate the custom domain. Validation will time out after 7 days if the domain is not verified successfully.
How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate?
DNS changes typically take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours to fully propagate across the internet. However, most changes are visible within 1-2 hours. You can check the status of your domain verification in the eCourtDate Console.
Can I use the same domain for multiple web portals?
Yes, with wildcard domains you can use the same root domain for multiple web portals and data dashboards. For example, *.agency.gov could support portal.agency.gov, dashboard.agency.gov, and jury.agency.gov. Contact our support team for assistance with wildcard domain configuration.
What's the difference between Web Portal and Data Dashboard domain aliases?
When creating a web domain, you can choose whether it will be used for a Web Portal (public-facing interfaces for case participants) or a Data Dashboard (internal analytics and reporting tools). This setting determines which eCourtDate services the domain will route to.
Can I change my web domain after it's been configured?
Yes, you can modify your web domain configuration through the eCourtDate Console. However, changing the domain name will require updating DNS records and may temporarily affect access to your web portals or dashboards. We recommend testing changes in staging before applying them to production.
Technical Support
If you have any questions or issues while using this guide, please contact our help team at help@ecourtdate.com. We're here to help.
We appreciate any feedback or suggestions to improve our technical guides and resources.