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# Vercel subdomain verification fails when parent domain DNS is inaccessible

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dindonero (@daraujo-6169) · 2026-03-13

## Problem
I’m trying to add `futuremaker.novaims.unl.pt` to my Vercel project, but verification requires a `TXT` record at `_vercel.unl.pt`.

I only have DNS control over the `novaims.unl.pt` zone — I cannot add records to the parent `unl.pt` domain, as that is managed by Universidade Nova de Lisboa’s central IT.

This is the same issue reported in:

* [Vercel domain verification fails for university subdomain smid.snu.ac.kr](https://community.vercel.com/t/vercel-domain-verification-fails-for-university-subdomain-smid-snu-ac-kr/34385)
* [Vercel domain ownership verification prompt for subdomains on Public Suffix List](https://community.vercel.com/t/vercel-domain-ownership-verification-prompt-for-subdomains-on-public-suffix-list/34749)

## Proposed Solutions
Could you either:

1. Treat `novaims.unl.pt` (or `unl.pt`) as an effective apex/public suffix in Vercel’s internal PSL, so the `TXT` verification is requested at `_vercel.novaims.unl.pt` instead — this would allow us to deploy other projects under `novaims.unl.pt` in the future without running into this same issue each time. This is our preferred option.
2. Perform a manual domain verification for `futuremaker.novaims.unl.pt`.

I can prove ownership by adding any DNS record under `novaims.unl.pt`.


system (@system) · 2026-03-13

The domain troubleshooting guide can help with most custom domain configuration issues. You might be able to use that guide to solve it before a human is available to help you. Then you can come back here and share the answer for [bonus points](https://community.vercel.com/t/introducing-the-vercel-leaderboard/1358).

https://vercel.com/docs/projects/domains/troubleshooting

You can also use [v0](https://v0.dev/) to narrow down the possibilities.


Anshuman Bhardwaj (@anshumanb) · 2026-03-13

Hi @daraujo-6169, welcome to the Vercel Community!

I understand your issue but since `unl.pt` isn't part of the official https://publicsuffix.org/list/public_suffix_list.dat we can't add it to ours.

I'd recommend using one of the listed TLDs or stick with `*.vercel.app` for the time being.