What belongs in a DNS handover note?

Separate a public lookup snapshot from a complete account and configuration handover.

State the scope first

Useful notes identify the complete names and record types that were queried, with a timestamp. An apex result does not cover every service subdomain. Do not label one “All types” export as a backup of the entire DNS configuration.

Explain purpose and ownership

Where you have reliable information, add the service, control panel location and responsible maintainer for each name. Do not guess the purpose of an unfamiliar TXT value, and never include login credentials in public documentation.

Attach the snapshot

CSV supports additional annotations, TXT is easy to read, and JSON preserves the response structure. Account permissions, historical versions and settings that do not appear in public answers still need a separate, appropriately controlled handover.

This guide explains public DNS responses. Before changing production settings, check the documentation for your current domain and hosting providers.