> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.dnscontrol.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.dnscontrol.org/language-reference/domain-modifiers/soa.md).

# SOA

`SOA` adds a [Start of Authority record](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1035) to a domain. The name should be `@`. ns and mbox are strings. The other fields are unsigned 32-bit ints.

{% code title="dnsconfig.js" %}

```javascript
D("example.com", REG_MY_PROVIDER, DnsProvider(DSP_MY_PROVIDER),
  SOA("@", "ns3.example.com.", "hostmaster.example.com.", 3600, 600, 604800, 1440),
);
```

{% endcode %}

### Notes

* The serial number is managed automatically. It isn't even a field in `SOA`.
* Most providers automatically generate SOA records. They will ignore any `SOA` statements.
* The mbox field should not be set to a real email address unless you love spam and hate your privacy.

There is more info about `SOA` in the documentation for the [BIND provider](/provider/bind.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.dnscontrol.org/language-reference/domain-modifiers/soa.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.