How to Fix a DMARC Record: Common Errors and Solutions

Check Your DMARC Record First

Before fixing anything, look up your current DMARC record with our DMARC Checker to see exactly what is published.

Error 1: No DMARC Record Found

Problem: _dmarc.yourdomain.com has no TXT record. Fix: Add a TXT record at _dmarc.yourdomain.com with at minimum:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com

Start with p=none to monitor without enforcement.

Error 2: Multiple DMARC Records

Problem: Two or more TXT records at _dmarc.yourdomain.com starting with v=DMARC1. Fix: Delete all but one. Multiple DMARC records cause a PermError — the policy is effectively not enforced.

Error 3: SPF or DKIM Alignment Failure

Problem: DMARC passes require that SPF or DKIM aligns with the visible From domain. If you send from a subdomain but your From header uses the root domain, alignment may fail. Fix: Check that the domain in your DKIM d= tag or SPF MAIL FROM matches (or is a subdomain of) the From header domain. If using relaxed alignment (the default), subdomains align with the parent domain.

Error 4: p=none With No Reporting

Problem: p=none with no rua= tag means you get no data and provide no protection. Fix: Add rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com to receive aggregate reports. Without reports, p=none provides zero value.

Error 5: pct Less Than 100

Problem: pct=50 means only 50% of messages are subject to the policy. Fix: Once you have verified your sending sources are legitimate, set pct=100 or remove the tag entirely (defaults to 100).

Error 6: Strict Alignment Breaking Forwarding

Problem: adkim=s or aspf=s with strict alignment breaks forwarded email. Fix: Use relaxed alignment (adkim=r; aspf=r) — this is the default and sufficient for most deployments.

Error 7: p=none Forever

Problem: Staying at p=none indefinitely provides no protection — spoofed emails are delivered normally. Fix: Review your aggregate reports, identify all legitimate sending sources, ensure they all pass SPF and/or DKIM, then progressively move to p=quarantine then p=reject.