Summary
A 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' bounce message arises primarily from issues within the DMARC record's configuration or DNS accessibility. The most common causes include malformed syntax (such as missing 'mailto' in rua declarations, extra dots, typos, incorrect tags, or invalid characters), incorrect or incomplete DMARC configurations, DNS-related problems (like propagation delays, lookup failures, or interference from other DNS records), invalid domain names in the rua or ruf tags, and exceeding the maximum DNS record length. Experts recommend validating the DMARC record, checking DNS configuration and stability, and adhering to DMARC specifications.
Key findings
- Malformed DMARC Record: Syntax errors, incorrect tags, invalid characters, or incorrect order of tags within the DMARC record are the primary causes.
- DNS Issues: DNS problems, like propagation delays, lookup failures, or interference from other records, can prevent proper DMARC evaluation.
- Invalid Domains: Invalid domain names in the rua or ruf tags within the DMARC record can lead to a permanent error.
- Record Length: Exceeding the maximum allowable DNS record length can lead to truncation and errors.
- Configuration Errors: Incorrect or incomplete DMARC configurations can lead to DMARC evaluation errors.
Key considerations
- Validate DMARC Record: Use a DMARC record checker to validate the DMARC record for syntax errors and adherence to standards.
- Check DNS Configuration: Ensure the DMARC record is correctly published, propagated, and reachable via DNS.
- Monitor DNS Stability: Check DNS propagation and server stability to avoid intermittent failures.
- Review DMARC Specifications: Adhere to official DMARC specifications and guidelines to ensure correct implementation.
- Check Record Length: Ensure the DMARC record length does not exceed the limits imposed by the DNS provider.
- Propagation wait: If the DMARC record has been recently updated, wait 24-48 hours for full propagation before troubleshooting
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
A 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' bounce message typically arises from issues related to the DMARC record's configuration or DNS accessibility. Malformed syntax within the DMARC record, such as missing 'mailto' in rua declarations, extra dots, incorrect tags, or exceeding length limits, can cause parsing failures. DNS-related problems like propagation delays, lookup failures, or interference from other DNS records may also contribute. Additionally, errors can stem from invalid domain names in the rua or ruf tags. Tools are available to validate and correct DMARC record issues, and DNS configurations.
Key opinions
- Malformed Record: The most common cause is a malformed DMARC record due to syntax errors, incorrect tags, or invalid characters.
- DNS Issues: DNS problems, like propagation delays, lookup failures, or interference from other records, can prevent proper DMARC evaluation.
- Invalid Domains: Invalid domain names in the rua or ruf tags within the DMARC record can lead to a permanent error.
- Record Length: If the DNS record exceeds max length it can be truncated, leading to syntax errors.
Key considerations
- Validate DMARC Record: Use a DMARC record checker to validate the DMARC record for syntax errors and adherence to standards.
- Check DNS Configuration: Ensure the DMARC record is correctly published, propagated, and reachable via DNS.
- Monitor DNS Stability: Check DNS propagation and server stability to avoid intermittent failures.
- Check recently updated records: If you've recently updated a DMARC record, wait 24-48 hours for full propagation before troubleshooting
Marketer view
Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that this error occurs due to an unparseable DMARC record. The suggested action is to validate the DMARC record for syntax errors, use a DMARC record checker, and ensure it conforms to the standard.
12 Jan 2024 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that if the DMARC record has been recently updated, it might not have propagated across all DNS servers yet. This can cause temporary evaluation errors. The advice is to wait 24-48 hours for full propagation after making changes to a DMARC record.
19 Feb 2024 - Email on Acid
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
A 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' bounce message typically arises from either a malformed DMARC record or configuration mistakes within the DMARC record and/or related DNS settings. Common causes include syntax errors, incorrect tags, invalid formatting, or improperly configured DNS entries. Experts recommend carefully reviewing the record for these errors and using a reliable DMARC validation tool to double-check the setup.
Key opinions
- Malformed DMARC Record: Syntax errors, incorrect tags, or invalid formatting within the DMARC record are primary causes.
- DNS Configuration Mistakes: Improperly configured DNS entries and related DNS settings can lead to DMARC evaluation errors.
- DNS Failure: DNS failures can be an indicator.
Key considerations
- Review DMARC Record: Carefully review the DMARC record for syntax, formatting, and tag errors.
- Validate DMARC Setup: Use a reliable DMARC validation tool to double-check the entire DMARC setup, including DNS entries.
Expert view
Experts from Email Geeks concur with the idea of a malformed DMARC record being the problem. Further information was found stating it could be extra dots in the DMARC record causing it.
7 Nov 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares details of a unique bounce message: "554 5.7.5 Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" from Google and wonders if it indicates a DNS failure or a malformed DMARC policy.
10 Jan 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
A 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' most often results from issues in the DMARC record itself. Common problems include syntax errors, incorrect tag usage (such as typos or using the wrong tags), invalid characters, and exceeding the maximum record length allowed by some DNS providers, which can lead to truncation. Adhering to DMARC specifications and using a DMARC record validator are crucial for proper implementation.
Key findings
- Malformed DMARC Record: Syntax errors, incorrect tag usage, and invalid characters within the DMARC record are primary causes.
- Record Length Exceeded: Exceeding the maximum allowable DNS record length can lead to truncation and errors.
- Specification Non-Compliance: Errors in DMARC record format cause the policy to fail based on specifications.
Key considerations
- Validate DMARC Record: Regularly check the DMARC record for syntax errors, incorrect tag usage, and invalid characters.
- Adhere to Specifications: Follow the official DMARC specifications and guidelines to ensure correct implementation.
- Consider Record Length: Ensure the DMARC record length does not exceed the limits imposed by the DNS provider.
- Use Validator: Use a DMARC validator.
Technical article
Documentation from EasyDMARC explains the most common DMARC syntax errors include typos, incorrect tag usage (e.g., using 'ru' instead of 'rua'), invalid characters, and incorrect order of tags. It also mentions that some DNS providers have limitations on record length, which can lead to truncation and errors.
12 Sep 2024 - EasyDMARC
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains a permanent DMARC error may occur if the DMARC record itself is malformed. This could be due to syntax errors, incorrect tags, or values that do not conform to the DMARC specification. They suggest checking the DMARC record syntax and structure.
11 Jan 2025 - Google Workspace Admin Help
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