What causes 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' bounce message?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 4 Jun 2025
Updated 17 Aug 2025
8 min read
Encountering a "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" bounce message can be quite puzzling. Unlike a straightforward DMARC rejection, which clearly states that an email failed authentication, this particular error suggests that the recipient's mail server couldn't even properly understand or process your domain's DMARC record. It's like trying to read a map that's torn or written in an unreadable script, leading to an immediate halt in navigation.
This error typically indicates an issue on the sender's side, specifically with how their DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) record is configured or published in their DNS. When a receiving mail server attempts to evaluate an incoming email, it first looks up the sender's DMARC record. If that record is malformed, has syntax errors, or is unreachable, the evaluation process fails permanently, resulting in a bounce.
The distinction between this specific error and a standard DMARC fail is crucial. A standard DMARC fail implies that the email was authenticated, but it didn't align with the DMARC policy (meaning SPF or DKIM failed, or both). The "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" is more fundamental, pointing to an inability to interpret the policy itself, rather than a failure to adhere to it. This article explores the common reasons behind this frustrating bounce message and how to address them effectively.
DMARC is an email authentication protocol that builds upon SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to give domain owners more control over how their domains are used in email. It helps prevent email spoofing and phishing by allowing receiving mail servers to verify if an email is truly from the stated sender and what action to take if it fails authentication.
When an email arrives, the recipient's mail server performs a series of checks. First, it looks up the DMARC policy published in the sender's DNS records, typically as a TXT record under the _dmarc subdomain. This record specifies the domain's DMARC policy, indicating whether SPF and DKIM authentication passed and aligned, and what to do with messages that fail, such as p=none, p=quarantine, or p=reject. The policy can also define where to send DMARC reports, which are invaluable for monitoring email deliverability and identifying potential issues.
For the "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" bounce, the issue isn't that SPF or DKIM failed alignment, but that the receiving server couldn't parse the DMARC record itself. This is often due to a syntax error within the TXT record, rendering it unreadable. When the DMARC record is malformed, the receiving server cannot proceed with the authentication process, leading to a hard bounce. This means the email is rejected outright, and the sender receives the error message.
Several factors can lead to a "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" bounce. The most prevalent cause is a malformed DMARC record in your DNS. DMARC records must adhere to a strict syntax, and even minor deviations can cause evaluation failures. For instance, extra spaces, incorrect semicolons, missing tags, or misspellings of DMARC tags can all lead to this type of error.
Another common culprit is the presence of multiple DMARC records for the same domain or subdomain. A domain should only have one DMARC record published. If more than one record is found, receiving servers won't know which one to use, leading to an evaluation error. Similarly, a DMARC record might be unreachable due to temporary DNS issues, but if it's a persistent problem, it's treated as a permanent evaluation failure.
Specific malformations I've seen include incorrectly formatted rua (reporting URI for aggregate reports) or ruf (reporting URI for forensic reports) tags, particularly omitting the mailto: prefix. For example, using rua=reports@example.com instead of rua=mailto:reports@example.com will cause an error. Furthermore, exceeding the DNS lookup limit for SPF or DKIM records, which DMARC relies on, can also indirectly contribute to this problem by making the overall authentication evaluation too complex or slow for some recipients.
Correct DMARC record
Proper syntax: Follows all DMARC specifications, including correct use of tags and values.
Single record: Only one DMARC TXT record exists for the domain or subdomain.
Correct mailto: prefix: Used for rua and ruf tags.
A correctly configured DMARC record allows mail servers to properly evaluate your email's authenticity, leading to better deliverability and protection against spoofing. You can use a DMARC record generator to ensure the syntax is sound.
Malformed DMARC record
Syntax errors: Typos, extra characters, or missing elements within the TXT record value.
Multiple records: More than one DMARC TXT record for the same domain or subdomain.
Missing mailto:: Omitted in rua or ruf values.
Malformed DMARC records prevent receiving servers, such as Proofpoint, from correctly interpreting your policy, leading to the permanent error.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting the error
When faced with a "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" bounce, the first step is to methodically diagnose your DMARC record. Begin by checking your DNS records for any typos or syntax errors. A simple tool for this is an online DMARC checker, which can quickly validate your record's format and highlight any discrepancies. Ensure there are no extra dots, spaces, or incorrect characters that could render the record unreadable to mail servers.
Next, confirm that you only have one DMARC TXT record published for your domain or any specific subdomain you are sending from. Multiple DMARC records can confuse receiving servers, leading to this error. If you find duplicates, remove the incorrect ones, leaving only the intended valid record. Remember that DNS changes can take time to propagate across the internet, so patience is key after making any adjustments.
Also, pay close attention to the formatting of your rua and ruf tags. A common mistake is omitting the "mailto:" prefix for the email addresses specified in these tags. Without this prefix, mail servers may not correctly identify the email addresses for sending DMARC reports, contributing to the evaluation failure. Checking the raw bounce message can sometimes offer specific clues, although the generic nature of this error often points directly to a malformed record.
Remember that this is distinct from temporary DMARC evaluation errors, which are usually transient network or DNS issues on the recipient's side. If you consistently receive this Google or Microsoft bounce, it's almost certainly an issue with your published DMARC record. For deeper insights into DMARC failures, you can check guides on troubleshooting DMARC failures.
Preventing future DMARC evaluation errors
To prevent "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" bounces, it's essential to establish robust practices for DMARC record management. Always use a reliable DMARC record generator or checker to create and validate your records before publishing them. Double-check for common syntax errors, such as missing semicolons, incorrect tag values, or unintended extra characters.
Implement a DMARC policy gradually, starting with p=none and monitoring DMARC reports. This allows you to identify and fix any authentication or alignment issues without impacting email delivery. Tools that offer DMARC monitoring can provide aggregate and forensic reports, which are invaluable for spotting policy evaluation errors and other DMARC-related problems. These reports can show if specific mail servers are having trouble parsing your record.
Finally, ensure that your SPF and DKIM records are correctly set up and aligned with your DMARC policy. While this specific error points to an issue with the DMARC record itself, a robust email authentication setup that includes properly configured SPF and DKIM will contribute to overall deliverability and reduce the likelihood of related issues. Regularly auditing your DNS records for all email authentication mechanisms will help maintain a healthy sending reputation and prevent unexpected bounces.
DMARC record best practices
Validate syntax: Always check your DMARC record for syntax errors before publishing.
One record per domain: Ensure only a single DMARC record exists for a given domain.
Gradual deployment: Start with a "p=none" policy to monitor and address issues.
Proper reporting URIs: Include "mailto:" in "rua" and "ruf" tags for correct reporting.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always use a DMARC record checker to validate your record's syntax immediately after publishing it to DNS.
Ensure that you only have one DMARC TXT record published for your domain; multiple records will lead to errors.
Start with a "p=none" policy and gradually move to "quarantine" or "reject" after monitoring reports.
Common pitfalls
Using incorrect DMARC tag values or misspelling tags within your TXT record.
Forgetting to include the "mailto:" prefix for reporting email addresses.
Having multiple DMARC records published for the same domain, causing confusion for receiving servers.
Expert tips
Consider setting up DMARC monitoring to receive aggregate reports and identify evaluation failures proactively.
Verify that your SPF and DKIM records are correctly configured and aligned, as DMARC depends on them.
If the error persists, contact the recipient's email administrator, as some issues might be on their end.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says the "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" message often indicates a malformed DMARC record in DNS, leading to a permanent evaluation failure by the receiving server.
August 12, 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says they frequently observe similar errors in their logs, often linked to malformed DMARC records, such as those missing the "mailto" declaration in the RUA tag.
August 12, 2024 - Email Geeks
Ensuring robust email delivery
The "Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy" bounce message highlights a critical issue in your email authentication setup. It signifies that recipient mail servers are unable to even parse your DMARC record, preventing any further authentication checks from taking place. This is a more severe issue than a DMARC policy failure, as it points to a fundamental problem with the record's structure or accessibility.
By diligently checking for syntax errors, ensuring only one DMARC record exists, and correctly formatting all tags, you can resolve these issues. Proactive DMARC monitoring and a phased approach to policy enforcement are key to preventing such problems. Addressing this error swiftly not only restores your email deliverability but also strengthens your domain's protection against spoofing and phishing attempts, contributing to a healthier email ecosystem for everyone.
Proofpoint, from correctly interpreting your policy, leading to the permanent error.
Google or 
Microsoft bounce, it's almost certainly an issue with your published DMARC record. For deeper insights into DMARC failures, you can check guides on troubleshooting DMARC failures.
