What causes 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' bounce message?

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
10Marketer 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.

April 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.

March 2025 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from MXToolbox shares that one reason for this error is incorrect or incomplete DMARC configurations. The user is advised to use MXToolbox's DMARC record lookup tool to check for issues, such as missing or incorrect tags, or general syntax errors.

May 2022 - MXToolbox
Marketer view

Email marketer from dmarcian explains that an invalid domain name used in the rua or ruf tags within the DMARC record could cause a permanent error. The domain needs to be a valid domain.

March 2023 - dmarcian
Marketer view

Email marketer from Word to the Wise responds that a 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' is caused by a malformed record, which can cause issues with SPF, DKIM, or DMARC. You should check your published record with a 3rd party validation tool.

August 2021 - Word to the Wise
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that a possible cause for this error is the DMARC record not being properly published or propagated, DNS issues, or interference from other DNS records. Ensure the DMARC record is correctly published and reachable.

March 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Superuser explains that intermittent DNS issues can cause a temporary failure to retrieve or parse the DMARC record. Although usually temporary, persistent issues can result in ongoing DMARC evaluation errors. They suggest checking DNS propagation and server stability.

April 2022 - Superuser
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that temporary errors evaluating DMARC policy might be returned on DNS lookup failures, specifically noting it was returned from a Proofpoint MX record.

September 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks mentions that the bounce response is issued by Proofpoint, not Google.

February 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests the error sounds like the DMARC policy in DNS is malformed, causing a permanent evaluation error. They also found some malformed records missing the "mailto" in the rua declaration and also errors caused by extra dots in the DMARC record.

April 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
4Expert 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.

July 2023 - 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.

May 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that a 'Permanent Error Evaluating DMARC Policy' often indicates a syntax error or other issue within the DMARC record itself. They advise carefully reviewing the record for any mistakes in formatting, tags, or values that might be causing the parsing failure.

January 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise notes that a permanent error evaluating DMARC policy often stems from configuration mistakes within the DMARC record or related DNS settings. This includes incorrect syntax, invalid tags, or improperly configured DNS entries. It is essential to double-check the setup with a reliable DMARC validation tool.

April 2021 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical 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.

November 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.

November 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from RFC Editor states that errors in the DMARC record format will cause the policy to fail. This document outlines the official specifications and guidelines to ensure correct implementation.

April 2024 - RFC Editor
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC Analyzer shares common DMARC record mistakes such as syntax errors, incorrect tag usage, invalid characters, or exceeding length limits. The article recommends using a DMARC record validator to identify and correct these errors.

September 2024 - DMARC Analyzer
Technical article

Documentation from Agari explains that the DNS record length can be a factor. A DMARC record that exceeds the maximum allowable length can be truncated, leading to syntax errors.

July 2021 - Agari