This guide walks you through adding your SendX DNS records in AWS Route53. Route53 uses a "Quick create record" interface that lets you queue up multiple records and create them all at once, which makes the process quick.
When you'll need this
Follow this guide if your domain's DNS is managed through AWS Route53 and you need to add the four SendX authentication records (DKIM, Return Path, Track, and DMARC).
Before you start
Make sure you have:
Access to your AWS Console with Route53 permissions
The four DNS records from your SendX account (visible in Settings > Domains after adding your domain)
If you haven't added your domain in SendX yet, see How to Authenticate a Domain first.
Step 1: Copy your DNS records from SendX
Log in to SendX and go to Settings > Domains. Expand your domain to see the four records you need to add.
Make sure the "View as" dropdown is set to AWS Route53. This formats the record names correctly for Route53's interface.
You'll see four records:
Host | Type | TXT Value / Points To |
sp-dkim._domainkey | TXT | Your unique DKIM key |
sp-bounce | CNAME | sp.sendpost.info |
sp-track | CNAME | track url |
_dmarc | TXT | v=DMARC1; p=none; |
Keep this tab open. You'll be copying from here in the next steps.
Step 2: Log in to AWS Console
Go to console.aws.amazon.com and sign in. Navigate to Route 53 (you can search for it in the AWS services search bar).
Step 3: Go to your Hosted Zone
Click Hosted zones in the left sidebar, then click on your domain name to open it.
Step 4: Click "Create record"
Click the "Create record" button. Route53 will open the "Quick create record" form. If you see the Wizard view instead, click "Switch to quick create" in the top right.
Step 5: Add the DKIM record (TXT)
In the Quick create record form:
In the Record name field, enter
sp-dkim._domainkey(Route53 shows your domain suffix next to the field automatically)Set Record type to TXT
In the Value field, paste your DKIM value from SendX
Leave TTL as 300 (default)
Leave Routing policy as Simple routing
Click "Add another record" to add the next record without leaving the page.
Step 6: Add the Return Path record (CNAME)
In the new record form:
In the Record name field, enter
sp-bounceSet Record type to CNAME
In the Value field, enter
sp.sendpost.infoLeave TTL as 300
Click "Add another record" again.
Step 7: Add the Track record (CNAME)
In the new record form:
In the Record name field, enter
sp-trackSet Record type to CNAME
In the Value field, enter
track.sx30.emailLeave TTL as 300
Click "Add another record" one more time.
Step 8: Add the DMARC record (TXT)
In the new record form:
In the Record name field, enter
_dmarcSet Record type to TXT
In the Value field, enter
v=DMARC1; p=none;Leave TTL as 300
Step 9: Create all records
Once all four records are filled in, click the "Create records" button at the bottom. Route53 will create all of them at once.
You should see a success message confirming the records were created. You can verify them under "View existing records" on the same page.
Step 10: Verify your records in SendX
Go back to SendX and check your domain status. The status badges next to each record (DKIM, RETURN PATH, TRACK, DMARC) should turn green once SendX detects them.
Route53 DNS changes typically propagate within a few minutes. If any record still shows as unverified after 15-20 minutes, click the three-dot menu next to your domain and select Verify to trigger a manual check.
Route53-specific tips
Route53 appends your domain automatically. When you enter sp-dkim._domainkey in the Record name field, Route53 shows your domain suffix (like .yourdomain.com) right next to the input. The final record name will be sp-dkim._domainkey.yourdomain.com. Don't add your domain manually.
"Add another record" lets you batch. Instead of saving records one at a time, use the "Add another record" button to queue up all four records and create them with a single click. This is faster and makes sure you don't forget any.
The Alias toggle should stay off. Route53 has an "Alias" toggle that routes to AWS resources. Leave this off for all four SendX records. You're pointing to external destinations, not AWS resources.
Common questions
I see the records in Route53 but SendX still shows them as unverified. What should I do?
Give it a few minutes for DNS propagation, then click the three-dot menu next to your domain in SendX and select Recheck Status. If records still don't verify after 30 minutes, double-check that the record names and values match exactly what SendX shows.
I'm using the Wizard view. How do I switch to Quick create?
On the Create Record page, look for the "Switch to quick create" link in the top right corner. Quick create is simpler and lets you add multiple records before saving.
How long does Route53 DNS propagation take?
Route53 is typically very fast, with changes propagating within a few minutes. The default TTL of 300 seconds (5 minutes) means external DNS servers will pick up the change quickly.
I need to edit a record I already created. How?
In your Hosted Zone, find the record in the list, select the checkbox next to it, and click "Edit record." Make your changes and save.
My AWS account requires specific IAM permissions. What do I need?
To manage DNS records in Route53, you need the route53:ChangeResourceRecordSets and route53:ListResourceRecordSets permissions on the relevant Hosted Zone. Ask your AWS administrator if you don't have access.
What if I already have a DMARC record from another email service?
If you already have a _dmarc TXT record, don't add a second one. A domain should only have one DMARC record. If the existing record has p=none, it will work for SendX too. If it has a stricter policy, that's fine as long as your DKIM records are properly configured.