---
name: "kzonesign"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "knot"
version: "3.6.0-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/kzonesign"
---

# kzonesign(1)

DNSSEC signing utility

## NAME

kzonesign - DNSSEC signing utility

## SYNOPSIS

**kzonesign** \[*config\_option*\] \[*options*\] *zone\_name*

## DESCRIPTION

This utility reads the zone's zone file, signs the zone according to given configuration, and writes the signed zone file back. An alternative mode is DNSSEC validation of the given zone. The signing or validation can run in parallel if enabled in the configuration (see policy.signing-threads and zone.adjust-threads).

### Parameters

- ***zone\_name***

  A name of the zone to be signed.

### Config options

- **-c**, **--config** *file*

  Use a textual configuration file (default is **/etc/knot/knot.conf**).

- **-C**, **--confdb** *directory*

  Use a binary configuration database directory (default is **/var/lib/knot/confdb**). The default configuration database, if exists, has a preference to the default configuration file.

### Options

- **-o**, **--outdir** *dir\_name*

  Write the output zone file to the specified directory instead of the configured one.

- **-r**, **--rollover**

  Allow key roll-overs and NSEC3 re-salt. In order to finish possible KSK submission, set the KSK's **active** timestamp to now (**+0**) using keymgr \<\>.

- **-v**, **--verify**

  Instead of (re-)signing the zone, just verify that the zone is correctly signed.

- **-t**, **--time** *timestamp*

  Sign/verify the zone (and roll the keys if necessary) as if it was at the time specified by timestamp.

- **-h**, **--help**

  Print the program help.

- **-V**, **--version**

  Print the program version. The option **-VV** makes the program print the compile time configuration summary.

## EXIT VALUES

Exit status of 0 means successful operation. Any other exit status indicates an error.

## SEE ALSO

**[knot.conf(5)](/knot.conf/5.md)**, **[keymgr(8)](/keymgr/8.md)**.

## Author

CZ.NIC, z.s.p.o. and contributors \<https://www.knot-dns.cz/\>

## Copyright

Copyright (C) CZ.NIC, z.s.p.o. and contributors