generic error

SPF PermError — Too Many DNS Lookups or Invalid Evaluation

The SPF policy could not be evaluated successfully. Recursive dependency pressure, syntax errors and multiple SPF records are common causes.

Most common causes

  • Recursive includes exceed the 10 DNS-querying-term budget
  • Invalid SPF syntax
  • Multiple SPF records are published
  • Circular, missing or broken dependencies prevent evaluation

What to verify next

  1. Run the SPF Dependency Graph
  2. Remove stale sender authorizations
  3. Check for duplicate SPF TXT records
  4. Simulate the proposed replacement before publishing

Best diagnostic path

Why the exact message matters

The same status family can be triggered by different conditions, and providers frequently add diagnostic text that narrows the issue. Use the complete rejection text rather than treating the numeric code as a complete diagnosis.