Do SPF and DKIM work without proper DNS?

Myth: SPF and DKIM are email server settings that work independently of DNS.

Reality: Both protocols are fundamentally DNS-based.

SPF: Receiver queries your DNS for SPF record. No record or wrong record = no SPF or SPF fail.

DKIM: Receiver queries your DNS for public key. No key or wrong key = DKIM fail.

No DNS workaround exists: You cannot configure SPF or DKIM without publishing DNS records. The protocols require DNS.

Common confusion: Server configuration (signing, relay settings) is separate from DNS publication. Both must be correct.

Credentials must be filed in the registry. Server settings without DNS records are like carrying unfiled papers.