Guidance

Get permission to apply for a .gov.uk domain name

Find out who to get permission from to apply for a .gov.uk domain name.

From:
Central Digital and Data Office and Cabinet Office
Published
7 October 2019
Last updated
26 March 2024 — See all updates

The Domains Team will check if you have the necessary permission to apply for a domain name from a person representing your organisation. This person will vary depending on the organisation you are applying from.

Parish, neighbourhood, village and community councils

The Domains Team will only accept domain name applications from the clerk of the parish or community council as they have the authority to represent these councils. Clerks do not need to submit the template below with their application.

Central government departments and agencies

You must get written permission from your Chief Information Officer or equivalent if you’re applying on behalf of a central government department or agency. 

All other public sector organisations

You must get written permission from your Chief Executive or equivalent. 

Acceptable permission sources and template wording

You can provide a pdf attachment or screenshot of written permission you have received through email as long as it comes from the person who has authority to approve and there is an auditable email address visible. 

You can use the following email template to get permission:

“Dear Domains Team,

I am [insert job role - CEO, CIO or equivalent] of [your organisation] and confirm I have the authority to request the [insert domain name].gov.uk third-level domain name to be delegated to my organisation.

[Date]

Yours sincerely,

[Digital Signature]

[Insert Name]

[Job title]

[Insert Telephone]

[Insert Email]”

Published 7 October 2019
Last updated 26 March 2024 + show all updates

  1. We have clarified that parish, neighbourhood, village and community councils do not need written permission as the clerk has the authority to apply. We have also added a suggested template to use into the body of the text rather than using an attachment.

  2. The Domain Management team has now moved to the Central Digital and Data Office. This update removes any references to the Government Digital Service (GDS).

  3. First published.

Contents

Part of Apply for a .gov.uk domain name: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if your organisation can apply

    1. Benefits of getting a .gov.uk domain
    2. Check your organisation can get a .gov.uk domain name
    3. You are currently viewing: Get permission to apply

  2. Step 2 Identify a registrant for your .gov.uk domain name

    If your organisation is eligible for a .gov.uk domain name, you must identify a registrant who is going to be responsible for the domain and then choose a .gov.uk Approved Registrar.

    1. Identify a registrant for your .gov.uk domain name
    2. Choose a .gov.uk Approved Registrar

  3. Step 3 Choose your domain name

    1. Choose your .gov.uk domain name

  4. Step 4 Apply for your domain name

    1. Apply for your .gov.uk domain name

  5. Step 5 Appeal your rejected domain name application

    1. Appeal your rejected .gov.uk domain name application

  6. Step 6 Use your domain name

    Registrants must follow the Cabinet Office guidelines once their .gov.uk domain is live, or Cabinet Office will withdraw it. For example, registrants must keep contact details up to date.

    1. Get started with your .gov.uk domain name
    2. Keep your domain name secure

  7. Step 7 Manage your domain name

    Registrants or their Technical Points of Contact can make changes to a .gov.uk domain name.

    1. Renew your domain name
    2. Create and manage .gov.uk subdomains
    3. Modify or transfer your domain name

    If your organisation no longer needs a domain name, you must take steps to protect it.

    1. Stop using your domain name
    2. What to do if your domain is compromised