Guidance

Apply for your .gov.uk domain name

Follow these steps to apply for a .gov.uk domain name.

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

How to apply

Applying to use a .gov.uk domain involves someone in your organisation acting as the registrar who will apply for the domain with the help of a .gov.uk Approved Registrar.

For large organisations, the registrant will usually be a civil servant who is part of the domain management team. For smaller organisations like parish councils, the registrant will usually be the clerk or similar.

A .gov.uk Approved Registrar will help you fill out the application and get your .gov.uk domain registered so you can use it.

1: Before you submit an application

You must make sure:

Registrars are free to set their own prices for providing the registration and DNS services of .gov.uk domains, but must itemise separately and explicitly for services they provide. See pricing of the .gov.uk domains for more information.

2: Submit an application

Ask your registrar to apply for the .gov.uk domain name. You must provide the .gov.uk Approved Registrar with:

  • written permission from your organisation showing you can apply for the domain name

  • an up to date role-based email address like ‘domainmanagement@[your-organisation].gov.uk’ if possible and a phone number

If you cannot provide a role-based public sector email address at the time of application, then it is acceptable to use your registrar’s email address at the time of application. However, you must update this contact to a role-based email once your domain is active and your email is set up. You can use a role-based email like ‘domains@yourorganisations.gov.uk’, ‘clerk@yourparishcouncil.gov.uk’ or similar.

3: The Domains Team will confirm your identity

The .gov.uk Approved Registrar will submit your application to the Domains Team for review. We will contact you to confirm your identity before reviewing your .gov.uk domain name application.

4: The Domains Team will review your application

The Domains Team will approve or reject your application within 5 working days. If your application needs reviewing by the Naming and Approvals Committee, this may take longer and we will contact you to let you know timeframes and outcomes.

The Domains Team may refer any .gov.uk domain name application to the Naming and Approvals Committee for a final decision.

5: Appeal a decision on your application

You can appeal a decision if an application is rejected.

If you have any questions about the application process, email domainmanagement@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk.

Published 7 October 2019
Last updated 18 March 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updates to the pricing to align with other pages

  2. Changed 'Domain Name Administrator' to 'Registrant' to align with standard industry terminology.

  3. Clarified that it is still acceptable to use a registrar's email address when you apply for a domain, if you organisation does not have a role-based email at the time of application.

  4. Clarified introduction to make it clear the domain name administrator starts the application process by finding a registrar. Also updated the pricing of .gov.uk domains

  5. 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).

  6. Adding in information about baseline costs of an application

  7. First published.

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. 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. You are currently viewing: 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