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 Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Published
7 October 2019
Last updated
17 June 2024 — See all updates

1: Check you can apply for a .gov.uk domain name

You must check:

2: Find a .gov.uk Approved Registrar to submit your application 

Once you have confirmed you can apply, you must choose a .gov.uk Approved Registrar who will make the application for you. 

The .gov.uk Registrar will ask you for:

  • the name of the person registering the domain (registrant)
  • your organisation 
  • your existing contact details, so we can help identify you work in the public sector
  • your role and role-based email you want published in the online registry

If you are applying from a central government organisation or arm’s length body you will also be asked to provide:

The cost of buying a domain will depend on the supplier and the services you are buying. 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 .gov.uk domains for more information.

3: Wait for a decision from the Domains Team

The Domains Team will review your .gov.uk domain name application.

We will approve or reject your application within 5 working days of receiving a completed application. If your application is missing details or needs clarification, this may take longer. 

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

4: Get your domain set up and start using it or appeal a decision

If your domain name is approved your .gov.uk Approved Registrar will set up it for you so you can start using it. Follow guidance on getting started with your .gov.uk domain name.

You can appeal rejected .gov.uk domain name application decisions in certain circumstances.

Updates to this page

Published 7 October 2019
Last updated 17 June 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated all steps as the Get approval to use a .gov.uk domain name service has launched and the application process has changed.

  2. Updates to the pricing to align with other pages

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

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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).

  7. Adding in information about baseline costs of an application

  8. First published.

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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. 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