Guidance

Appeal your rejected .gov.uk domain name application

Follow these steps to appeal a .gov.uk domain name application that has been rejected.

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

If your application is rejected, do not resubmit your original application.

1: When you can you appeal

You can only appeal a rejection for your chosen domain name if the:

2: Contact your registrar to submit an appeal

Provide your registrar with new information on why you think you should have the domain name you originally requested.

Your registrar will submit an appeal on your behalf by emailing appeals@domains.gov.uk. 

3: The Naming and Approvals Committee makes a final decision

You may be asked for further information. The Naming and Approvals Committee will make a final decision within 10 working days and the Domains Team will let you know about the outcome.

If you have any questions about the appeal process, email appeals@domains.gov.uk

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

  1. Updated to align with the launch of the Get approval to use a .gov.uk service

  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. 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. You are currently viewing: 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