Guidance

Benefits of getting a .gov.uk domain

Find out the benefits of getting and using a .gov.uk domain

From:
Central Digital and Data Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Published
30 June 2022
Last updated
20 January 2023 — See all updates

Most public sector organisations must use a .gov.uk or other government domain name for their websites, emails and services. But there are circumstances when your organisation can get non-government domain names.

Using a .gov.uk domain is beneficial because it gives your eligible organisations trusted branding, increased security and helps meet any policy and legal obligations.

A .gov.uk domain name used by your organisation:

  • shows services, emails and websites are from a trusted UK public sector organisation like a central government department or parish council

  • means your website and service could potentially show up higher in search results 

  • allows staff to join public sector communities which require a .gov.uk email

  • is monitored for potential security vulnerabilities, which will be reported to you by the Protecting Public Sector Domains Team at Cabinet Office

  • gives your organisation the ability to better control email accounts by removing staff when they leave

  • gives your domain better legal protection because it’s based in a UK jurisdiction

  • means outgoing emails are more likely to be cleared by security filters and delivered to citizens and other public sector organisations 

  • increases transparency of smaller organisations when public servants use corporate email accounts instead of personal email accounts for official government business 

  • helps smaller organisations fulfill best practice guidelines as outlined in the Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance Practitioners’ Guide 2021

Use a .gov.uk domain to help respond to FOI requests 

If you are using personal equipment or email addresses for the work of your organisation, you may have to submit them for scrutiny if your organisation receives a freedom of information or data request.

Anyone can submit a written request for information in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This law means your organisation could be asked to disclose a wide range of data, including:

  • agendas and minutes

  • instant messages 

  • emails

  • handwritten notes

  • photos

  • plans

  • correspondence

  • remote meeting recordings

Having a .gov.uk email account that is only used for government business will make it easier to respond to any FOI requests.

To get a .gov.uk domain name follow the apply for a .gov.uk domain name guidance.

Updates to this page

Published 30 June 2022
Last updated 20 January 2023 + show all updates

  1. Updated content to clarify that having a .gov.uk domain is not the only factor that will determine where websites and services show up in search engine results. Search engines use a variety of factors including quality of content, page optimisation.

  2. 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. You are currently viewing: 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. 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