Guidance

How to stop using your .gov.uk domain name

Follow these steps when you want to stop using your domain name.

From:
Central Digital and Data Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Published
7 October 2019
Last updated
30 June 2022 — See all updates

When you no longer need to use a .gov.uk domain name, you must still protect it properly to avoid services being vulnerable to hijacking. 

Do not simply stop paying your domain renewal fee when you want to stop using your domain. You must follow the steps on this page.

Check if the domain is still needed 

Your .gov.uk domain can host a number of different services. It may also be linked to other domains that you are unaware of. Because of this, it’s important that you take steps to make sure it’s safe and appropriate to stop using the domain. 

You must check:

  1. All subdomains of the domain are no longer required.

  2. No other public sector organisations are using services on your domain name.

  3. The domain is not used to send emails.

  4. Sensitive information is not passing through the domain.

When you have completed these checks you have 2 options. You can:

  • keep your domain and take steps to protect it, this includes remembering to renew it

  • delete the domain from the .gov.uk registry when you are sure you no longer need it

Option 1: Protect an unused .gov.uk domain

There are some situations where it might be necessary to keep a domain you no longer use. In these situations you must continue to protect the .gov.uk domain. For example:

  • if your organisation is going through a transition such as a name-change

  • the domain has a recognisable brand, which is still needed for a particular purpose, for example to redirect users to important information.

If you do choose to keep your unused domain, you must ask your IT team or your supplier:

  1. Make technical changes to protect the domain so it no longer sends email.

  2. Renew any security certificates attached to your .gov.uk domain.

  3. Renew your .gov.uk domain every 2 years, if you do not do this the domain will be suspended and could become vulnerable to hijacking.

  4. Apply any fixes the Domain Team asks you to.

  5. Continue to monitor the domain on a regular basis. 

Your organisation is responsible for considering the risks and consequences of choosing to keep your unused .gov.uk domain name rather than deleting it from the .gov.uk registry.

Option 2: Delete your domain from the .gov.uk registry

You must keep renewing domains in namespaces like .com and .org because someone else could buy them. The Domain Team will not give your deleted .gov.uk domain to anyone else.

You must be sure you want to delete your domain. Deletion from the .gov.uk registry means:

  • services attached to the domain like email or websites will no longer work 

  • any links on the internet that point to the domain will no longer work

  • the domain will not be available for anyone else to use or hijack

  • you do not have to worry about monitoring or renewing the domain

When you are sure you can delete your domain, ask your supplier to delete it.

When you ask your supplier to delete your domain name, you must get written confirmation from them that they have:

  1. Removed the domain, and any attached records from the .gov.uk registry.

  2. Removed all unused zone file records from all name servers where they are stored.

If you want to use a deleted domain in the future, you can reapply for it.

Your .gov.uk domain name may be suspended if you do not pay your renewal fees on time.

If you no longer want to use your .gov.uk domain name but you’re unsure about what to do you can email support@domains.gov.uk.

Updates to this page

Published 7 October 2019
Last updated 30 June 2022 + show all updates

  1. Added comprehensive steps on how to check if you still need a domain and the options to follow to stop using it securely

  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.

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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. 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. You are currently viewing: Stop using your domain name
    2. What to do if your domain is compromised