Guidance

Make changes to your .gov.uk domain name

How to modify and transfer your .gov.uk domain name.

From:
Central Digital and Data Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Published
7 October 2019
Last updated
14 June 2024 — See all updates

Modify your domain name records

The registrar or Technical Point of Contact can contact the .gov.uk Approved Registrar to:

  • update existing contact details
  • change DNS records of your domain name

If you want to change your domain name you will need to submit a new .gov.uk  domain application.

Transfer your .gov.uk domain name

You can transfer an active domain name from one:

  • owner to another owner
  • registrar to another registrar

To transfer your domain name you need to ask your existing Registrar for a Transfer Authorisation Code, which you can then pass to your new Registrar. More detailed instructions on how to transfer domains between Registrars are available on the Nominet website. 

Email support@domains.gov.uk for more information.

Updates to this page

Published 7 October 2019
Last updated 14 June 2024 + show all updates

  1. Updated the section on transferring between registrars. The process will now be done directly through the Registry Operator portal.

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

  3. 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).

  4. Moved guidance on renewing domains to 'Keeping you domain name secure' guidance

  5. 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. You are currently viewing: 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