How To Register Gov Domain Names

Choosing a gov.uk domain name

Your proposed domain name must clearly describe your organisation or government initiative you’re providing. Think about users of the domain name and make sure the name is not too long or complicated.

Your domain name must:

• be between 3 and 63 characters long
• contain only alphanumeric characters (0-9 and a-z) and the ‘-‘ (dash) symbol

Your domain name must not:

• be the same or substantially similar to an existing .gov.uk domain name
• use ‘&’ (ampersands) or ‘_’ (underscores)
• include abbreviations like ltd, plc and gov
• include a postcode

You must use the full name of your organisation, government initiative or an appropriate suffix or abbreviation.

If you apply for an acronym, initialism, or abbreviation this must be descriptive, unique and clear to avoid user confusion. Applications for these terms will need approval from the Naming and Approvals Committee. Commonly-used abbreviations like DWP, HMRC or DVLA are acceptable as are abbreviations that are well-known to your users.

Example

A central department can use hmrc.gov.uk.

A county council can use northamptonshire.gov.uk.

A town council can use biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk, biggleswadetown.gov.uk or biggleswade-tc.gov.uk

A parish council can use bonbyparishcouncil.gov.uk, bonbyparish.gov.uk or bonby-pc.gov.uk.

A geographical identifier your users will recognise.

Example

northyorks.gov.uk is acceptable.

Responsibilities of gov.uk domain holders

Those wishing to register and operate a gov domain have certain responsibilities. the CDDO require that you read and subscribe for updates on the following pages.

• Get permission to apply for a .gov.uk domain name
• Identify a domain name administrator
• Choose your .gov.uk domain name
• Get started with your .gov.uk domain name
• How you are accountable for protecting your .gov.uk domain
• Creating and managing .gov.uk subdomains
• Keeping your domain name secure
• Renew your domain name
• Make changes to your .gov.uk domain name
• How to stop using your domain name
• What to do if your domain is compromised

Ready to order your gov.uk domain?

If you already have or are ordering a website with us then the cost of a domain name is as follows:

One off setup up fee £50  + VAT

Annual renewal cost £60 + VAT

If you have a website elsewhere or don’t plan to use NetWise for your website then the price is slightly different:

One off setup fee £50 + VAT

Annual renewal cost £100 + VAT

If you don’t already have a gov domain name then please complete the form below.  We can process the application on your behalf. We may be also able to secure some funding for you towards the cost. If you already have a gov domain then please call us or email us on info@netwiseuk.com and we’ll be happy to assist.

Already have a gov.uk domain that you’d like to transfer to us?

With recent Cabinet Office changes, we realise that some registrars will not be continuing to register and manage gov.uk domain names from 2024.  NetWise are able to transfer your existing gov.uk domain to us and to continue to manage it on your behalf. Simply email us on info@netwiseuk.com and include the following

• your domain name
• your current registrar

We’ll then be able to assist you further.

Have questions?

If you still have questions about ordering a gov.uk domain then feel free to contact us using the form below.