Cabinet Office
How to apply
Applying to use a .gov.uk domain involves someone in your organisation acting as the domain name administrator who will apply for the domain with the help of a registrar.
For large organisations, the administrator will usually be a civil servant who is part of the domain management team. For smaller organisations like parish councils, the administrator will usually be the clerk or similar.
A registrar will help you fill out the application and get your .gov.uk government domain registered so you can use it.
1: Before you submit an application
You must make sure:
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theres a trusted domain name administrator who will manage the domain
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you choose a good registrar who will make the application for you
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the proposed .gov.uk domain name meets the relevant criteria
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you have the appropriate written permission from your organisation
The baseline cost for a new domain name is 100 plus VAT for the first 2 years. The renewal fee every 2 years after that is 50 plus VAT. You can expect your registrar to charge a markup depending on the level of service they provide.
2: Submit an application
Ask your registrar to apply for the .gov.uk domain name. You must provide the registrar with:
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written permission from your organisation showing you can apply for the domain name
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an up to date role-based email address like domainmanagement@[your-organisation].gov.uk if possible and a phone number
If you cannot provide a role-based public sector email address at the time of application, then it is acceptable to use your registrars email address at the time of application. However, you must update this contact to a role-based email once your domain is active and your email is set up. You can use a role-based email like domains@yourorganisations.gov.uk, clerk@yourparishcouncil.gov.uk or similar.
3: The Domain Management team will confirm your identity
The registrar will submit your application to the Domain Management team for review. We will contact you to confirm your identity before reviewing your .gov.uk domain name application.
4: The Domain Management team will review your application
The Domain Management team will approve or reject your application within 5 working days. If your application needs reviewing by the Naming and Approvals Committee, this may take longer and we will contact you to let you know timeframes and outcomes.
The Domain Management team may refer any .gov.uk domain name application to the Naming and Approvals Committee for a final decision.
5: Appeal a decision on your application
You can appeal a decision if an application is rejected.
If you have any questions about the application process, email domainmanagement@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk.
Last updated 12 July 2022 +show all updates
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Clarified that it is still acceptable to use a registrar's email address when you apply for a domain, if you organisation does not have a role-based email at the time of application.
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Clarified introduction to make it clear the domain name administrator starts the application process by finding a registrar. Also updated the pricing of .gov.uk domains
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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).
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Adding in information about baseline costs of an application
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First published.