How .co.uk domains are managed
Nominet runs the .UK registry, while UKC helps you register and manage your .co.uk domain
Nominet is the official registry operator for the .UK domain family, including .co.uk. Most day-to-day tasks are completed through your registrar. If your domain is registered with UKC, use the UKC Client Area for renewal, contact details, nameservers, DNS and domain tools.
Who is responsible for a .co.uk domain?
Nominet operates the registry
Nominet maintains the authoritative register for .UK domains, sets registry policies and operates the technical registry service that delegates registered domains.
UKC acts as your registrar
UKC submits registration and renewal requests to the registry, provides your management tools and handles normal account and domain support.
The registrant holds the domain
The registrant is the person or organisation named for the registration. Use accurate details and keep control of the account and contact address.
DNS connects your services
Nameservers and DNS records direct the domain to website and email services. The registry, registrar and hosting provider can be different organisations.
Where should you make common changes?
| Task | Start here | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Renew the domain | UKC Client Area | Check the current renewal price, term and VAT before paying |
| Update nameservers or DNS | UKC Client Area | A DNS change can affect both the website and email |
| Update contact information | UKC Client Area | Use accurate, durable details that the registrant controls |
| Transfer to another registrar | New registrar and current registrar | .UK transfers use a registrar tag rather than an EPP code |
| Resolve a UKC account problem | UKC support | Provide the domain and account context, but never send a password |
| Escalate a registry or registrar issue | Nominet | Nominet provides a route where a registrar is not meeting its obligations |
When should you contact Nominet directly?
Start with UKC for ordinary management of a domain held in your UKC account. Nominet can be relevant when you need registry-level information, cannot obtain appropriate help from a registrar, need to use its registrar-change process, or need information about a .UK domain dispute.
Domain lookup
Nominet’s lookup service can identify registry information and help confirm the registrar responsible for an existing .UK domain.
Registrar change
If the normal registrar route is unavailable, Nominet provides an account-based process for changing the registrar of a .UK domain.
Registrar escalation
Nominet’s policies include an escalation path where a registrar is not complying with its registry agreements.
Domain disputes
Nominet operates the Dispute Resolution Service for eligible disputes about .UK domain registrations.
For authoritative registry information, see Nominet’s .UK Registry guide and its current .UK registry policies.
How do you keep control of your .co.uk domain?
- 1Use the correct registrant
Register the domain to the person or organisation that should control it, rather than an employee or outside supplier.
- 2Protect the UKC account
Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication and keep recovery details current.
- 3Keep renewal details current
Check the expiry date, renewal notices and payment method before the domain approaches expiry.
- 4Record important DNS settings
Keep a copy of nameservers and important website and email records before making changes.
Questions about .co.uk management
Does Nominet own my .co.uk domain?
Nominet operates and controls the registry. The registrant receives the contractual right to use the registered domain subject to the registry terms, registrar agreement and renewal.
Is UKC the owner of a domain registered through UKC?
No. UKC acts as registrar and service provider. The registrant details should identify the person or organisation entitled to the registration.
Is .co.uk itself a top-level domain?
No. .uk is the country-code top-level domain. co.uk is a second-level domain within .uk, and a name such as example.co.uk is registered beneath it.
Who controls my website and email?
That depends on the connected hosting and email providers. The domain registration, DNS, website and mailbox services are related but separate.
Need to manage a UKC domain?
Start in My Domains for renewals, contacts, DNS and domain tools
If the domain is missing or the required change is unclear, open a support ticket before changing nameservers or cancelling a service.