.UK registration requirements
An available .uk domain can generally be registered without living in the United Kingdom
Nominet operates the .UK registry and requires accurate registrant details and compliance with its policies. The historic right-of-registration period for matching third-level domains ended in 2019, so an available example.uk is now registered through the normal first-come process.
What do you need to register a .uk domain?
An available permitted name
The live search must show the domain as available and not reserved or restricted under current Nominet rules.
Accurate registrant information
Supply the correct holder name, address and contact information. The registrar or registry may validate the details.
A selected registration term
Review the number of years, introductory offer, renewal price, total and applicable VAT before payment.
Agreement to policies
The registrant must follow Nominet’s terms, data-quality rules and dispute process as well as UKC terms.
Should you choose .uk or .co.uk?
.co.uk
Long-established and widely recognised for UK commercial and general use. It can be the clearest choice for familiar customer expectations.
.uk
Shorter and direct. It can work well when the full name remains easy to say and customers will not automatically type .co.uk.
.org.uk
Commonly associated with organisations and community groups. Choose it when that expectation accurately fits the registrant.
.me.uk
Designed for personal use. Check Nominet’s current rules when the intended use is commercial or organisational.
What registrant details should you use?
- 1Use the true holder
Register to the person or legal entity that should control the domain, not an employee, designer or invented trading name.
- 2Use a monitored email
Choose an address that will survive staff and provider changes so important notices and recovery messages are received.
- 3Keep the postal address current
Update the account and registrant information when the holder moves or a business address changes.
- 4Match the organisation correctly
Use the registered company or organisation details where appropriate and avoid ambiguity about ownership.
What should you check before registration?
Spelling and ending
Check every character. Registering example.uk does not automatically include example.co.uk or another variant.
Brand and company rights
Availability is not legal clearance. Search for existing companies, trademarks and confusingly similar uses.
Renewal arrangements
Record the renewal price and keep payment and contact details current. A .UK domain normally enters a limited recovery lifecycle after expiry.
Service requirements
A domain includes UKC parking tools, but full hosting and hosted email are separate choices when you need them.
Nominet has announced a new registry platform for February 2027. Always follow current account notices and Nominet’s current .UK guidance where processes change.
.UK registration questions
Must I live in the UK?
There is no general UK residency requirement for an ordinary available .uk or .co.uk registration, but accurate registrant details and current policies apply.
Does owning the .co.uk give me the .uk?
No. The historic reservation period ended in 2019. Each available domain must now be registered separately.
Are my home details public?
Nominet and the registrar collect required information, but ordinary public lookup results limit personal data. Lawful disclosure rules still apply.
Can I register for somebody else?
Use the actual intended holder’s details and authority. Registering a client’s domain in your own name can create ownership problems.
Ready to register?
Search .uk and .co.uk, then record the correct holder
Review the full term and renewal price before completing the registration with accurate details.