How to Register a .uk Domain Name: Step-by-Step via Nominet Accredited Registrars

All .uk domain names (including .co.uk, .org.uk, .me.uk, .ltd.uk, .plc.uk) are managed by Nominet, the UK registry. You register through an accredited registrar.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose a Registrar: Browse Nominet's Accredited Registrar List. Popular: 123 Reg, GoDaddy, Namecheap, Fasthosts, Ionos, Google Domains (via Squarespace), Porkbun, Netim, Gandi. Compare price, support, UI, renewal rates, freebies (WHOIS privacy, email, SSL).
2. Search Availability: Enter desired name (e.g., mybusiness.co.uk). System checks registry in real-time.
3. Select Term: 1–10 years (max). Multi-year locks price.
4. Provide Registrant Details: Required for .uk:
   • Name/Organization (legal entity).
   • Address (UK address required for .uk — or use registrar's proxy service).
   • Email, Phone.
   • Registrant Type: Individual, Sole Trader, Ltd Company, PLC, Charity, etc. (affects eligibility for .ltd.uk/.plc.uk).
5. Nameservers (DNS): Point to hosting provider (e.g., ns1.host.com, ns2.host.com) or use registrar's DNS.
6. Add-ons (Optional): WHOIS Privacy (often free), Email forwarding, SSL, Website builder.
7. Pay & Confirm: Card, PayPal, account credit. VAT applies (UK registrars).
8. Activation: Usually instant–minutes. DNS propagation: up to 48 hrs globally.

Key Rules for .uk

• UK Presence Required: Registrant must have UK address (or use registrar's trustee service).
• No Trademark Check: First-come, first-served. Disputes via Nominet DRS (Dispute Resolution Service).
• Grace Periods: Renewal: 30 days post-expiry. Redemption: 60 days after (fee). Then drop.
• Transfer: Auth-code (EPP) from current registrar. 5-day lock after registration/transfer.

Direct .uk (Second-Level)

Since 2014, direct .uk (e.g., mybusiness.uk) available. Priority given to .co.uk holder (until 2019). Now open to all. Shorter, modern.

Register smart: secure .co.uk + .uk + .com if brand-critical. Enable auto-renew.