Get approval to use a .gov.uk domain name

You must be a .gov.uk Approved Registrar to use this service.

The Protecting Public Sector Domains Team is responsible for approving all .gov.uk domain names. We have built this service to increase the security of the approvals process and help with our identity checks.

We will continuously improve the service.

Who can apply for approval

Use this service if you're a .gov.uk Approved Registrar and you want to apply for a .gov.uk domain name for a registrant.

If you are a registrant you must choose a .gov.uk Approved Registrar and pay them to make this application on your behalf.

How long it takes to get approval

The approval process should take approximately 5 working days. We may ask for more information during this time and this may delay the process. Our processing times will also depend on the volume and complexity of applications currently in progress.

Before you start

You will need to:

• check your registrant's organisation can get a .gov.uk domain name
• check the proposed .gov.uk domain name meets the domain name rules
• check the proposed .gov.uk domain name is available manually using the Nominet portal or the Nominet lookup tool, or use the EPP check command if you're using automated tools
• get proof your registrant has permission to apply for a .gov.uk domain name unless they are a parish, village, neighbourhood or community council
• get proof your registrant has an exemption from using the GOV.UK website if your registrant is from a central government organisation or arm's-length bodies (ALBs)
• have the name, organisation and personal contact details of your registrant for us to identify them
• have the role and role-based email of your registrant to be published in the registry