2 The .gov.uk domain rules
This guide sets out the national, that is, UK–wide, rules and principles for registering and managing a .gov.uk domain name. These rules are also known as the ‘Eligibility Guidelines‘.
Follow the steps:
- Determine if you qualify to register and manage a .gov.uk domain name.
- Review the domain naming conventions and ensure that your proposed name complies.
- See 3 How to apply for a .gov.uk name? for a list of the information required to successfully apply for a registration.
- Be aware of the full Terms and Conditions that apply to the use of a .gov.uk name.
These guidelines apply to all new requests for registration of .gov.uk names. Some domain names were registered before these current rules were published. Such names should be regarded as exceptional, and not as setting a precedent.
Domain names are not automatically issued and not on a first come first served basis.
If you have any questions about these rules or specific candidate names direct them to naming@coi.gsi.gov.uk. Applications for registration must not be sent to this email address – see 3 How to apply for a .gov.uk name?
2.1.1 Background to .gov.uk
The highest sub-domain underneath .uk is called a second-level domain (SLD). .gov.uk is such a second level domain. The Cabinet Office (eGovernment Unit), through the national Naming and Approvals Committee is responsible for the policy governing the .gov.uk domain and for managing these rules. The UK Education and Research Networking Association (UKERNA) administers the .gov.uk domain on behalf of the Cabinet Office, by providing the name submission, name modification, approval and registration systems, in effect our Registrar. A name registered within the .gov.uk, for example, department.gov.uk is known as a third-level domain.
2.2 Your eligibility for a .gov.uk name
To preserve the integrity of the .gov.uk namespace the registration/ownership of .gov.uk names is limited to:
- UK government and devolved administration departments and agencies,
- executive and advisory non–departmental public bodies and appropriate projects, and
- local and regional government bodies (including properly constituted town and parish councils).
- The following are not eligible for a .gov.uk domain:
- individuals (included elected representatives);
- associations representing public sector staff;
- public sector pension funds;
- stand alone ‘arms length organisations’ where staff are not public servants, eg, they are employees of a private or public company;
- charitable, voluntary and privately owned organisations;
- companies and organisations registered by Companies House (www.companies-house.gov.uk/index.shtml[External link]) under Companies Act 1985 in Great Britain or the Register of Companies at Northern Ireland Companies Registry (www.companiesregistry.detini.gov.uk) under the Companies (NI) Order 1986, that is, for example private companies (limited by shares or guarantee), private unlimited companies and public liability companies;
- public, privately owned or charitable organisations undertaking work or programmes within the public sector;
- public, privately owned or charitable organisations undertaking work or programmes targeting the public sector;
- internet management and network related companies, including ISPs and hosting companies;
- when a public sector organisation, with a .gov.uk domain name, undergoes a change of status that ordinarily would make it ineligible, for example, moving into the charity, voluntary, limited company or commercial sectors;
- British overseas territories; and
- international organisations.
2.3 Using fourth-level domains (also known as sub-domains)
Departmental, agency, regional and local authority departments, branches, services, initiatives, projects and what are termed as microsites, should generally be treated as a sub-domain (fourth–level) of their parent or sponsoring body, for example:
[fourth-level] housing.authority.gov.uk
project.department.gov.uk
[third-level] authority.gov.uk
department.gov.uk
[second-level] .gov.uk.
[top-level] .uk
Fourth-level sub-domains enable you to develop a unique and additional website, if necessary within its own demilitarised zone, but are established by your Internet Service Provider and do not have to be registered via the Naming and Approvals Committee. Refer to paragraph 3.2.1f Reserved names.
2.3.1 Using fourth-level names within the third level .gsi.gov.uk
The GSi (www.gsi.gov.uk/ ) is managed by OGCbuying.solutions. An application for an approved GSi name must be routed through your local ICT staff. General queries can be directed to the GSi Team at gsi@ogcbs.gsi.gov.uk.
2.4 Use of unapproved names
You must not use a .gov.uk domain name on promotional material, printed material or other media until it has been correctly applied for and formal approval given by the .gov.uk Domain Naming and Approvals Committee.
The Committee will not be responsible for any project costs incurred by breaching this rule. Failure to secure approval prior to printing or communication errors is not a ground for appeal if the name is rejected. Project teams and their Internet Service Providers must ensure that approval is secured before authorising the use of a name.
If a typographic error is made on promotional material the use of a temporary domain name may be approved for use until the error is corrected.
2.5 Other public sector Second Level Domains
There are a number of public sector areas that in some cases have dual-eligibility with their own domain and the .gov.uk SLD:
.mod.uk (and .mil.uk) – these SLDs are reserved exclusively for the Ministry of Defence and the UK Armed Forces. The registry (operating and administering authority) is the Defence Interoperable Network Services Authority (DINSA). DINSA can be contacted by email at dcsadinsa-helpdesk@mod.uk or by telephone on +44 (0)1225 813426.
.nhs.uk – this SLD is reserved exclusively for NHS organisations and services within the UK. It is administered by the NHS Information Authority www.nhsia.nhs.uk/nhsnet/pages/connecting/registrations/default.asp[External link]
.police.uk – this SLD is reserved exclusively for UK police services and organisations. The registry (operating and administering authority) is the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) www.pito.org.uk/index.htm[External link]
2.6 British overseas territories and International organisations
In order to avoid confusion a number of geographic and geopolitical areas have their own country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) . For example:
- Channel Islands – gg for Guernsey .je for Jersey
- Isle of Man – .im
- Falkland Islands – .fk
- Gibraltar – .gl
- South Georgia – .gs
- Pitcairn – .pn
Their administration departments, agencies and associated public sector organisations are not considered suitable the .gov.uk Second Level Domain.
2.7 Guidance on website security
a. Are you an Internet Service Provider? For technical advice an Internet Service Provider should refer to the NISCC Technical Note 06/03 ‘Guidance on Securing websites’. PDF version available from: www.uniras.gov.uk/niscc/docs/re-20030801-00726.pdf?lang=en[External link]
b. Are you a website manager? Government website managers should refer to the Guidelines for UK Government websites, section 1.11 Backgrounder on securing websites at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/e-government/resources/handbook/introduction.asp
