How do I know if a Domain Name is available?

If you want to know whether a .uk domain name is free to register, or to find out it's already been registered, then your first step is to go to the Nominet domain name registry at www.nominet.org.uk.

Nominet is the registry for all uk domain names including amongst others, those ending in:

• co.uk
• org.uk
• me.uk

Nominet only looks after the domain names for the UK, and does not look after .com, .net or .info domains. These are managed by other governing bodies. All uk domain name have to be registered for a fixed period of two years.

When is a Domain Available?

When you search the Nominet domain name registry, if a domain name is already taken it will display the owner's name and address. If a domain name is available, you will see a message similar to this:

This message means that it you apply to register this address you should be successful, provided of course that no-one beats you to it. Anyone can register a domain name, but it's first come, first served!

Renewal Reminders

Irrespective of which company you have registered your domain name with, Nominet will be advised of who you are and your contact details. And at the end of the two-year registration period, if you forget to renew a domain name, Nominet will send you an email reminder. This is why it's so important to make sure your contact details are correct and up-to-date, especially your email address.

If you don't want to renew your domain name,  you can simply ignore any reminders from Nominet, and eventually they will cancel your registartion. This will mean that your domain name will now be available to be registered by whoever wishes to apply for it.