What is a DETAGGED domain name?
A domain name that has been DETAGGED is no longer hosted on two valid name servers. This stops any services associated with the domain name, for example e-mail or a web site from working.
Only a registrar can DETAG a domain name. A registrar will DETAG a domain name if they no longer have a relationship with the registrant to provide services for that domain name.
When are domain names detagged?
Domain names can be detagged at any point after registration. Detagging signifies the end of the contractual relationship between the registrar and the registrant. It is not an indication of whether a domain name is paid for or not.
How can I tell if my domain name is DETAGGED?
You will probably notice that the email or web site associated with the domain name will stop working. You can check the status of the registration by doing a WHOIS look-up. If the look up reports that there is no listed agent, the registration has been detagged.
How do I restore my DETAGGED domain name?
To restore a DETAGGED domain name, the registrant needs to go to change registrar. We can make this change for you. You need to log in to your account and select the 'change registrar' service. Please note that this service will cost £10 plus VAT.
Can I register a DETAGGED domain name?
A DETAGGED domain name is still registered to the original registrant, and it remains as such until it is either renewed by the current registrant, or it is cancelled. Once cancelled, it immediately becomes available for registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
How long does it take for a DETAGGED domain name to become available for registration?
Please note that as detagged domain names are sometimes fully paid, a domain's detagged status is not necessarily an indicator that it is about to lapse or become available for registration.
When a detagged domain name becomes due for renewal, Nominet has a duty to contact the registrant of the detagged domain name to confirm that they do not want to renew the domain name before it can be cancelled. Once a registrant has confirmed they no longer require their domain name, or has not paid their renewal invoice by 30 days after the expiry date, the domain name will then be suspended for 60 days. After the 60 day suspension period the domain name will be cancelled and will then be available for registration by someone else.
People who are seeking to register a domain name that is detagged will need to wait until the domain name is cancelled before they can re-register it. If you are in this situation, we advise you to talk to your registrar about how they may help you to register the domain name as soon as it becomes available. You may also wish to check the WHOIS regularly which will show you the status of the domain name and will indicate when it has been suspended and cancelled.
Why does Nominet not publish exact dates for when domain names are cancelled?
Giving an exact date would compromise Nominet's policy of allocating domain names on a first-come, first-served basis. It could lead to an increase in speculative applications for domain names, which may result in an abuse of Nominet's registration automated systems.
Is there any alternative to cancellation and re-registration?
Yes, you could contact the existing registrant of the detagged domain name and ask them to agree to transfer the registration to you. Details on the transfer process can be found here.