What is a registrar?
What happens when I change my registrar?
Why would I need to change my registrar?
How can I change my registrar?
What if my registrar can't help?
How can Nominet help?
What is my registrar's tag name?
What happens if I do not want a registrar?
Once I've completed the online form, how long will it take before the change is made?
What are the 'registrar change' policies?


What is a registrar?

Most people who have a domain name need a registrar who offers Internet services to make their domain name active.   For example the registrar will set up email addresses or a web site incorporating the domain name. Previously registrars have been known as "tag holders" or "registration agents"

What happens when I change my registrar?

When you change your registrar, your domain name stays registered to you, but the company that provides you with the services linked to it, such as email or a web site, changes. We will make a technical change that will switch your domain name from your current registrar to the one you have asked to be moved to.

Why would I need to change my registrar?

Most people are perfectly happy with the services provided by their existing registrar and do not need to move to a new provider.  However, you may want to change your registrar because you have found one that can offer different services or gives a better deal than your existing registrar.

How can I change my registrar?

In the first place, you should contact your current registrar and ask them to move your domain name to the new registrar.  In most cases your registrar will agree to move your domain name and process the change using our automated system. This will not incur a charge from us, but your current registrar may charge you for doing this, depending on the terms of your contract with your registrar.

What if my registrar can't help?

95% of cases involving a registrar change are made without any problems. However, sometimes your existing registrar may refuse to move your domain name to a new registrar. In this case, we can help you by making the change for you. However, this will not cancel any existing contracts between you and your registrar and you are still liable to pay any fees owed to them.

How can Nominet help?

If you want us to make the registrar change for you, you will need to log in to your account and select the 'registrar change' service. Please note that this service will cost £10 plus VAT.

What is my registrar's tag name?

We identify each registrar with a tag. This is a unique sequence of letters and/or numbers. You need to know what your new registrar's tag is before your request can be processed. Please contact them to find out what it is, or access our list of registrars and their associated tags here.

What happens if I do not want a registrar?

If you can provide your own hosting, you can also use this process to move your domain name onto a neutral tag, which is not associated with any registrar.

Once I've completed the online form, how long will it take before the change is made?

The registrar change process is an automated service. However, the timescale involved depends on the 'registrar change' policy chosen by your new registrar.

What are the 'registrar change' policies?

A registrar can select a 'registrar change' policy, which relates to whether the registrar accepts registrar changes or not. These policies are here.