NOTE: This FAQ is intended to explain why particular clauses have been included in the Registrar Agreement and Good Practice Terms and what they mean. It does not provide legal advice for specific cases, and prospective registrars are urged to obtain their own legal advice before entering into the Terms and Conditions for the Use of a NOMINET UK tag.
Are multiple tags covered by the same Registrar Agreement?
The Registrar Agreement and Good Practice Terms covers multiple tags that are held by the named registrar. The use of each of these tags is bound by the single agreement entered into by the registrar.
How will an existing registrar be able to apply for a new tag?
When an existing registrar wishes to obtain a new tag, they should complete a tag application form. We will process the new tag application and supply you with your new tag details.
Why is a PGP key necessary?
The primary purpose of the PGP key is for security of identification. It is also used to identify which registrar is making a transaction using the Automaton. This process happens automatically and means that a relevant bill is issued to the corresponding registrar. The registrar will require a different PGP key for each of their tags.
Why do I have to provide you with complete registrant contact details?
We have a duty to maintain a public register, the UK register database, which includes providing a named registrant for every domain name. Registrars must ensure that they provide full contact details of the named applicant, who has requested the domain name registration, so that we can populate the register database.
What is a warranty of authority (Clause2.7) and why is it necessary?
When an application for a domain name registration takes place through a registrar, we need to make sure that:
The contract is made electronically, which means that an applicant does not have to sign up to our Terms and Conditions. However, as the contract of registration has to be made under our Terms and Conditions, we need to make sure that the registrant knows about them before entering into the contract. The only way we can do this is by ensuring that registrars inform registrants of our Terms and Conditions before the contract of registration is made. In legal terms this is called 'the agent's warranty of authority'.
What does the warranty of authority require me to do?
Registrars are obliged to draw our Terms and Conditions to the applicant's attention before a domain name registration is made. You must ensure that you have the prior permission of the applicant to enter the applicant into a contract with us.
How do you confirm the registration?
The registrant email address is mandatory for all new registrations. We email registrants directly with confirmation of their registration and log in information so that they can check the details that we hold about them. For further information please check the registrar systems section of our web site.
Why is the Data Protection Act relevant to my business?
The Data Protection Act applies to 'personal data', that is data about identifiable living individuals. It applies to all records maintained by registrars about their registrants. Full guidelines for the 1984 Data Protection Act can be found at the web site of the Information Commissioner.
There are eight enforceable principles of good practice. They say that data must be:
(The above information is copyright of the Information Commissioner).
Why do you perform credit checks and what happens to the information?
As with many business-to-business relationships, we may conduct credit reference checking before agreeing to award a credit limit to the registrar. The results of credit checks will remain confidential to Nominet and will not be shared with any third parties (without the prior consent of the registrar). The amount of credit awarded to the registrar will be based on the credit reference, and therefore on their ability to pay.
Will registrations always be billed to my account?
The registrar can request that we bill the registrant directly for the registration fee. You can do this by completing the correct fields when using our registrar systems. In this case, the registrant will be billed at the full non-member rate that is currently £80 plus VAT.
How can either party terminate this Agreement?
There are three ways in which either party may bring the Agreement to an end:
In addition, we may terminate the Agreement if a registrar is using a tag in a way that endangers the operation of our computer systems.
Can you make changes to this Agreement?
We may amend the terms of this Agreement only after consultation with the Policy Advisory Body and the membership. We must notify registrars of any changes by PGP-signed email or equivalent and certainly 30 days before any changes come into force.
Can I use your trademarks?
Registrars who are members of Nominet can apply for permission to use our membership logo on their web site, in advertising or communications material and in printed materials such as letterheads and invoices. Please see our membership logo page.
You can also use a logo to provide a link to our terms and conditions of registration - see our terms and conditions logo page for details.
How do I amend my contact details?
If you want to add new contacts to your account or change the telephone number, fax number, email or postal address for current contacts please log onto your account in our online service and edit the appropriate fields.
What do I do if my business name changes?
Log onto your account via our online service and edit the appropriate fields. If the change to your business name or registered number alters its legal status, we will make the necessary checks and then confirm the change to you by email.
How do I complain about a registrar?
You can use our complaints procedure to complain about a member or registrar.