CHOOSING A DOMAIN NAME HOW TO REGISTER AFTER REGISTRATION MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR DOMAIN NAME
Nominet UK - Detagged Domain Names - Q&A
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.
Who can DETAG a domain name?
Only an Internet Service provider can DETAG a domain name. An ISP 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?
Many domain names are DETAGGED around the time of renewal because the ISP has not been able to find out from the registrant whether they wish to renew the registration. However, domain names can be DETAGGED at any point after registration.
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 on our web site at http://www.nominet.org.uk/ that will indicate that the domain name is DETAGGED.
How do I restore my DETAGGED domain name?
To restore a DETAGGED domain name, you need to contact Nominet. You need to send us a fax on the Registrant's letterhead stating the domain name in question, and indicating the new ISP you would like the domain name to be moved to. If there is an outstanding renewal fee, you or your ISP will need to confirm that you are prepared to cover that fee before the domain name can be moved.
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?
Nominet has a duty to contact the registrant of a DETAGGED domain name to confirm that they do not want to renew the domain name before it can be cancelled. This process can be time consuming, especially if the database holds poor quality contact information for the registrant. However, once the registrant has confirmed they no longer require the domain name, the registration will be suspended after 21 days and then cancelled between 6-8 weeks after that.
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 at http://www.nominet.org.uk/howto/transfer.html
