123 Domain Names UK - Frequently Asked Questions

I want to register a domain name now, where do I go?

To register a domain name online use our free domain search to check it's available, then follow the easy online steps. Alternatively you can speak to one of our sales team on 0845 363 3632.

How much does it cost to register a .co.uk/.org.uk/.me.uk domain name?

£19.99 for 2 years + VAT . This includes web forwarding, email forwarding, customisable domain holding page, domain control panel, friendly email and telephone support.

How much does it cost to register a .com/.net/.org/.info/.biz domain name?

£29.99 for 2 years + VAT. This includes web forwarding, email forwarding, customisable domain holding page, domain control panel, friendly email and telephone support.

What methods of payment do 123 Domain Names UK accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Delta, American Express, JCB, Maestro, Visa Electron, Switch and Solo).

We also accept payment by cheque although if you choose this payment method we will not register your domain until the cheque is received.

How do I know it is safe to disclose my credit card details?

Our secure domain order form uses 128 bit SSL, the strongest commercially available level of encryption. All your private data will be encrypted at all times whilst in transit over the Internet. When you are on the secure order form page you will see one of the following symbols on the bottom of your web browser to prove the page is secure. (Internet Explorer) or (Netscape)

How long does it take to register a domain name?

Our automated domain registration system will submit your name for registration immediately providing all details pertaining to the registration are correct. Email and web forwarding take around 24 hours to become active on your domain.

Why is my domain name still showing up as available?

Domain registry databases can take between 24-48 hours to be updated so even though your domain has been registered it may still show up on WHOIS or "domain checkers" as being available. Global domain names tend to take the longest to show up as being registered due to a new shared registry system. Please be patient and email us if the problem persists.

What happens to my domain after the initial 2 year period?

Prior to the expiry of your initial 2 year registration period you will be sent a renewal invoice which will give you information on how to renew your domain for a further 2 years. You do not have to worry about "losing" your domain name as providing you pay the relevant renewal charges (outlined below) your domain will be yours for as long as you require.

Current domain name renewal prices are:

UK Domain Names (.co.uk/.org.uk/.me.uk) - £24.99 for years 3 and 4
Global Domain Names (.com/.net/.org/.info/.biz) - £34.99 for years 3 and 4

All prices exclude VAT.

Will I get a certificate proving my domain has been registered?

With UK domain names you should receive a certificate from Nominet (the official UK naming body) although this can take several months. There are no certificates for Global domain names.

If you require proof of ownership simply go to www.123domainnames.co.uk and perform a search on your domain then click the WHOIS button which will give the ownership details of your domain.

Are there any restrictions when registering a domain name?

Yes, the following rules apply to all domain names (.co.uk/.org.uk/.com/.net/.org/.info/.biz)

  • Domain names must be between 3 and 63 characters in length.
    Please note although 2 letter domains such as www.go.co.uk cannot be registered even though they show up as being available.
  • They can only contain the characters abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789-
  • No spaces are allowed at any point and you cannot start or end a domain with a "-".
  • e.g. www.hendly insurance.com would NOT BE allowed
    e.g. www.-hendlyinsurance.com would NOT BE allowed
    e.g. www.hendlyinsurance-.com would NOT BE allowed

However www.hendly-insurance.com would be perfectly acceptable as would www.hendly-insurance-services.co.uk

How do I change the registered owner details of my domain?

If it is a Nominet domain (.co.uk/.org.uk/.me.uk)
Visit: http://www.nominet.org.uk/howto/transfer.html for more information

If it is a Global Domain (.com/.net/.org/.info/.biz)
Login to your account control panel at http://admin.123domainnames.co.uk and click "My Domain Names", followed by the domain name you wish to modify, followed by "Registrant Details".