There are general guidelines which apply to any type of domain name
and there may be further guidelines required
for specific types of domain names.
For an overview of the different types and levels of domain names
that are available through Turner Little, view the page covering the
domain name types.
General Domain Guidelines
These guidelines apply generally to different domain names.
- Each type of domain name has its own registry which is a
database of domains registered for that type.
-
A registrar registers domain names directly with the registry
and acts as an agent for the registrant of the domain name.
-
A registrant is an entity, either an individual or organisation,
for whom the domain name has been registered.
- There must be two domain name servers which should be
authoritative for each domain name and as such must be
able to provide zone transfers to other name servers on the internet.
For example, Turner Little are a registrar with Nominet who maintain
the registry for .uk domain names. Turner Little are also able to
provide name servers for the names that it registers.
- Domain names are issued on a first come, first served basis.
- Each domain name is registered until its expiration date
when it can again be renewed.
- Details about each domain name can be retrieved
from a WHOIS lookup on the internet.
- Domain names are not case sensitive.
abc.com is the same as ABC.com
-
A domain name can consist of the 26 letters of the Roman
alphabet (A to Z) inclusive.
- A domain name can consist of the digits 0 to 9 inclusive.
- Hyphens may be used to represent spaces.
- Domain names should be at least 3 characters in length.
- Domain names (including the suffix, eg. .co.uk)
should generally be no longer than 63 characters.
Additional Domain Guidelines
Certain types of domain name are subject to additional guidelines,
a brief explanation of which follows:
- Additional checks are carried out by Nominet
for domain names of the types, .ltd.uk.; .net.uk. and .plc.uk.
Further information can be found on the
Nominet website.
- In the case of .de domain names, either the registrant,
also known as the domain holder, or the administrative contact
should be resident or domiciled in Germany.
- Registrants for .us domain names must be able to demonstrate
a connection with the United States. Examples
of this include US citizens and entities or organisations
incorporated within the U.S. states, etc.
Turner Little are a a member of Nominet.Uk -
The UK Internet Names Organisation.
When you register a .uk domain name you are also entering into
a contract with Nominet and you agree to their
terms and conditions.
This is a separate contract to any you may have with a third party
for the provision of internet services.
Please read before you register your domain name.
The above guidelines are not an exhaustive list.
More comprehensive sources of information can be obtained from
Turner Little.
