namepick+.co
Complete UK Domain Guide

How to Buy a Domain Name in the UK

Step-by-step guide to registering your perfect domain name. From search to setup in under 15 minutes.

£7.99

.co.uk domains

15 min

Total setup time

500+

Domain extensions

Free

WHOIS privacy

6 Simple Steps to Buy Your Domain

1
2 minutes
Search for Your Domain

Use our domain search tool to check if your desired domain name is available

2
1 minute
Choose Domain Extension

Select from .com, .co.uk, .uk, or 500+ other extensions

3
2 minutes
Add to Cart

Select registration period (1-10 years) and add any additional services

4
3 minutes
Create Account

Sign up with your email and create a secure password

5
2 minutes
Complete Payment

Pay securely with card, PayPal, or bank transfer

6
5 minutes
Configure Domain

Set up DNS, email forwarding, and connect to your website

Detailed Registration Process

1Search for Your Perfect Domain

Start by entering your desired domain name in our search tool. You can search for:

  • Your business name (e.g., yourbusiness.co.uk)
  • Keywords related to your industry
  • Creative variations if your first choice is taken
  • Multiple words separated by hyphens

Pro Tip: Keep domains short (under 15 characters), easy to spell, and memorable. Avoid numbers and hyphens if possible.

2Choose the Right Extension

Select the best domain extension for your needs:

.co.uk

Popular

£7.99/year

Best for: UK businesses

.com

Popular

£9.99/year

Best for: International reach

.uk

£7.99/year

Best for: Modern UK sites

.org.uk

£7.99/year

Best for: UK non-profits

.london

£24.99/year

Best for: London businesses

.shop

£29.99/year

Best for: E-commerce sites

.tech

£39.99/year

Best for: Technology companies

.io

£44.99/year

Best for: Tech startups

3Configure Your Cart

When adding domains to your cart, consider:

  • Registration Period: 1-10 years (longer = better prices)
  • WHOIS Privacy: Free with all domains (worth £7.99/year)
  • Auto-Renewal: Recommended to avoid losing your domain
  • Additional Services: Email hosting, SSL certificates

4Create Your Account

Registration requires:

  • Valid email address (for domain verification)
  • Accurate contact information (ICANN requirement)
  • Strong password (min 8 characters)
  • Phone number (for security verification)

Important:

Use accurate information. False details can result in domain suspension.

5Payment Options

We accept multiple payment methods:

Credit/Debit Cards

Visa, Mastercard, Amex

PayPal

Including PayPal Credit

6Post-Purchase Setup

After purchase, you can immediately:

  • Access DNS management panel
  • Set up email forwarding (unlimited addresses)
  • Configure domain forwarding
  • Connect to website builders (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
  • Enable DNSSEC for extra security

UK Domain Costs Explained

Typical Domain Registration Costs
Domain Registration (.co.uk)£7.99/year
WHOIS Privacy ProtectionFREE (worth £7.99)
DNS ManagementFREE
Email ForwardingFREE
Domain ForwardingFREE
Total First Year Cost£7.99

* Prices shown are for .co.uk domains. Other extensions vary in price.

Money-Saving Tips
  • Register for 2+ years to lock in current prices
  • Bundle multiple domains for bulk discounts
  • Transfer existing domains to save on renewals
  • Use our free services instead of paid add-ons
Hidden Costs to Avoid
  • Some registrars charge £15+ for WHOIS privacy
  • Renewal prices can jump 2-3x after first year
  • Transfer-out fees charged by some providers
  • Premium DNS sold separately elsewhere

Pro Tips for Domain Buyers

Act Fast

Good domains are registered quickly. If you find one you like, register it immediately.

Enable WHOIS Privacy

Protect your personal information from spammers. We include this free with all domains.

Register for Multiple Years

Save money and improve SEO by registering for 2-5 years upfront.

Consider Multiple Extensions

Protect your brand by registering .com, .co.uk, and other relevant extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does domain registration take?

Domain registration is instant! As soon as payment is confirmed (usually within 60 seconds), your domain is active and ready to use. You can immediately access DNS settings and start configuring your domain.

Can I buy a domain without hosting?

Yes! Domain registration and web hosting are separate services. You can register a domain with us and host your website anywhere. We provide free DNS management so you can point your domain to any hosting provider.

What happens if someone else owns my desired domain?

If your preferred domain is taken, you have several options: try different extensions (.co.uk, .net, .org), add words (get-, -uk, -online), use hyphens, or contact us about our domain broker service to negotiate purchasing from the current owner.

Do I need to be a UK resident to buy .co.uk domains?

No! Anyone worldwide can register .uk and .co.uk domains. There are no residency requirements. This changed in 2019 when Nominet (the .uk registry) removed all restrictions to make UK domains globally accessible.

Can I transfer my domain later?

Yes, you own your domain and can transfer it to any registrar after 60 days. We don't charge transfer-out fees. To transfer, you'll need an authorization code (EPP code) which we provide free in your dashboard.

Ready to Register Your Domain?

Join 50,000+ UK businesses who trust namepick.co for their domains

Free WHOIS Privacy
No Hidden Fees
UK Company
Instant Setup