How expired .uk domains drop
.uk names follow Nominet's own timetable, not the .com one. The good news is that Nominet publishes exactly when each name will be released, so you can plan for the drop.
From expiry to release
- Expiry. The renewal date passes. The registrar can still renew it.
- Suspension. About 30 days after expiry the name is suspended: the website and email stop working.
- Cancellation. About 90 days after expiry the registration is cancelled and the name goes on Nominet's drop list.
- Release. The name is released at the date and time shown on the drop list. Anyone can then register it through a registrar.
The timings above are typical; the drop list itself is what counts, and our .uk drop list shows it with a live countdown for each name.
.uk, .co.uk, .org.uk and the rest
All are run by Nominet and drop the same way. See expired .co.uk domains and expired .org.uk domains for those alone.
How to get one
- Quiet names: register at any Nominet-accredited registrar once the countdown ends.
- Wanted names: good .uk names are often caught within seconds. A backorder with a service that catches .uk names gives you the best chance.
- Check first: look at the old site in its history and search for the business name, because a .co.uk often belonged to a company that may still trade. Our checklist covers this.
Names come from Nominet's own published drop list, never from other expired-domain sites.
More guides
- How to buy an expired domain
- Types of expired domains
- How to choose a good expired domain
- Expired domain red flags
- Expired domain tools compared
- Aged domains explained
- How to find expired domains
- Are expired domains good for SEO?
- How to backorder a domain
- How many expired domains get caught?
- Expired domains with backlinks
- What is pending delete?
- The domain redemption period
- How to value a domain
- Redirecting an expired domain
- Building a site on an expired domain
- Expired domain or new domain?
- Whois and RDAP explained
- Drop catching explained
- Expired domains for small businesses
- How to check a domain before you buy
- Expiry, redemption and pending delete
- How we score domains
Frequently asked questions
How long after expiry is a .uk domain released?
About 90 days, at the date and time Nominet publishes on its drop list.
Can I backorder a .co.uk domain?
Yes. Several drop-catching services catch .uk names. You usually pay only if they catch it.
Do .uk names drop at a set time?
Yes. Each name has its own release time on Nominet's drop list, which this site shows as a countdown.
Last updated 15 October 2026