The IPS-tag, also known as the provider tag or registrar tag, is the registration identification for a .uk domain. The tag identifies the provider where the domain is registered.
This protects .uk domains from unauthorized transfer requests and has a function similar to that of Authorization codes with transfers of non-UK domain extensions (such as .com or .net).
The IPS tag procedure applies to these domain extensions (among others):
- .uk
- .co.uk
- .org.uk
Table of Contents
What is the IPS TAG?
An IPS-tag, otherwise known as an Internet Provider Security tag, is a label that identifies domain registrars when administering domain name registration and DNS services.
The IPS-tag system is a standard required by Nominet, the .uk domain name registry service, and is used to identify the hosting company associated with a specific .uk domain name.
This system was initially developed by Nominet’s predecessor, known as the “Naming Committee,” and the original definition of the acronym is currently unknown. IPS is now widely considered to stand for “Internet Provider Security” tag, and while the term IPS tag itself is now deemed obsolete by Nominet UK, the term has since been replaced with registrar tag.
Why is the IPS Tag important?
While this tag is not always a relevant piece of information, it is most commonly required when transferring the ownership of a .uk domain registration between registrars. Transferring a domain name requires the original registrar to modify the IPS-tag to reflect the tag of the new registrar.
What is Domainregistrationindia’s IPS Tag?
To transfer a domain to Domainregistrationindia, you will need to update the tag on the domain to PDR-IN, which is our IPS-tag for .uk domains:
[tag = PDR-IN]
Some providers utilize a “handshake” system in which an incoming transfer may require approval, which can prevent the IPS-tag from updating automatically. Please check with your provider, as they can approve the transfer once the tag has been changed.
Please review the following article for more information about what to do before transferring your domain, how to transfer your domain, and how to check your transfer status:
More about IPS TAGS
The IPS (Internet Provider Security) tag is used primarily for domain transfers and represents the registrar or domain provider to which a .uk domain is registered. It helps facilitate the transfer of .uk domains between registrars within the Nominet registry, which manages .uk domains. Here’s more information about IPS tags in the context of .uk domains:
- Registrar Identification: An IPS-tag is a short alphanumeric code assigned to each accredited registrar or domain provider that offers .uk domain registration services. Each registrar has its unique IPS-tag, which serves as an identifier within the Nominet registry.
- Domain Transfer Process: When a domain owner wishes to transfer their .uk domain from one registrar to another, they need to provide the new registrar’s IPS-tag. This process ensures that the transfer request is directed to the correct registrar for processing.
- Initiating a Transfer: To initiate a transfer, the domain owner typically contacts the new registrar (the one they want to transfer the domain to) and provides the IPS-tag associated with that registrar. The new registrar then initiates the transfer process with Nominet using the provided tag.
- Transfer Confirmation: Once Nominet receives the transfer request with the correct IPS-tag, it notifies the current registrar (the one the domain is leaving) about the impending transfer. The current registrar has the option to acknowledge or reject the transfer request.
- Completion of Transfer: If the current registrar acknowledges the transfer request, Nominet processes the transfer, and the domain is moved to the new registrar’s control. This typically involves updating the DNS settings and registrant details to reflect the new registrar’s information.
- Changing Registrars: Domain owners may choose to transfer their .uk domains between registrars for various reasons, such as better pricing, different services, or customer support. The IPS-tag ensures a secure and controlled process for such transfers.
- Registrar Authorization: To obtain an IPS tag for a specific registrar, a domain provider must be accredited by Nominet to offer .uk domain registration services. Accreditation involves meeting certain requirements and complying with Nominet’s policies.
- Security Measures: The use of IPS tags helps prevent unauthorized transfers of .uk domains and ensures that transfer requests are processed only when the domain owner explicitly intends to change registrars.
- IPS Tag Format: An IPS tag typically consists of a short combination of letters and numbers unique to each registrar. For example, a registrar’s IPS tag might be “XYZ123.”
It’s important to note that IPS tags are specific to the .uk domain space and may not be relevant for other domain extensions like .com or .org. If you own a .uk domain and wish to transfer it to a different registrar, you should contact your new registrar to obtain their IPS tag and follow their instructions for initiating the transfer.