What are 'registrars'?

"Registrars" are third-party registration agents who have approved, direct access to our registry systems. (Not all domain registration companies are Accredited as registrars – some are resellers of other registrars).

Please be aware that registration services, nameserver service, web-hosting and email handling are all different things. You may either (a) register a domain with one organisations and use (one or more) other suppliers for such services, or (b) use a single company for everything.

If you want to find out who your registrar is, you should check the WHOIS. You can do this either by using the query box at the top of this page, or use your favourite WHOIS client.

If the output has the word "Direct" (e.g. "Direct (Self-Management)" or "Direct (Community)") in the Registrar field of the output then the domain name is registered directly with us. Otherwise it will show the name of the registrar with whom it is registered and a URL for more information. In that cas, you must contact your registrar for any assistance you need.
 

Transferring your registration to an Accredited Registrar.

If you want to transfer the management of your domain's registrration from CHANNELISLES.NET (Island Networks Registrar Ltd) to an Accredited Registrar we will be very happy to assist. On conclusion of the transfer process you will thenceforth deal only with that registrar..

The transfer process will normally be handled by your new registrar. In most cases they will as you to provide them with a transfer authorisation code or "AUTHCODE", which you have to obtain from us.

If the domain is already in our automated self-management system, you obtain this simply by logging into your account whence you can get the code immediately.  You will find your transfer code under the "Advanced" option on the domain name management menu. (If the domain name is not in your account, you will need to contact us by email and we will be able to advise you on the most appropriate procedure).

Transferring your registration between registrars

If your domain name is currently registered through an Accredited Registrar and you want to transfer to another accredited registrar (other than to direct registration) you must follow the procedures specified by the relevant companies. We are normally not involved.

Under the Registrar Agreement, all Accredited Registrars have an obligation to assist Registrants in their choice of registrar.  If you experience any difficulty in transferring your domain name to another registrar, you should address your complaints to the company or companies concerned in the first instance. However, if despite having done this, you find you are unable to change your Registrar within a reasonable time, you may ask us to make the transfer for you. There is a small administrative charge of £10 for this service. We will expect you to have exhausted your avenues of complaint with the registrar(s) concerned first and may need you to give us details in order to take up the complaint with the registrar concerned.

Transferring to direct registration.

If you want to transfer a domain name that is currently registered with an Accredited Registrar to a direct registration with CHANNELISLES.NET this is only allowed in restricted circumstance, such as when an existing registrar has stopped trading and has not specified a replacement registrar. If you consider you have a reason to transfer your domain name into our direct management, please contact us for advice.