What Is an IPS Tag? What You Need to Know

Key highlights

• Understand what an IPS tag, now called a Registrar Tag, is and how it controls which registrar manages a .uk domain at the registry level.
• Learn how IPS tag changes enable .uk domain transfers and why mistakes or lack of coordination can lead to loss of domain control.
• Know the difference between IPS tags, EPP/Auth codes, DNS settings and hosting to avoid common and costly domain transfer errors.
• Explore the specific requirements and precautions involved in transferring a .uk domain to Bluehost, including the NSI-US tag and support limitations.
• Uncover best practices for preparing, timing and documenting IPS tag changes to ensure smooth transfers with minimal disruption.

If you’re planning to transfer your domain name between UK registrars, you’ll encounter something called an IPS tag. This registrar-level identifier links your .uk domain to its current provider and is used to transfer it between registrars.

Understanding IPS tags is crucial for anyone managing UK domain names, especially .uk domains. Without this knowledge, you may encounter delays or complications during domain transfers, which can affect how smoothly your domain is managed.

In this guide, we’ll explain what an IPS tag is, how it works and walk you through the process of updating it for domain transfers. You’ll also learn about common issues and best practices to ensure seamless domain management.

What is an IPS tag?

TL;DR: An IPS tag (now called a Registrar Tag) is the identifier that shows which company controls a .uk domain and is the mechanism used to transfer that domain between registrars. An IPS tag is the former name for what Nominet now calls a Registrar Tag.

It is a unique identifier that shows which registrar is currently responsible for managing a domain’s registration at the registry level. Every .uk domain has exactly one registrar tag at any given time. This tag does not relate to website content, email, hosting or network security. Its sole purpose is to link the domain name to the company authorised to manage it on the Nominet registry.

Also read: Why Do I Need a Domain Name? 7 Key Benefits Explained

Why are IPS tags important?

TL;DR: IPS tags (now called Registrar Tags) are critical for maintaining control over your .uk domain and enabling registrar transfers to be completed correctly.

Every .uk domain has a unique IPS/Registrar tag that identifies the registrar currently responsible for managing it at the registry level. This tag is important for three main reasons:

1. Enabling registrar transfers

Changing the IPS tag to a new registrar’s code is the mechanism used to transfer a .uk domain. Without updating the tag, the transfer cannot take place. Registrar authentication and account controls ensure the change is authorised.

2. Maintaining registrar control

The IPS tag links your domain to the registrar authorised to manage it in the Nominet registry. Changing the tag without proper coordination can result in the domain being transferred without an associated customer account, making it difficult or impossible to manage.

3. Avoiding confusion from legacy terminology

Older documentation and some providers still use the term “IPS tag,” even though Nominet now prefers “Registrar Tag.” Understanding that both terms refer to the same mechanism helps prevent errors during domain transfers.

The IPS/Registrar tag is a behind-the-scenes identifier that determines which registrar controls your .uk domain. Managing it carefully ensures transfers complete smoothly and ownership remains clearly assigned.

What is Bluehost IPS Tag?

If you’re looking to transfer a .uk domain to Bluehost, you’ll need to know about our IPS tag (also called a registrar tag). This tag is essential for initiating the transfer process.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Bluehost’s IPS tag is NSI-US – You’ll need to update your domain’s tag to NSI-US before starting the transfer
• The tag format: [tag = NSI-US]
• The handshake system: Some registrars use a “handshake” approval process for incoming transfers. This means your current registrar might require manual approval even after you’ve updated the IPS tag to NSI-US

With Bluehost’s IPS tag clarified, it’s helpful to understand how IPS tags differ from other similar domain-related terms to avoid confusion during transfers.

Just a very important note: Bluehost currently does not support direct transfers of .uk domains into our platform, so it’s crucial to contact us before changing the IPS tag to ensure your domain links correctly to your account and you don’t lose control.

Also read: Change IPS Tag and Transfer .UK Domains to New Registrar

How is an IPS tag different from similar domain terms?

Understanding how an IPS (Registrar) tag differs from other domain-related terms is essential for managing your .uk domain safely and confidently. Many domain owners run into issues simply because these concepts get confused with one another.

Let’s break them down clearly so you can manage your domain with complete confidence.

IPS tag vs EPP/Auth code

Although both are used during domain transfers, IPS tags and EPP/Auth codes are not the same and are not interchangeable.

• IPS/Registrar tag: A unique identifier that shows which registrar currently manages your .uk domain. To transfer a .uk domain to a different registrar, you change the IPS tag to the new registrar’s tag.
• EPP/Auth code: A secret authorization code used for most global domains such as .com, .net and .org. The code is generated by your current registrar and entered during the transfer process.
• Key difference: .uk domains do not use EPP/Auth codes. Transfers are completed by changing the IPS tag instead.

IPS tag vs DNS settings

These two terms affect very different parts of your domain management.

• IPS/Registrar tag: Controls who officially manages the domain at the registry level, including transfers, renewals and ownership changes.
• DNS settings: Control where your domain points, such as your website hosting server or email provider.
• Key difference: Changing DNS settings does not transfer domain ownership. Changing the IPS tag does transfer the domain to another registrar.

IPS tag vs domain hosting or forwarding

It’s common to think that moving your hosting also moves your domain—but that’s not the case.

• IPS/Registrar tag: Determines which registrar has administrative control over your domain.
• Hosting or forwarding: Determines where your website loads from or where your emails are delivered.
• Key difference: You can move hosting or email services without touching the IPS tag. Transferring a .uk domain to another registrar always requires updating the IPS tag.

Quick comparison table

Term	What it controls	Used for transfers?	Applies to .uk domains?
IPS/Registrar tag	Registrar ownership and control	Yes	Yes
EPP/Auth code	Transfer authorization	Yes	No
DNS settings	Website and email routing	No	Yes
Hosting/Forwarding	Where content and emails are delivered	No	Yes

The IPS (Registrar) tag is a behind-the-scenes identifier that determines which registrar manages your .uk domain and enables registrar transfers to take place correctly. It is completely separate from DNS settings, hosting services, email configuration or EPP/Auth codes.

Understanding this distinction ensures you can change hosting providers freely, adjust DNS settings safely and transfer your domain between registrars without accidentally losing control of your online presence.

What should you know before using IPS tags?

Before you initiate an IPS tag change, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth domain transfer. Understanding the key considerations will help you avoid common pitfalls and protect your domain ownership.

Here’s what you need to know before making any changes.

1. Know your registrar

Start by identifying which registrar currently manages your domain name. Log in to your account to verify that you have full access and administrative privileges.

Confirm your contact information is up to date, as you may need to respond to verification emails during the transfer process. Without proper account access, you won’t be able to authorize the IPS tag change.

2. Confirm the new registrar’s IPS tag

Every registrar has a unique IPS tag assigned by the registry. Before making any changes, obtain the exact IPS tag from your new registrar directly.

Double-check the spelling and format, as even a small error will send your domain to the wrong provider. This simple verification step prevents accidental transfers and ensures your domain arrives at the intended destination.

3. Avoid changing the tag without coordination

Never change your IPS tag without first coordinating with both your current and new registrar. If you modify the tag without setting up an account at the receiving registrar, your domain will transfer without an associated customer account.

This is the primary reason domains get lost during transfers, leaving you without control or access to manage your domain properly.

4. Plan for timing and propagation

Domain transfers through IPS tag changes typically complete within a few hours to several days, depending on the registrars involved. Plan your transfer during a period when downtime won’t impact your business.

Notify relevant stakeholders about the upcoming change and ensure all DNS records and hosting configurations are documented before proceeding to minimize service disruption.

5. Keep documentation

Create a complete record of your current IPS tag and domain settings before initiating any changes. Document your DNS nameservers, hosting provider details and email configurations.

Maintain a simple checklist that includes dates, registrar contact information and confirmation numbers. This documentation will prove invaluable if you need to troubleshoot issues or perform future transfers.

Now that you understand what to check and prepare in advance, let’s move on to the best practices for using IPS tags effectively to ensure a secure and seamless transfer.

What are the best practices for using IPS tags effectively?

Managing IPS tags correctly is crucial when transferring domains between registrars. Following best practices ensures a smooth transition without losing control of your domain or experiencing downtime.

Here are the essential steps you should take when working with IPS tags.

1. Verify the current IPS tag

Before making any changes to your domain’s IPS tag, you need to know its current status. Start by recording the existing registrar tag to have a reference point if anything goes wrong during the transfer process.

Double-check which registrar currently manages your domain. You can typically find this information in your domain management dashboard or by using a WHOIS lookup tool. This verification step helps prevent mistakes and ensures you’re making changes to the correct domain.

2. Confirm the new registrar’s IPS tag

Always use the official IPS tag provided directly by your new registrar. Each registrar has a unique tag identifier and using an incorrect one can result in your domain being transferred to the wrong company.

Verify the tag information through official channels such as the registrar’s website, support documentation or by contacting their customer service team. Taking this extra step ensures accuracy and prevents accidental transfers that could be difficult to reverse.

3. Coordinate changes with your registrar

Communication with your current registrar is essential before updating the IPS tag. Notify them about your intention to transfer the domain to avoid any confusion or automatic rejections of the tag change.

Never change the IPS tag without proper authorization or understanding of your registrar’s transfer policies. Making unauthorized changes can result in losing access to your domain or triggering security locks that delay the transfer process. Some registrars may require you to unlock the domain or disable privacy protection before allowing an IPS tag change.

4. Plan the transfer timing

Timing matters when changing IPS tags, especially if your website receives significant traffic or relies on email services connected to the domain. Schedule the tag change during periods of low activity to minimize potential disruptions to your services.

If your DNS settings or hosting services depend on the domain, plan accordingly to prevent downtime. Monitor the transfer status regularly from the moment you initiate the change until it completes successfully. Most transfers complete within 24-48 hours, but some may take up to five days depending on the registrars involved.

5. Keep detailed documentation

Maintain a simple but comprehensive log of all IPS tag information throughout the transfer process. Record both the old and new IPS tags, along with the exact registrar names associated with each tag.

Document the dates when you requested the change, when you updated the tag and when the transfer completed. This information serves as a valuable reference for future domain management and can help troubleshoot any issues that arise. Keep copies of confirmation emails and transfer authorization codes in a secure location for your records.

Final thoughts

IPS tags are vital for managing .uk domain transfers. They identify which registrar controls your domain and ensure secure, seamless transitions between providers. Mishandling an IPS tag can result in losing domain control, making careful coordination with both your current and gaining registrars essential.

Before transferring your .uk domain, always coordinate with both registrars. For instance, Bluehost requires contacting our team before updating the IPS tag to NSI-US. This ensures proper account linking and prevents unauthorized access or transfer complications that could compromise your domain ownership.

By understanding IPS tags and following proper transfer procedures, you protect your domain ownership throughout the process. Ready to take control? Explore comprehensive domain management solutions that simplify transfers, automate renewals and keep your online presence secure and accessible.

FAQs

What is an IPS Tag?

An IPS Tag is a unique identifier assigned to a domain registrar, now officially called a Registrar Tag. It indicates which registrar currently manages a domain and is mainly used for transferring domains between registrars.

Is the IPS Tag the same as a Registrar Tag?

Yes, the IPS Tag and Registrar Tag refer to the same concept. IPS Tag is the older term, while Registrar Tag is the updated name used to better describe the registrar responsible for managing a domain.

Why is an IPS Tag required for domain transfers?

An IPS Tag is required during domain transfers to authorize the movement of a domain from one registrar to another. Changing the tag tells the registry which registrar should take over domain management.

How can I find the IPS Tag for my domain?

You can find your domain’s IPS Tag through your current registrar’s control panel or by running a WHOIS lookup. The lookup displays the registrar name along with the associated IPS or Registrar Tag.