This relates to the .co.uk domain names. can someone tell me what are ipstags and why are they required.

I have only one uk domain so far that too was registered by my client directly , all the other domain are com/net/org/edu .

Regards
Manish Kapadia

Hello
Basically its a billing handle.
It tells Nominet which web host/registrar they will bill for the domain renewals.

In the UK it is used as a way of preventing people moving web host because the IPSTAG holder has the power to change the name servers over to the new hosts. If you are the tag hjolder you can charge the person for transferring the domain toa new tag holder.

Also, historically, you were expected to change IPSTAG every time you changed web host because the new web host wanted to make the profit on the domain renewals.
This is still the way things are done.

Just tell your client they do not need to change this and get them to request a name server change with the company who registered the domain name for them.

Getting an IPSTAG costs about £1000 (UKP) as you need to join Nominet and then become a registrar.
ALternatively you can join OpenSRS and use their IPSTAG.

Gordon