Nominet UK - the national Registry for all domain names ending .uk - is to cease issuing paper certificates for domain owners.

Instead, all .uk domain names registered or renewed from August will be sent a letter (OK, so paper hasn't been given the chop completely) with a Web address and unique security code.

By accessing the Web site and typing in both the .uk domain name and the security code, punters will be able to check and update their details for that domain name registration.

Nominet said the move was intended to make it easier for people to manage their domains. For Nominet, the move is expected to streamline its own processes.

Said Nominet's Eleanor Bradley: "Many registrants forget to let us know of personnel or address changes once they have registered the domain name, which can lead to difficulties if we need to contact them about it. The online access to their .uk domain name records will make it easier for them to keep us both informed." ®