diff --git a/src/registrar/models/domain.py b/src/registrar/models/domain.py
index 94430fb36..c3cf8c41f 100644
--- a/src/registrar/models/domain.py
+++ b/src/registrar/models/domain.py
@@ -1338,6 +1338,19 @@ class Domain(TimeStampedModel, DomainHelper):
         logger.info("Changing to DNS_NEEDED state")
         logger.info("able to transition to DNS_NEEDED state")
 
+    @transition(
+        field="state",
+        source="*",
+        target=State.UNKNOWN,
+    )
+    def force_unknown(self):
+        """Force a domain to go into our unknown state.
+
+        This can be useful on a limited basis when we need a domain
+        to be created in the registry for some reason.
+        """
+        pass
+
     def _disclose_fields(self, contact: PublicContact):
         """creates a disclose object that can be added to a contact Create using
         .disclose= <this function> on the command before sending.