About .ck domain
.ck is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for the Cook Islands. It was launched on 8 August 1995 and is operated by Telecom Cook Islands, with Oyster Internet Services listed as the registry. The TLD is active and follows a structured registration system beneath specific second-level domains. It is subject to standard Internet governance policies, including the UDRP for dispute resolution.
Who can register .ck domain
Registration is open to anyone, though pricing differs for non-residents. Entities must register at the third level beneath one of the designated second-level categories, such as .co.ck for businesses or .org.ck for non-profits. There are no strict geographic restrictions, but the .gov.ck subdomain is reserved exclusively for the Cook Islands government. Applicants must ensure their desired name aligns with their legal identity or brand.
How to register .ck domain
- Search for your desired name's availability under one of the seven second-level categories (.co.ck, .org.ck, .edu.ck, .gov.ck, .net.ck, .gen.ck, .biz.ck), as direct registrations under .ck are not possible.
- Compare offerings from authorized registrars, noting that non-resident applications have a minimum two-year registration term at a higher cost.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information as required by the registry's administration policy.
- Finalize the registration by verifying your details and configuring DNS settings for your new third-level domain.
Typical uses of .ck domain
The .ck domain extension is commonly used by entities connected to the Cook Islands, including local businesses, educational institutes, and non-profit organizations. It also sees niche use for creative or humorous website addresses due to the phonetic reading of its .co.ck subdomain. Users choose this TLD to establish a local presence or for its distinctive character set, operating within a structured namespace that categorizes registrants by purpose.
Tips for registering .ck domain
- Non-resident registrations require a minimum two-year term at a higher fee and must be renewed every two years.
- The registry actively monitors for profane or inappropriate content and may terminate domains found in violation without refund.
- Domain names can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, or hyphens, with a maximum length of 63 characters.
- Registrations are made at the third level (e.g., example.co.ck), as direct second-level registrations under .ck are not offered.