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  • Type
    Country-code top-level domain
    Territory
    North Korea
    Registry
    Star Joint Venture Company
    Launched
    DNSSEC
    Not supported
    IDN
    Not supported

    About .kp domain

    .kp is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It is managed by the Star Joint Venture Company and was officially delegated by ICANN in September 2007. The domain's operational history includes a transfer of management from the Korea Computer Center to the current registry in 2011 to restore functionality.

    Who can register .kp domain

    Registration for a .kp domain is strictly restricted. Only companies, organizations, or government entities based in North Korea are eligible to apply. Individual registrations are not permitted. The registry requires verification of the applicant's legal status and physical presence within the country.

    How to register .kp domain

    This TLD is not allocated through a standard commercial registrar checkout process. Domain names under .kp are issued through a centralized, non-commercial allocation process managed by the national registry, Star Joint Venture Company. Eligible entities must apply directly to the registry, which evaluates requests based on internal policies and the applicant's verification status. Successful allocation results in the registry configuring the domain within its nameserver infrastructure.

    Typical uses of .kp domain

    The .kp extension is used almost exclusively by entities connected to North Korea. Its most common use cases are for official government departments, state-run media outlets, academic institutions, and sanctioned businesses operating within the country. Organizations choose this TLD to establish a definitive, nationally recognized online presence that aligns with domestic Internet governance structures, rather than for international commercial appeal.

    Tips for registering .kp domain

    • Registration is limited to verified organizations based in North Korea; individuals cannot register a .kp domain.
    • The public registration website listed in historical IANA records is no longer accessible, indicating a closed application process.
    • Domains are structured with specific second-level labels like .gov.kp, .com.kp, and .edu.kp to categorize registrants by type.

    Frequently asked questions about .kp domain

    Who operates .kp domain?The registry for .kp domains is Star Joint Venture Company.
    Who can register a .kp domain?

    Registration is not open to the general public or international entities. Eligibility is confined to legally recognized organizations, companies, and government bodies that are physically based within North Korea. Applicants must undergo a verification process with the national registry to prove their legitimate status and operational presence in the country.

    Can I transfer a .kp domain between registrars?

    The process for transferring a .kp domain between registrars is not publicly documented, as the domain is not commercially available through the global registrar channel. Management of all .kp domains is centralized under the national registry, Star Joint Venture Company, which handles all allocations and configurations directly with approved entities.

    Can I register a .kp domain if I have a trademark?

    Trademark ownership does not grant eligibility to register a .kp domain. The extension's registration policy is based entirely on organizational presence within North Korea, not on intellectual property rights. Even globally recognized trademarks cannot bypass the geographic and entity-type restrictions set by the registry.

    Are there any content requirements for .kp websites?

    While explicit public content policies are not published, all .kp domains are subject to the national laws and Internet regulations of North Korea. Websites using this extension are typically official or state-sanctioned, implying their content must align with national standards and oversight administered by the country's authorities.

    What happens if a .kp domain registration lapses?

    Given the non-commercial, centralized allocation system, standard grace and redemption periods common in gTLDs likely do not apply. The registry presumably has internal procedures for reclaiming domains from organizations that no longer exist or fail to meet ongoing eligibility requirements, but these are not publicly specified.