About .tc domain
.tc is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The registry is operated by Melrex TC (trading as NIC TC), and it was launched in January 1997. As a domain product, it is marketed globally by commercial registrars, with no technical or administrative restrictions tying its use solely to the islands.
Who can register .tc domain
Registration for a .tc domain is open to anyone globally, with no geographic or citizenship requirements. There are no restrictions based on an entity's location or purpose. However, registrants must warrant that the domain will not be used to breach third-party intellectual property rights or for any purpose deemed illegal or immoral by the registry.
How to register .tc domain
- Search for your desired .tc domain name on a participating registrar's website to check its availability, noting that names can be 2 to 63 characters long and can include hyphens, but cannot start or end with one.
- Compare pricing, registration terms (which typically start at one year), and available add-ons like WHOIS privacy protection from various accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the online checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact details as required by the registry's terms and conditions.
- After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and proceed to configure your DNS settings, such as nameservers, through your registrar's control panel to point the domain to your website or service.
Typical uses of .tc domain
The .tc extension is commonly registered for a diverse range of purposes. While some entities within the Turks and Caicos Islands use it for local presence, it is also actively marketed for use by Turkish websites, as the letters "TC" correspond to an abbreviation for the Republic of Turkey. Beyond these associations, the TLD is popular for domain hacks, brand protection, and general web projects due to its open registration policy and short, memorable nature.
Tips for registering .tc domain
- Domains can be registered for a minimum of one year, with renewal terms also set annually.
- The registry's terms require written consent from a relevant authority if a domain name includes the name of a recognized geographic region or officially recognized body.
- Registrants must warrant that the domain will not be used for illegal or immoral purposes or in a way that brings the registry into disrepute.
- Second-level domains like .com.tc, .net.tc, .org.tc, and .pro.tc are also available for registration alongside the standard second-level .tc.
Frequently asked questions about .tc domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .tc domain?
As of today, .tc domains start from $90.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $229.99/yr across 11 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .tc domains?
NameBeta tracks 11 registrars that support .tc domain registration, with the cheapest option at $90.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .tc domain?
The registry for .tc domains is Melrex TC.
Who can register a .tc domain?
Registration is open to any individual or organization worldwide without proof of local presence. While intended for entities connected to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the registry imposes no residency or citizenship checks. The primary contractual requirement is the registrant's warranty concerning lawful use and intellectual property rights.
Can I transfer a .tc domain between registrars?
Transferring a .tc domain between registrars follows the standard EPP transfer process, requiring an authorization code from the current registrar. The domain must be unlocked and not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. Ensure WHOIS privacy is disabled and all contact information is current to prevent transfer delays or rejections.
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .tc domains?
Yes, the registry's terms and conditions explicitly prohibit using a .tc domain for any purpose deemed illegal or immoral, or that could bring the registry into disrepute. Furthermore, registrants warrant not to infringe on third-party intellectual property rights. Violations of these terms could potentially lead to the suspension or cancellation of the domain registration.
What should I do if my desired .tc domain contains a geographic name?
If the domain name includes the name of a recognized geographic region, city, or country, you must obtain and provide written consent from the authority of that region to the registry before the domain can be registered or renewed. This rule also applies to names of officially recognized bodies or authorities, requiring consent from the relevant organization.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .tc domains?
The registry's terms require registrants to warrant against infringing third-party intellectual property rights. While the specific dispute policy (like UDRP) is not detailed in the public source, standard rights protection mechanisms likely apply. Trademark owners should contact the registry or their registrar for the official procedure to challenge a registration they believe violates their rights.
Can I register domains under second-level extensions like .com.tc?
Yes, the registry offers registrations under several second-level domains in addition to the standard .tc. You can register names directly under .com.tc, .net.tc, .org.tc, and .pro.tc. These are treated as separate products with their own availability, so you must search for and register the specific second-level domain you want.
