About .tm domain
.tm is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Turkmenistan. It was launched on 30 May 1997 and is operated by TM Domain Registry Ltd, with registry services provided by NIC.TM. The extension is marketed as a product for trademark owners due to its ".tm" abbreviation, while also serving as the national domain for the country. It is available for open registration at the second level through accredited commercial registrars worldwide.
Who can register .tm domain
Registration at the second level (e.g., example.tm) is open to anyone globally, with no restrictions based on residency or trademark ownership. For third-level registrations under labels like .com.tm or .net.tm, the applicant must be a resident of Turkmenistan. There are no organizational or trademark-based verification requirements for standard second-level registrations, making it an accessible product for international buyers.
How to register .tm domain
- Search for your desired .tm domain name's availability using the search tool on an accredited registrar's website or the official NIC.TM registry site.
- Compare pricing, registration terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting from various accredited registrars before selecting one to proceed with your purchase.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact details and choosing your initial registration term, which is typically one year or more.
- Finalize the registration by verifying your email to confirm contact details and immediately configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .tm domain
The .tm extension is commonly used by businesses and individuals seeking a domain that abbreviates "trademark," leveraging the TLD's letters for branding and memorability in commercial contexts. It is also actively used by entities and organizations within Turkmenistan for local online presence. Registrants often choose .tm over more generic alternatives to create a distinctive web address that aligns with intellectual property or national identity, depending on their goals.
Tips for registering .tm domain
- The minimum registration term is typically one year, with options to register for multiple years in advance.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available as an add-on service from most accredited registrars for this TLD.
- Domain transfers between registrars are supported using an authorization code (Auth-Code) obtained from the current registrar.
- The registry prohibits use of the domain for sexual/pornographic content or for sending unsolicited commercial email (spam).
- For a third-level domain like .com.tm, at least one nameserver must be physically located within Turkmenistan.
Frequently asked questions about .tm domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .tm domain?
As of today, .tm domains start from $428.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $5,000.00/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .tm domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .tm domain registration, with the cheapest option at $428.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .tm domain?
The registry for .tm domains is TM Domain Registry, administered by TM Domain Registry Ltd.
Who can register a .tm domain?
Registration at the second level (directly under .tm) is open to any individual or organization worldwide without requiring proof of residency or a trademark. However, if you wish to register a third-level domain under a second-level label like .co.tm, you must be a resident of Turkmenistan and comply with additional technical requirements, such as hosting a nameserver within the country.
Can I transfer a .tm domain between registrars?
Transferring a .tm domain between accredited registrars follows a standard procedure. You must first obtain an authorization code (Auth-Code) from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked. The transfer is initiated at the gaining registrar, who will process the request with the registry, typically completing within a few days barring any objections from the current holder.
Are there any content restrictions for .tm domains?
Yes, the registry's rules explicitly prohibit using a .tm domain, directly or indirectly, for any sexual or pornographic purpose or for activities that violate the statutory laws of any nation. Furthermore, domains cannot be used to originate unsolicited commercial email (spam) or as a referral address within such messages.
What is the dispute resolution policy for .tm?
The TM Domain Registry has a formal Dispute Resolution Policy (DRP) to handle conflicts over domain names, particularly those involving trademarks. This policy provides a mechanism for trademark owners to challenge registrations they believe were made in bad faith, operating similarly to the UDRP used for generic top-level domains.
Can I register a domain with non-Latin characters under .tm?
Yes, the registry supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), allowing registration of domain names using a wide variety of characters and scripts, including those from the Turkmen language. You can register these directly at the second level or at the third level, subject to the same residency rules for third-level registrations.
Are there any reserved or restricted domain names?
The registry reserves all single-letter domains at the third level (e.g., a.com.tm) for potential future sub-domain usage. Additionally, all top-level and existing second-level names used by NIC.TM itself are banned from being registered as third-level names to prevent confusion.
