Published: 17.10.2026
The .cc extension is the country-code domain of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a group of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean that forms an external territory of Australia. Although the code belongs to these islands, websites from many countries have also used .cc for many years as a short general address. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .cc is still free.
Check if a .cc domain is available .cc Check
A short history
The code was assigned to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the early days of the internet, when two-letter codes were set aside for territories and states around the world. Over time the two letters came to be used by companies, blogs and projects outside the islands, and the zone became a general address that many people now recognise. The rules have been revised along the way, so the current terms are the ones that count.
Who runs it
The registry for the .cc zone is the organisation listed for this country code in the IANA root database, the public list that records who manages each top-level zone. That operator sets the rules for registration and keeps the central record of names, while accredited registrars take orders from customers and pass them on. Because the policies belong to the operator and can change, the terms published at the time of the order are the ones that apply.
Rules in practice
- Conditions: the operator sets the terms for who may hold a .cc name, and these can differ from the rules of generic zones, so read them first.
- Contact data: the holder's details must be accurate and complete, and the registrar may ask you to confirm them.
- Length and characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, and a single label can be up to 63 characters long.
- Renewal: names must be renewed before they expire, so enable auto-renewal and keep the contact address active.
Who uses .cc
- Companies and start-ups that want a short address that is quick to say and type.
- Personal blogs, portfolios and creative projects.
- Clubs, communities and online groups that want a brief name for their home page.
- Organisations with a connection to the Cocos Islands, which may want an address that reflects their home.
Strengths
- Two letters after the dot keep the address very short, which helps on printed cards, signs and social profiles.
- The ending is not tied to a business sector, so it suits many kinds of project.
- The zone does not point to a city or region, so the address can stay the same as the project grows.
Things to keep in mind
- Because the code belongs to a territory, some visitors may assume a link to the islands, so explain your project on the home page.
- Good short names are often taken, so prepare two or three alternatives before you start.
- Many people still type .com first, so decide early whether you need both addresses.
- Terms and holder rules can change, so an older registration may need updated details later.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and in the social accounts you plan to use.
- Enter the holder details exactly as they appear in your official records.
- Describe the project clearly on the home page and on an about page.
- Set SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before the domain sends any e-mail.
- Turn on auto-renewal and protect the registrar account with two-factor login.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to register a .cc name? The operator sets the conditions for holders, so check the current terms before you order rather than relying on an assumption.
Does .cc help a site appear in search results? No ending can promise a ranking. Clear content, reliable pages and genuine links matter far more than the ending itself.
Can I move a .cc domain to another registrar? Transfers between registrars may be possible, but the timing and lock rules of the operator apply, so plan the move in advance.
