Published: 17.10.2026
The .tk extension is the country-code domain of Tokelau, a territory of New Zealand made up of three small coral atolls in the South Pacific. The code belongs to the territory, but for many years websites from many countries have also used .tk as a short general address. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .tk is still free.
Check if a .tk domain is available .tk Check
A short history
The code was assigned to Tokelau 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 were taken up by websites outside the islands, and the zone became a general address for personal sites, small projects and international communities. The rules are set by the zone's operator and may change, so check them before you order.
Who runs it
The .tk zone is delegated to a registry operator that is recorded in the IANA root database for this country code. The operator decides how names are sold and what conditions apply to holders, and accredited registrars take orders from customers on its behalf. Because these terms are set by the operator and can change, read the current conditions before you pay for a registration.
Rules in practice
- Conditions: the operator sets the terms for holders, and they can differ from the rules of generic zones, so read them first.
- Contact data: the holder's details must be accurate, and the registrar may ask you to confirm them.
- Length and characters: labels use letters, digits and hyphens, and can be up to 63 characters long.
- Renewal: put the expiry date in your calendar and keep the contact address active, so that the name is not lost.
Who uses .tk
- Personal websites, hobby projects and online diaries that want a short address.
- Small clubs, study groups and volunteer communities with a brief name.
- Creators who need a simple address for a portfolio or a small online project.
- Businesses and organisations in many countries that want a very short address for a single product or campaign.
Strengths
- Two letters make the address very short, which helps on a business card or a social profile.
- The ending is not tied to a business sector, so it suits many kinds of personal and community projects.
- The code stands for a real place, which can give you a simple and interesting point to explain when you introduce the name.
Things to keep in mind
- Some visitors may not know the code or may assume a link to the islands, so describe your project on the home page.
- Short combinations of two letters and a word are often taken, so prepare alternatives early.
- Many people still type .com first, so decide whether you need both addresses.
- Conditions for holders and contact data can change, so check the terms again before each renewal.
Tips before you register
- Compare the name with its .com version and decide whether you need both.
- Enter the holder details exactly as they appear in your official papers.
- Give the site a clear about page, so visitors can see who runs it.
- Set up mail authentication records before any newsletter goes out.
- Enable auto-renewal and keep the registrar login secure with two-factor authentication.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to come from Tokelau to register .tk? The operator sets the conditions for holders. Check the current terms on the registrar's order page before you pay.
Does .tk help a site rank in search results? No ending can promise a ranking. Search engines look at content and links first, so clear and useful pages matter most.
Can I move a .tk domain to another company later? Transfers depend on the operator's procedure and lock rules, so ask your registrar how the move works before you start.
