.tk ccTLD
The .tk TLD is the country-code domain for Tokelau, a small island territory in the Pacific. Originally delegated in 1997, it became widely known for offering free domain registrations, which led to massive global adoption — particularly by spammers and cybercriminals. Despite its reputation, it remains one of the most registered ccTLDs in history.
Free registrations are allowed, but content violating policies on racism, adult entertainment, drugs, weapons, gambling, viruses, domain parking, or non-existing pages is prohibited. Registration is open to anyone globally.
.tk Domain Overview
The .tk extension is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Telecommunication Tokelau Corporation (Teletok). .tk was introduced in 1997.
Registration Info
Registration pricing for .tk is not publicly listed. Contact an ICANN-accredited registrar for availability and pricing.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
What Is the History of .tk?
The .tk domain was delegated to Tokelau in November 1997. In 2001, Dutch entrepreneur Joost Zuurbier, through his company BV Dot TK, struck a deal with Tokelau’s elders to manage the domain and share revenue. Despite ICANN’s initial requirements for infrastructure to be based in Tokelau, this was later waived. The free-registration model drove adoption to over 25 million domains, but much of the usage was tied to spam, phishing, and cybercrime. Tokelauan officials later criticized the arrangement as exploitative, noting minimal financial benefit and significant reputational harm. After years of controversy, management shifted away from Freenom, and Teletok now directly oversees operations.
Did you know?
The .tk TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .tk Used For?
The .tk TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
Free personal websites
Short-term campaigns
Phishing and spam (abused)
Redirects and landing pages
Technical experiments
Popular Websites
How Do I Register a .tk Domain?
Eligibility
No residency or local presence required. Free registration available worldwide, but content must comply with Dot TK's prohibited categories including racism, adult material, drugs, weapons, gambling, malware, and parked domains.
Open Registration
The .tk TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .tk domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically )
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.tk vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .tk compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .tk Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .tk domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.