For individuals and institutions seeking to establish a digital identity in Turkey, .tr domain extensions are of great importance. However, some extensions require official documentation to ensure credibility and formal verification.
.edu.tr – Domain Extension for Higher Education Institutions in Turkey
Reserved for universities, institutes, and similar academic organizations in Turkey. This extension verifies that the institution is an official educational or research organization.
Required Documents:
- Official letter approved by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK)
- Certificate of educational activities
- Official application form signed and stamped by an authorized person
Advantage: Provides an official identity in the education sector, building trust among students and parents.
.gov.tr – Domain Extension for Government Institutions in Turkey
Reserved exclusively for public institutions and organizations in the Republic of Turkey. Only official state institutions, municipalities, universities, and judicial bodies can use this extension. It is not available to private individuals or commercial businesses unless they perform public duties.
Eligible Applicants:
- Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, Ministries, and affiliated institutions
- Governorships, District Governorships, and Municipalities
- Turkish Armed Forces and Police Departments
- State universities and official judicial institutions
Required Documents:
- Official application form on institutional letterhead, signed and sealed by an authorized person
- Authorization letter proving the applicant is entitled to act on behalf of the institution
- Official approval letter from the institution’s top executive or relevant unit head
- Copy of the ID card of the authorized personnel handling the process
Advantage: The most reliable domain extension, exclusively for government institutions, ensuring maximum trust and credibility.
.k12.tr – Domain Extension for Primary and Secondary Schools in Turkey
Reserved for preschool institutions, primary schools, and high schools in Turkey. This extension certifies that the institution is officially recognized by the Ministry of National Education (MEB).
Required Documents:
- Official permission letter issued on the school’s letterhead, signed and stamped by the principal, or a Domain Allocation Form signed and sealed by an authorized person
- Institution Opening Permit issued by the Ministry of National Education
- Signature circular or authorization document of the institution’s representative
Advantage: Provides official identity in the education sector, ensuring trust among students and parents.
.av.tr – Domain Extension for Lawyers and Law Firms in Turkey
Allocated to independent lawyers, law offices, and legal partnerships operating in Turkey. This extension verifies that your website belongs to a legal professional or institution, ensuring corporate credibility in the digital space.
Required Documents:
- Individual Applications (Lawyers): Updated bar association ID card or notarized copy proving registration with a local bar under the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB)
- Corporate Applications (Law Firms/Partnerships): Establishment certificate of the legal partnership or bar documents proving that all partners are registered lawyers
Advantage: Acts as a digital official ID card for lawyers, protecting your reputation and granting formal recognition online.
.dr.tr – Domain Extension for Medical Doctors in Turkey
Reserved for licensed medical doctors in Turkey. This extension certifies that the website owner is officially recognized as a physician.
Required Documents:
- Individual Applications: Notarized copy of medical diploma or graduation certificate
- Doctor Partnerships: Notarized copies of medical diplomas or graduation certificates for each partner doctor
Advantage: Officially proves that the website belongs to a medical doctor, enhancing trust and credibility in the healthcare sector.
.bel.tr – Domain Extension for Municipalities in Turkey
Reserved for municipal organizations in Turkey. This extension certifies that the website officially belongs to a municipality, ensuring trust and authenticity.
Required Documents:
- Official letter signed and sealed by the Mayor or an authorized representative, confirming the request for domain allocation
Advantage: Confirms that the website belongs to an official municipal institution, strengthening credibility and public trust.
.pol.tr – Domain Extension for Police Departments in Turkey
Reserved for the General Directorate of Security under the Ministry of Interior and its affiliated units (Provincial Police Departments, Directorates, Academies, etc.).
Required Documents:
- Official letter signed and sealed by the authorized authority of the police unit applying
- Stamped and signed form containing the details of the person responsible for domain management
Advantage: Confirms that the website belongs to an official police unit, ensuring trust and authenticity.
.tsk.tr – Domain Extension for the Turkish Armed Forces
Allocated to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and its affiliated sub-units. This extension is part of Turkey’s top-level country code domain .tr.
Required Documents:
- Official letter signed by the highest commander of the relevant military unit, stating the purpose of domain use
- Institution Opening Permit issued by the Ministry of National Education
- Authorization document proving the applicant is entitled to act on behalf of the institution
- Domain management coordinated via TRABİS under the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) or the General Staff
Advantage: Exclusively reserved for military institutions, ensuring maximum authority and credibility.
.kep.tr – Domain Extension for Registered Electronic Mail (KEP) Service Providers in Turkey
Allocated to KEPHS authorized by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK). The format must follow hsY.kep.tr, aligned with the “Y” number assigned by BTK.
Required Documents:
- Authorization document proving that the applicant is entitled to act on behalf of the KEPHS
Advantage: KEP replaces traditional methods such as notarized letters or registered mail. It enables businesses to conduct official correspondence quickly, securely, and at lower cost.
Importance of Documents for SEO and Trust:
- Official verification: Confirms the domain belongs to a legitimate institution
- Brand protection: Prevents fraudulent websites
- SEO compliance: Search engines rank verified domains higher
- User trust: Turkish users rely more on certified .tr domains
SEO Perspective on Certified Extensions:
- Local search visibility: For example, “Istanbul law firm” queries rank .av.tr sites higher
- Trust factor: Users spend more time on certified domains
- Brand recognition: Certified extensions prove official presence in Turkey
Conclusion: Certified .tr domains provide trust, professionalism, and SEO advantages for individuals and institutions seeking to establish a digital identity in Turkey.
