What Is a Certified Domain?
Definition of Certified Domain: A certified domain refers to ".tr" extensions used in Turkey that can only be obtained through verification with official documents.
Purpose: To protect the identity of brands and institutions and to prevent fraudulent or unauthorized use.
Difference: While uncertified domains (e.g., .gen.tr, .biz.tr, .info.tr) can be easily obtained by anyone, certified domains require official documentation.
Which Domains Are Registered as Certified?
The following extensions fall under the certified domain category:
• .com.tr – Commercial enterprises, companies, or brand owners.
• .net.tr – Internet service providers or related organizations.
• .org.tr – Associations, foundations, NGOs.
• .edu.tr – Universities and higher education institutions.
• .gov.tr – Official government institutions.
• .k12.tr – Primary and secondary schools.
• .av.tr – Lawyers.
• .dr.tr – Doctors.
• .tel.tr – Telecommunications companies.
Required Documents for Certified Domains:
• Application Petition
• Domain Declaration Form
• Certificate of Activity / Trade Registry Record (for companies)
• Association/Foundation Charter (for NGOs)
• Diploma or Professional Certificate (for lawyers, doctors, etc.)
• Official Letter or Institutional Approval (for government institutions)
Special Cases
Some domains require additional documentation due to the words they contain:
• Domains containing the words “Türk, Türkiye, Atatürk, TC.”
• Domains including city or district names.
• Banks, financial institutions, and foreign banks’ representatives in Turkey.
Importance of Certified Domains
• Reliability: Users recognize certified domains as official and trustworthy.
• Brand Protection: Companies and institutions prevent misuse of their names.
• Official Identity: Provides identity verification, especially for government and educational institutions.
• SEO and Reputation: Certified domains are perceived as more credible by search engines.
Certified domains are of critical importance for ensuring that the internet ecosystem in Turkey operates securely and in an orderly manner. Extensions such as .com.tr, .org.tr, .edu.tr, and .gov.tr can only be obtained with official documentation, a process that both protects brand value and increases user trust.