How to Get .com.tr Without Documents?
Getting a .com.tr domain without documents means obtaining web or e-commerce domain extensions ending with .com.tr without any required paperwork. Before detailing this, it is best to first understand what .com.tr is.
What is .com.tr?
Once, .com.tr domains could only be given to brands and businesses, but now individuals can also acquire them. Domains ending with .tr indicate that the organization operates in Turkey. The registration of these domains is under the responsibility of a unit affiliated with Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ).
To obtain this extension, applicants previously had to prepare and submit certain documents. There were requirements to be fulfilled before the application could proceed. However, now it is possible to get a .com.tr domain *without* any documents. Here comes the concept of .com.tr without documents. Let's examine how you can obtain a .com.tr domain without paperwork.
What is .com.tr Without Documents?
With the activation of the .tr Network Information System under the BTK, .com.tr without documents has become one of the most curious topics for both individuals and companies. Traditionally, various documents such as a Trade Registry Certificate, Trademark Registration, or Certificate of Signature were required for net.tr, org.tr, and com.tr extensions. If you did not have these for anything other than name+surname.com.tr, you could not proceed. However, with the new system announced by BTK, documentation is no longer required for certain .tr extensions.
According to the new rule, .com.tr is among the first extensions to be allocated with the "first come, first served" principle, without any documents. Since .com is the most used extension in Turkey and looks corporate, it is the top choice for brands aiming to build reputation.
How Will Trademark Infringement Be Prevented?
The transformation of .com.tr into a no-document extension has raised concerns about potential trademark infringements. Today, domains like name+surname.com.tr can still only be registered by presenting an identity document, and, if requirements are met, applications are approved. As mentioned, domains such as .av.tr, .dr.tr, .gov.tr, .edu.tr, .pol.tr, etc., cannot be registered without documentation, which helps prevent trademark issues.
The "first come, first served" rule also causes concern for individuals, as .com.tr and .net.tr no longer require any documents, making some brands and businesses targets for domain squatters. Various objections have arisen regarding this in TRABİS. To solve such disputes, Dispute Resolution Service Providers (UÇHS) will act as arbitrators, often universities and public institutions.
Objections to UÇHS can be made by those who own a trademark or a business name matching the domain. If it is found that the company registering the domain has no legal right or has acted in bad faith, the .tr extension is returned to its rightful owner.
What is TRABİS?
TRABİS is a system launched under the BTK in 2022. The TRABİS system includes operations such as managing .tr domain name systems and their databases. Known as the Turkish Network Information System, it is a very recent topic and simplifies processes for individuals. With TRABİS, you can easily manage renewal, purchase, withdrawal, resale, and suspension operations for .tr extensions.
With the TRABİS system, there have been significant changes for .com.tr domains. These innovations are particularly important for those who previously could not get a .tr extension due to various reasons. Now, it is much easier to purchase a .tr extension without any documents.
Changes Brought by TRABİS
Globally, ICANN is the authority managing domain name registration processes. In each country, there are authorized institutions. In Turkey, until recently, this institution was Nic.TR under METU (ODTÜ). However, following a new agreement, this authority has been transferred from Nic.TR to BTK.
With this agreement, registered domain names could be transferred to service providers chosen by the owners. Domains that could not be transferred are managed under TRABİS. Thus, domains like .com.tr, .org.tr, and .net.tr can now be obtained without documents. However, for .av.tr, .dr.tr, .gov.tr, .edu.tr, .pol.tr, etc., documents are still required.
