Extension
.cc
.cc in short
The .cc domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, but it is marketed and used worldwide as an open, generic short extension. Managed via eNIC/Verisign, it is unrestricted and available to anyone.
.cc at a glance
Type
ccTLD — Country-code top-level domain
Registry
eNIC / Verisign
Launched
1997
Country / scope
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Restrictions
Open to anyone, worldwide — used generically
Typical price
$14/yr
Example sites
short links, profiles
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .cc domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .cc mean?
Technically the .cc extension is the national domain of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a tiny Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. In practice almost nobody uses it for that — it is operated commercially through eNIC (a Verisign business) and sold globally as an open, generic short extension. The two-letter string gets read freely as “cc” for whatever a registrant wants: creative commons, carbon copy, country clubs, or simply a short brandable.
Who uses .cc?
Anyone wanting a short, available alternative when the .com is gone: link shorteners, profiles, brand domains, fan sites and tech projects. It has also seen heavy use for redirects and disposable sites, which has given it a mixed reputation. Because it is run on Verisign infrastructure (the same operator as .com), it is technically rock-solid and universally supported.
.cc registration rules and requirements
None. Despite being a ccTLD, .cc is completely open — no connection to the Cocos Islands, no local presence, no eligibility. Registration is first-come, first-served to anyone in any country under standard rules, exactly like a generic gTLD.
How much does a .cc cost?
A .cc domain usually costs about $10–$20 per year, with promotional first-year deals common. Pricing is set by registrars on Verisign’s wholesale rate; check the renewal, as some promos renew higher.
| Registrar | Typical .cc price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Porkbun | ~$11–15/yr |
| Namecheap | ~$14–20/yr |
| Cloudflare Registrar | At wholesale cost |
.cc pros and cons
Pros
- Short, two-letter and globally open — no eligibility.
- Run on Verisign infrastructure, so technically solid.
- Flexible meaning — reads as ‘cc’ for anything.
- Better availability than the crowded .com.
Cons
- Mixed reputation from heavy redirect/spam use.
- No real geographic or niche signal.
- Renewal can exceed promo first-year prices.
- Less trusted by users than .com.
Example .cc websites
- Short links, profile and redirect domains on name.cc.
- Brandable two-letter project domains.
- Community and fan sites using ‘cc’ as a generic short string.
.cc — frequently asked questions
What is the .cc domain?
The .cc domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, but it is marketed and used worldwide as an open, generic short extension. Managed via eNIC/Verisign, it is unrestricted and available to anyone.
Who can register a .cc domain?
Anyone, anywhere. Although .cc is technically the Cocos (Keeling) Islands ccTLD, it is sold and used as an open generic extension with no local-presence or eligibility requirement.
How much does a .cc domain cost?
A .cc domain typically costs around $10–$20 per year, often with a discounted first year. It runs on Verisign infrastructure; confirm the renewal price, which can be higher than promos.
Is .cc a good alternative to .com?
It can be when you want a short, open extension and the .com is taken. It is technically reliable on Verisign’s network, but its history of redirect and spam use means it carries less user trust than .com.