What Is a KEP Address? How to Get One?

It's been nearly half a century since American engineer Ray Tomlinson sent the first email in 1971. Since then, email has become a crucial part of our personal and professional lives. Many use email services powered by platforms like Google's Gmail or Microsoft's Outlook.

Every new technological advancement requires adaptation for older systems. With the widespread use of email, questions arose about whether communications conducted via these systems could serve as legal evidence. Registered Electronic Mail (KEP) was developed precisely to address this issue.

In this Papel Blog post, you'll find answers to questions like a KEP address, how to apply for a KEP, and what documents are required for a KEP application.

What Is a KEP Address?

KEP, short for Registered Electronic Mail, is an email service that uses technological email infrastructure but includes legally binding evidence regarding the sending and receiving of emails.

As mentioned in the introduction, many of us use email services owned by international software companies with large user bases. However, for companies and public institutions, these email services sometimes fail to fully meet their needs due to legal requirements and security concerns. Therefore 2011, a regulation was introduced, and the Registered Electronic Mail (KEP) service was implemented. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) was designated as the public institution responsible for regulating the KEP system in Turkey. BTK grants authorization to organizations that meet the requirements to provide KEP services.

The most significant advantage of KEP over other email services is that documents obtained through this system are legally valid as evidence. In essence, KEP is a legally recognized and technically secure email service.

With KEP, you can verify:

• Whether the sender is genuinely the person or organization, they claim to be.
• Whether the recipient has received the electronic communication.
• When the recipient received it.
• Whether the recipient has read the communication.
• The storage of the communication under conditions specified by legal requirements.

How to Obtain a KEP Address

You must apply to a KEP Service Provider (KEPHS) authorized by BTK to obtain a KEP address. The list of KEPHS is published on BTK's website. As of the date this article was written, the following companies are authorized by BTK and actively providing KEP services:

• Posta ve Telgraf Teşkilatı AŞ
• TNB Bilişim Teknolojileri Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi
• TÜRKKEP Kayıtlı Elektronik Posta Hizmet Sağlayıcılığı ve Ticaret AŞ
• INTERTECH Bilgi İşlem ve Pazarlama AŞ
• EFINANS Elektronik Ticaret ve Bilişim Hizmetleri AŞ
• KEPKUR Yazılım Bilişim Kayıtlı Elektronik Posta Hizmetleri Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ
• F.I.T. Bilgi İşlem Sistemleri Servisleri Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ
• Mikro Yazılımevi Yazılım Hizmetleri Bilgisayar Sanayi ve Ticaret AŞ
• EDM Bilişim Sistemleri ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri AŞ

What Documents Are Required to Obtain KEP Services?

The required documents for obtaining KEP services from authorized providers vary depending on whether the account is individual, corporate, or governmental. Similarly, KEP's application, sending, and storage fees also differ depending on the service provider. Once you've chosen the provider from which you want to obtain KEP services, you can visit their website for detailed information about the application process, required documents, and fees.

What Documents Are Required for a KEP Address Application?

The documents required for a KEP address application vary depending on the applicant's legal status.

For individual KEP applications:

• KEP Account Pre-Application Form for natural persons.
• An official photo ID with a Turkish Republic Identification Number, such as an identity card, passport, or driver’s license.

For corporate KEP applications:

• The original commercial registry certificate or certificate of activity obtained from the trade registry offices, containing the MERSİS number or trade registry number.
• Notarized signature circular (The signature circular must specify who can represent the company, in what matters, for how long, and whether their signature is valid individually or with another representative, including necessary documentation).
• An official ID with a Turkish Republic Identification Number, such as an identity card, passport, or driver’s license, must be presented for the applicant's identification.
• If the applicant is a person authorized by the legal representatives of the company, a Legal Entity Authorization Document signed by the legal representatives and stamped with the company’s seal.
• The Registered Electronic Mail Account Pre-Application Number is provided during the online pre-application process.

For governmental KEP applications:

• An official signed letter written by a high-ranking institution official containing the institution's DETSİS number.
• An official ID with a Turkish Republic Identification Number, such as an identity card, passport, or driver’s license, must be presented for the applicant's identification.
• The Registered Electronic Mail Account Pre-Application Number is provided during the online pre-application process.
• The required documents may vary depending on the service provider. It is recommended to confirm the necessary documents by contacting the service provider from which you intend to receive the service.

Where Can I Use KEP Address?

KEP (Registered Electronic Mail) allows for the secure and legally valid electronic sending and receiving of official, private, and commercial documents and correspondence.

• Declarations
• Notifications
• Notices
• Applications
• Announcements
• Legal warnings and contracts

These and other official, private, and commercial documents or correspondence can be securely sent and received via KEP.

Additionally, such correspondence can be securely archived with KEP, eliminating the risk of document loss and ensuring legal validity in future disputes. The KEP system's electronic nature significantly reduces mailing, archiving, and storage costs, shortens correspondence times, and contributes to environmental protection.

Is It Mandatory to Use a KEP Address?

There is no legal obligation to use the KEP system in general regulations.

However, according to current regulations, public institutions and organizations communicating electronically must establish the technical and administrative infrastructure to accept official correspondence sent to them via KEP.

In this context, public institutions may impose obligations on relevant parties to use KEP addresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a KEP address?

A KEP address is a legally valid and secure email transmission system where the sending and receiving of emails are recorded as legal evidence.

How do I get a KEP address?

To obtain a KEP address, you must apply to one of the KEP Service Providers authorized by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).

How much does a KEP address cost?

As of the most recent update, the annual subscription fee for a PTT KEP address in 2024 is set at 150.00 TL. Additional fees for annual archive space and other services can be found here.

What is the KEP address application process?

To apply for a KEP address, you must submit an application to PTT or other service providers authorized by BTK. The KEP address is assigned once the documents are submitted and fees are paid.

How can I check my KEP address?

You can check your KEP address by logging into the website of the service provider from which you purchased the KEP address.