Applying for a new gTLD: from domain idea to operational readiness.

ICANN accepts applications from any established organization with the technical, financial, and operational capacity to operate a TLD. There are four main applicant profiles:

Brand TLDs (.BRAND)

Companies with registered trademarks can apply for a dedicated TLD. Examples: .google, .apple, .amazon. For Specification 13 (single-registrant) .brand TLDs, you must have a registered trademark in ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH). Brand TLDs give companies complete control over their digital namespace.

Geographic TLDs (.CITY, .REGION)

Cities, provinces, states, and geographic regions can apply for location-based TLDs (.BERLIN, .TOKYO, .SYDNEY). Applications require demonstrated support from the relevant government authority (usually a letter of non-objection from the local government).

Community TLDs

Organizations representing a clearly defined community (professional, ethnic, cultural, or ideological) can apply for a community TLD. Community applicants can request Community Priority Evaluation, which allows winning a string without going to auction if their application meets community criteria.

Generic TLDs

Any qualified organization can apply for a generic open-registration TLD (.shop, .app, .blog). These are open for anyone to register second-level domains — no community restriction required.

Separate official ICANN fees from third-party costs.

2026 Round base evaluation fee: USD 227,000 per application

Check ICANN's official fee schedule for included components, payment terms, and additional fees.

Other costs follow the application path

Additional evaluation, objections, or contention may affect the budget. RSP, consulting, legal, and operating costs depend on scope and actual quotes.

Build the budget from verifiable requirements and quotes, then separate one-time costs, operating costs, and a contingency for contention.

Step 1: String and eligibility planning

Assess the proposed TLD string, applicant structure, rights, possible similarity, and the operating model before committing resources.

Step 2: Application submission (30 April–12 August 2026)

The application included organizational, financial, technical, operational, and RSP information. This submission window is now closed.

Step 3: Evaluation and clarification

ICANN reviews eligibility, string, financial, technical, and operational information. Applicants may need to answer clarification questions or complete applicable evaluations.

Step 4: Objections and contention resolution

Applicable objections, similarity findings, and contention sets must be resolved before contracting can finish.

Step 5: Contracting, technical readiness, and delegation

Successful applicants complete the Registry Agreement, coordinate backend readiness with their RSP, pass required testing, and proceed to delegation.

Planning horizon: timing varies by application. Use ICANN's current program timeline and milestones rather than treating a single month range as guaranteed.

Every new gTLD applicant must identify an RSP that has completed the relevant ICANN evaluation. Because provider status and service scope can change, always verify the official ICANN list before making a decision.

Key factors when evaluating RSPs:

• ICANN evaluation status and scope: Confirm the required services appear on the official list
• Anycast DNS coverage: Review nodes, regions, and service targets
• DNSSEC capability: Ask about HSM custody and key ceremonies
• Data Escrow: Confirm the proposed arrangement meets program requirements
• EPP/SRS readiness: Review registrar integration and operational processes
• Support and NOC coverage: Match coverage to the registry's operating needs

ADG has completed ICANN's RSP evaluation. Our team supports applicants and operates live TLD infrastructure.