ICANN New gTLD 2026 Round: Complete Application Guide
The ICANN 2026 New gTLD Round is the second major opportunity for organizations to apply for their own Top-Level Domain since the 2012 program. The application window opens April 30, 2026 and closes August 12, 2026. ICANN requires all applicants to partner with an ICANN-evaluated Registry Service Provider (RSP) to operate the technical backend of their TLD.
What is ICANN's New gTLD Program?
The ICANN New gTLD Program allows established organizations to apply for the right to create and operate a new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) — a custom domain extension like .BRAND, .CITY, or .COMMUNITY that appears to the right of the dot in an internet address.
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the non-profit organization that coordinates global internet naming conventions. ICANN delegates new TLDs through a competitive application process that evaluates technical, financial, and operational readiness.
The first major program was launched in 2012, receiving 1,930 applications and eventually delegating over 1,200 new TLDs. The 2026 round is the second program under the current framework, incorporating lessons and improvements from the 2012 experience.
Why new gTLDs matter:
ICANN 2026 Round timeline: key dates
Application window opens: April 30, 2026
Application window closes: August 12, 2026 (105-day window)
Application fee deadline: Within 7 days after window closes (August 19, 2026)
After submission:
Total expected timeline: 18–24 months from application window close to TLD going live.
Who can apply? Eligibility requirements
ICANN accepts applications from any established organization with demonstrated technical, financial, and operational capacity. Individual persons cannot apply — only legal entities.
The four main applicant categories:
Brand TLDs (Specification 13)
Companies with registered trademarks can apply for a .brand TLD exclusively for their own digital ecosystem. The TLD is locked to the brand owner — no public registrations. Requires trademark registration in ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH). Examples: .GOOGLE, .AMAZON, .MICROSOFT.
Geographic TLDs
Cities, provinces, states, and geographic regions can apply for location-based TLDs. Requires a support letter (letter of non-objection) from the relevant government authority. Examples: .PARIS, .TOKYO, .LONDON.
Community TLDs
Organizations representing clearly delineated communities (professional, ethnic, cultural, or topical) can apply for community TLDs. Community applicants can request Community Priority Evaluation (CPE), which may allow winning a string without auction. Examples: .BANK, .MUSEUM, .NGO.
Generic TLDs
Any eligible organization can apply to operate an open generic TLD open for public registration. No community restriction or trademark requirement. Examples: .SHOP, .CLOUD, .APP.
String selection: how to choose your TLD
String selection is one of the most critical decisions in the new gTLD application process. Key considerations:
Exact string vs. variant
ICANN evaluates strings for similarity to existing TLDs and other applied-for strings. Strings that are visually similar, phonetically similar, or confusingly similar to existing TLDs may be rejected. Always check the ICANN string similarity database before committing to a string.
Unicode (internationalized) strings
ICANN accepts applications for non-ASCII TLD strings in scripts such as Arabic, Chinese, Devanagari, Cyrillic, and others. These are called Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs). IDN strings must meet additional technical requirements.
Reserved strings
Certain strings are permanently reserved by ICANN (test, localhost, example, etc.) and cannot be applied for. Geographic names may require government support letters.
Singular vs. plural
Applying for .SHOP and .SHOPS simultaneously is possible but requires separate applications and fees. ICANN treats these as different strings that could conflict in evaluation.
Backup string strategy
Experienced applicants often prepare backup string choices in case their primary string encounters contention or similarity issues. ADG's consulting team helps applicants evaluate string risk before submission.
The RSP requirement: why ICANN mandates an evaluated provider
All new gTLD applicants must name an ICANN-evaluated Registry Service Provider in their application.
ICANN introduced the RSP evaluation program to ensure that new TLD backends meet minimum technical standards before delegation. An RSP must pass ICANN's evaluation covering:
As of 2025, only 28 organizations worldwide have passed this evaluation. Applicants who name a non-evaluated RSP risk having their application rejected or required to re-specify their RSP before delegation.
The RSP relationship:
The registry operator holds the ICANN Registry Agreement and is legally accountable to ICANN. The RSP provides the technical backend under contract with the registry operator. Most new gTLD operators are non-technical organizations (brand owners, municipalities, trade associations) who rely entirely on their RSP for technical compliance.
Selecting an RSP before application:
Applicants must identify their RSP in the application, though the full RSP contract may be finalized after initial evaluation. Many RSPs provide a letter of intent for application purposes. ADG provides this service — contact us at [email protected].
Costs: what does a new gTLD application cost?
ICANN application fee: USD 227,000
Non-refundable, due within 7 days of the application window closing (August 19, 2026). No extensions. This is the single largest upfront cost.
Additional ICANN fees:
Professional preparation costs:
RSP fees (ongoing, post-delegation):
Total first-year cost estimate: USD 300,000–500,000+
For straightforward, uncontested applications. Contested strings with auction outcomes can cost significantly more.
ADG offers free initial consultation to help model your specific cost scenario based on your string, category, and timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2012 and 2026 ICANN new gTLD rounds?
The 2012 round was the first major new gTLD program — it received 1,930 applications and delegated 1,200+ TLDs. The 2026 round incorporates lessons from 2012, including improved evaluation procedures, faster processing, and new provisions for geographic names. The application fee remains USD 227,000.
Can I apply without a Registry Service Provider already selected?
No. ICANN's application requires identifying your RSP. You must have a signed or agreed-upon RSP arrangement before submission. ADG provides letters of intent for application purposes, which can be converted to a full agreement at delegation.
How long does the ICANN new gTLD evaluation take?
ICANN's initial evaluation takes approximately 5 months. Extended evaluation, contention resolution, and Registry Agreement negotiation add 9–14 more months. Most applicants expect 18–24 months from application window close to TLD delegation — though straightforward, uncontested applications can complete in 14–16 months.
What happens if my string is contested?
String contention occurs when multiple applicants apply for identical or similar strings. ICANN first facilitates private resolution between applicants. If unsuccessful, the string goes to public auction. The highest bidder wins the right to operate the TLD. Some highly valuable strings have sold for USD 25M–135M at auction.
Is a .BRAND TLD different from a regular gTLD?
Yes. Brand TLDs operate under Specification 13 of the ICANN Registry Agreement, allowing the TLD to be restricted to a single registrant — the brand owner. Brand TLDs do not sell domains to the public. They give corporations complete control over their digital namespace (e.g., careers.BRAND, shop.BRAND).
Registry Service Provider
ADG — Your ICANN-Evaluated RSP for the 2026 Round
ADG is one of 28 ICANN-evaluated Registry Service Providers worldwide. We provide the complete technical backend for new gTLDs and can provide a letter of intent for your ICANN 2026 application.
rsp.id — ICANN Registry Service Provider →