Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the ICANN New gTLD Program, application process, costs, and operations.
Application Basics
What is the ICANN New gTLD Program?
The ICANN New gTLD Program allows organizations, businesses, communities, and governments to apply for and operate their own generic top-level domains (gTLDs). This program enables entities to create custom domain extensions like .brand, .companyname, or .industry that they control and manage.
Who can apply for a new gTLD?
Any established corporation, organization, or government entity in good standing can apply. The applicant must demonstrate technical, operational, and financial capability to operate a registry. There are no restrictions based on geography or industry, though certain types of TLDs (geographic, community) have additional requirements.
What types of TLDs can I apply for?
ICANN recognizes several TLD types: Brand TLDs (exclusively for the brand owner), Generic TLDs (open or restricted to the public), Geographic TLDs (cities, regions, countries), Community TLDs (serving specific communities), and IDN TLDs (non-ASCII scripts). Each type has specific requirements and use cases.
Do I need a trademark to apply?
For Brand TLDs, yes—you need a registered trademark matching your desired TLD string. For other types, trademark registration is not required, though you should ensure your chosen string doesn't infringe on existing trademark rights.
Can I apply for multiple TLDs?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of applications an entity can submit. Each application requires a separate $227,000 fee and complete documentation. Many large brands applied for multiple TLDs in the 2012 round.
What is a TLD "string"?
The string is the actual TLD name—the part that comes after the dot. For example, in .google, "google" is the string. Strings must be between 2-63 characters, consist of letters (a-z), and meet ICANN's technical and policy requirements.
Can I change my string after applying?
No, once an application is submitted, the string cannot be changed. If you want a different string, you would need to withdraw your current application and submit a new one (with a new application fee).
What if someone else applies for the same string?
If multiple applications are submitted for the same string, ICANN facilitates contention resolution. This may involve community priority evaluation (for community TLDs), negotiation between applicants, or auction as a last resort.
Can I operate the registry myself?
Yes, you can build and operate your own registry infrastructure, though most applicants partner with a Registry Services Provider (RSP) who provides the technical infrastructure and operations. Self-operation requires significant technical expertise and investment.
What is a Registry Services Provider?
A Registry Services Provider (RSP) is a company that provides the technical infrastructure and operational services needed to run a TLD. They handle DNS, registry systems, data escrow, and other technical functions, allowing you to focus on your TLD's business and policy aspects.
Costs & Fees
How much does it cost to apply for a TLD?
The ICANN application fee is $227,000. However, the total investment is significantly higher when including preparation costs ($80,000-$150,000), technical setup ($50,000-$100,000), and other expenses. Total first-year investment typically ranges from $350,000 to $550,000.
What does the application fee cover?
The $227,000 fee covers ICANN's costs for initial evaluation, including string reviews, applicant screening, financial and technical capability assessment, and administrative processing. It does not include Extended Evaluation or dispute resolution.
Are there ongoing fees after delegation?
Yes, registry operators pay ongoing fees to ICANN: a fixed quarterly fee of $6,250 ($25,000 annually) plus a transaction fee of $0.25 per domain-year. For large registries, variable fees may also apply. Additionally, you'll have operational costs including RSP fees, data escrow, and compliance.
What is Extended Evaluation and how much does it cost?
If your application doesn't pass initial evaluation, you can request Extended Evaluation for $75,000. This provides additional time (approximately 4 months) to address evaluator concerns and provide supplementary information.
What are dispute resolution costs?
If formal objections are filed against your application, you'll need to participate in dispute resolution proceedings. Costs vary by procedure but typically range from $10,000 to $50,000+ per proceeding. Legal representation adds to these costs.
What happens if I withdraw my application?
The $227,000 application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome or withdrawal timing. However, ICANN has historically offered partial refunds in specific circumstances—check the current program guidelines for details.
How much does a Registry Services Provider cost?
RSP costs vary based on services and registration volume. Setup fees typically range from $25,000-$50,000, with annual fees of $30,000-$100,000+ depending on volume and service level. Premium services, higher volumes, and additional features increase costs.
Can I get a return on investment with a generic TLD?
Successful generic TLDs can generate significant revenue, but require substantial registration volume (typically 20,000-50,000+ domains) to break even. Marketing investment, competitive positioning, and time to build awareness are critical factors. Most successful generics take 3-5 years to reach profitability.
What is a Continuing Operations Instrument?
A Continuing Operations Instrument (COI) is financial assurance (typically a letter of credit or surety bond) that ensures funds are available to maintain registry operations if the operator faces financial difficulties. The amount varies based on TLD size but typically ranges from $100,000-$500,000.
Technical Questions
What technical infrastructure do I need?
You need authoritative DNS servers (minimum two, geographically diverse), registry software supporting EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol), Whois services, data escrow capabilities, and DNSSEC implementation. Most applicants use a Registry Services Provider to provide this infrastructure.
What is DNSSEC and is it required?
DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) adds cryptographic security to the DNS. It is mandatory for all new gTLDs. You must sign your zone files and maintain proper key management practices.
What is EPP?
EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) is the standard protocol registrars use to interact with registries for domain registration, renewal, transfer, and deletion. Your registry system must implement EPP as specified in ICANN requirements.
What is data escrow?
Data escrow is the regular deposit of registry data (registration data, zone files, configuration) with an ICANN-approved escrow agent. This ensures continuity if a registry fails. You must make daily incremental and weekly full deposits minimum.
Do I need 24/7 technical operations?
Yes, registry operations must be available 24/7/365. You need monitoring, on-call personnel, and incident response procedures. This is typically provided by your RSP if you're using one.
What are the DNS performance requirements?
Your DNS infrastructure must maintain 99.99% availability, handle query loads without degradation, provide response times under 200ms (95th percentile), and include DDoS mitigation capabilities.
Can I use cloud infrastructure?
Yes, many registry operators use cloud infrastructure provided it meets ICANN's requirements for reliability, security, and geographic diversity. Your RSP can advise on compliant architectures.
Timeline Questions
When is the 2026 application window?
The 2026 application window opens on April 30, 2026 and closes on August 12, 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Applications must be submitted and fees paid within this window.
How long does the entire process take?
From application submission to TLD delegation typically takes 12-18 months for straightforward applications. Complex cases requiring Extended Evaluation or facing contention may take 24-30 months.
When should I start preparing?
Ideally, begin preparation 12 months before the application window. This allows time for string research, team assembly, documentation preparation, and application development. Starting late increases risk and may compromise application quality.
How long is Initial Evaluation?
Initial Evaluation typically takes 5 months from the close of the application window. Results indicate whether your application passes or requires Extended Evaluation.
What happens after my TLD is delegated?
After delegation, you must complete a mandatory Sunrise period (minimum 30 days) for trademark holders, followed by a Trademark Claims period (minimum 90 days). Then you can proceed to general availability based on your registration policies.
Operations Questions
What are my ongoing obligations as a registry operator?
You must maintain technical infrastructure, comply with ICANN policies and the Registry Agreement, pay ongoing fees, implement rights protection mechanisms, maintain data escrow, and participate in ICANN policy development processes.
Can I sell domains in my TLD?
Brand TLDs are typically closed, meaning only the brand owner registers domains. Generic TLDs can sell registrations to the public through accredited registrars. You cannot sell directly to registrants—you must work through the registrar channel.
What is the Trademark Clearinghouse?
The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) is a centralized database of verified trademarks. For generic TLDs, you must offer Sunrise periods and Trademark Claims services to protect verified trademark holders. Brand TLDs may have simplified requirements.
What are consensus policies?
Consensus policies are policies developed through ICANN's multi-stakeholder process that apply to all gTLD registries. You must implement all current and future consensus policies, including rights protection mechanisms, Whois requirements, and data retention policies.
Can I change my registration policies later?
Changes to fundamental registration policies may require ICANN approval. Minor policy changes can typically be made with notice to ICANN. Major changes affecting registrants may have transition requirements.
What happens if I want to stop operating my TLD?
ICANN has transition procedures for registry termination. You must provide notice, facilitate transfer of operations to a successor (if available), and ensure continuity of service during transition. Data escrow ensures registrant data is preserved.
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