1. What is a Registry Service Provider (RSP)?
An RSP provides the critical technical services necessary for the operation of a generic top-level domain (gTLD) in a manner that provides for the security and stability of the Internet's Domain Name System (DNS). RSPs are often referred to as the "back-end" for a gTLD registry operation.
2. Does my organization need to currently provide services for a gTLD in order to apply to the Registry Service Provider (RSP) program?
No. Organizations do not have to currently provide back-end services for a gTLD, but they do need to be evaluated.
3. If my organization currently provides services for a gTLD, does it still need to be evaluated to become an RSP for the new round of new gTLDs?
If your organization wishes to offer services to applicants in the New gTLD Program: Next Round, it must be evaluated through the RSP Program.
4. How many different types of RSPs are there?
There are four types of RSPs:
- Main RSPs, which operate the registration database for a gTLD, undertake escrow of domain registration data, and operate the Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) and Registry Data Access Protocol (RDAP) services for a gTLD. A gTLD can only have one Main RSP.
- DNS RSPs, which operate one or more DNS servers for a gTLD. A gTLD may use multiple DNS RSPs.
- DNSSEC RSPs, which undertake the cryptographic operations necessary for DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC). A gTLD's DNSSEC RSP may also be its Main RSP or one of its DNS RSPs.
- Proxy RSPs, which perform registration validation to comply with applicable local law in a given jurisdiction. Note that this is an optional registry service that must be approved by ICANN. A gTLD may use multiple Proxy RSPs, each of which provides access to a different jurisdiction.
5. Does my organization need to apply to be every type of RSP? Can an RSP provide services to more than one gTLD?
An organization does not need to apply to be every type of RSP; organizations may opt to provide only one or several types of service to gTLDs. An RSP may provide services to more than one gTLD.
6. Can an RSP provide services to a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD)?
There is no prohibition against RSPs providing services to ccTLDs.
7. Can a ccTLD operator apply to be an RSP?
Yes. Many ccTLD operators are already RSPs for gTLDs.
8. Can a gTLD have more than one DNS RSP?
Yes, a gTLD may have more than one DNS RSP.
9. Can a gTLD be its own RSP?
Yes. A gTLD applicant may operate as its back-end services, but it will still need to be evaluated through the RSP program before their gTLD application can be approved.
10. If my organization is not successful in clearing evaluation, can I apply again?
Yes. Your organization may apply again to become an evaluated RSP and pay a new evaluation fee.
11. Will my organization be added to the list of evaluated RSPs if I cannot successfully clear evaluation before the first publication of the list on 9 December 2025?
Yes, ICANN org will add organizations to the list of RSPs as they clear evaluation based on the Service Level Target described in the RSP Handbook.
12. Where can I find more information about becoming an RSP?
You can find more information about how to become an RSP in the RSP Handbook.
13. Are all new gTLD applicants required to use RSPs that have been successfully evaluated through the RSP program?
Yes. Note that the RSP program will have two evaluation periods: one before the gTLD application submission period (i.e., pre-evaluation) and another during the gTLD submission period. New gTLD applicants are required to use RSPs that have been successfully evaluated during either of the evaluation periods.