Are you interested in participating in the 2026 Round of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program, but not sure where to start? ICANN has developed a myriad of resources to help you get started.
New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook
The rules and requirements to apply for a gTLD are laid out in the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook (AGB). The guidebook is organized as an "applicant journey" that delineates key stages and milestones.
2026 Round Resources
From preparing to apply, to submitting an application, through the various evaluations that applicants may undergo, there are supplemental resources to assist. These include in-depth FAQs, high-level overviews of AGB topics, and demonstration videos that will orient users to the TLD Application Management System. All are available on the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Resources page.
The resource materials available now will help applicants navigate this process.
Implementation Review Team Resources:
ICANN org is currently working with the Implementation Review Team (IRT), which consists of ICANN community members, to ensure the language in the Application Guidebook is consistent with the policy outputs developed by the ICANN community.
If you would like to review working documents and meeting materials related to the drafting of the New gTLD Program: Next Round Applicant Guidebook, please visit the Implementation Review Team Wiki Space.
Public Comment Proceedings:
Prior to completion of the New gTLD Program: Next Round Applicant Guidebook, draft language is being published for Public Comment on a rolling basis as each section becomes available. A final Public Comment proceeding, focused on the New gTLD Program: Next Round Applicant Guidebook text in its entirety, was published for Public Comment in May 2025. Please refer to the list below to view open and/or previously completed Public Comment proceedings:
- Fifth and Final Proceeding for Proposed Language for the Draft Next Round Applicant Guidebook (AGB) (30 May-23 July 2025)
- Fourth Proceeding for Proposed Language for Draft Sections of Next Round AGB (14 February–2 April 2025)
- Third Proceeding for Proposed Language for Draft Sections of Next Round Applicant Guidebook (19 December 2024–7 February 2025)
- Second Proceeding for Proposed Language for Draft Sections of the Next Round Applicant Guidebook (10 September–21 October 2024)
- Public Comment Proceeding on the Proposed Language for the Next Round Applicant Support Program and Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program Terms and Conditions (24 July–23 August 2024)
- Public Comment Proceeding on the Proposed Language for Draft Sections of the Next Round Applicant Guidebook #1 (12 February–2 April 2024)