ICANN New gTLD Applicant Guidebook (AGB)

The Applicant Guidebook (AGB) is ICANN’s official rulebook for applying for a new gTLD in the 2026 round. It covers who can apply, technical and financial requirements, fees, evaluation procedures, objection processes, and post-delegation responsibilities. Whether you're a brand, entrepreneur, or registry operator, the AGB is your go-to resource for navigating the entire new gTLD application process. 

​

The ICANN New gTLD Applicant Guidebook is over 400 pages long and packed with complex rules. We have studied it end-to-end, so you don’t have to — get expert guidance and avoid costly mistakes.​

​

The Applicant Guidebook (AGB) is your master manual for applying for a new gTLD in ICANN's 2026 round. Here’s a section-by-section TLDR that covers every core aspect:

​

1. Introduction & Overview
Defines what a gTLD is, the purpose of expanding the DNS, and outlines ICANN's role. Sets expectations for the multi-phase application lifecycle.

​

2. Application Process
Details the full process:

• Application submission

• Initial evaluation (technical, operational, financial checks)

• Objections & contention resolution

• Contracting & delegation into the root zone

​

3. Eligibility & Applicant Requirements

Who can apply?

• Any established entity (company, government, community)

• Background screening is required

• No unresolved cybersquatting or criminal activity allowed

​

4. Application Fees

• USD $240,000 application fee

• Additional fees may apply for objections, disputes, and registry services

• Non-refundable once submitted

​

5. Evaluation Criteria

• Technical: Secure DNS operation, DNSSEC, abuse mitigation, data escrow

• Operational: Registry services provider setup, service level agreements

• Financial: Long-term sustainability and funding verification

• Registry Services: Must disclose all services and get approval for non-standard operations

​

6. Reserved & Prohibited Strings

• You can’t apply for country names, confusingly similar strings, or two-letter combinations

• Geographic names need government support letters

​

7. Objection & Dispute Mechanisms
Four objection types:

•     String Confusion

•     Legal Rights (e.g., trademark violations)

•     Community Objection

•     Limited Public Interest (offensive strings) 

•     Handled by external Dispute Resolution Service Providers (e.g., WIPO, ICC)

 

8. String Contention
When multiple applicants apply for the same or confusingly similar string:

• Resolved via community priority evaluation (if eligible), private auction, or ICANN auction of last resort

 

9. Contracting & Transition to Delegation

• Successful applicants sign a Registry Agreement with ICANN

• Must complete pre-delegation testing

• Once passed, the TLD is delegated to the root zone and becomes live

​

10. Post-Delegation Requirements

• Operate per registry agreement

• Data escrow, monthly reports to ICANN

• Compliance with abuse mitigation, WHOIS/RDDS, and emergency back-end registry protocols (EBERO)

 

11. Role of Backend Registry Service Provider (RSP)
You can outsource tech operations to an RSP. They must meet ICANN's technical requirements and may already be pre-evaluated (RSP Pre-Evaluation Program).

 

12. Community & Geographic Applications

• Community-based applications are evaluated on eligibility, community definition, and support

• Geographic applications must include government approvals

 

13. Appeals & Accountability
Unsuccessful applicants can request reconsideration, file for IRP (Independent Review Process), or initiate cooperative engagement processes (CEP).

​

14. Key Annexes
Includes templates for:

• Registry Services

• Financial projections

• Technical architecture

• Letter of government support (for geo-TLDs)

• Sample registry agreements

​

Bottom Line:
The AGB is the single most critical document for anyone applying for a new gTLD. It’s long and complex, but every section is there to protect the DNS ecosystem, ensure operational stability, and manage fair competition.

For brands, startups, and entrepreneurs looking to apply, understanding the AGB is non-negotiable. Working with an experienced new gTLD consultant can help you interpret, prepare, and submit a successful application.