A new generic top-level domain is created through an ICANN application program. In outline: an applicant applies for a specific string (the text after the dot) and pays a substantial fee; ICANN evaluates the applicant’s technical, financial and operational capability and the string itself; any contention between multiple applicants for the same string, plus objections, is resolved; the successful applicant signs a Registry Agreement; and finally IANA delegates the TLD into the root zone, at which point it goes live. The process is deliberately rigorous and can take a long time.
Creating a TLD is nothing like registering a domain. A domain registration is instant; a TLD is a new piece of internet infrastructure that the applicant must be able to operate reliably, potentially forever. ICANN’s process is built to test exactly that.
The process in brief
While details differ between application rounds, the journey follows a consistent shape:
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply | Submit an application for a string; pay the evaluation fee |
| 2. Evaluate | ICANN assesses applicant capability and the string |
| 3. Resolve | Settle contention sets and hear objections |
| 4. Contract | Sign the Registry Agreement with ICANN |
| 5. Delegate | IANA adds the TLD to the root zone; it goes live |
Step 1: Applying for a string
An organization wishing to run a TLD submits a detailed application to ICANN for a specific string — the proposed extension, such as .example. Applications are not cheap: the evaluation fee is a large sum (historically in the six figures in US dollars), which by design limits applications to serious, well-resourced applicants. The application must describe the applicant’s technical plans, financial backing and how the registry will be operated.
Strings have rules
Not every string is allowed. Proposed TLDs must meet technical requirements and cannot conflict with existing TLDs, certain reserved names, or strings considered confusingly similar to others. Some categories (like geographic names) carry extra requirements, such as governmental support.
Step 2: Evaluation
ICANN then puts the application through evaluation, examining two things in parallel:
- The applicant. Does the organization have the technical competence, operational plan and financial stability to run a registry dependably over the long term? Running a TLD means operating critical infrastructure — downtime affects every domain under it.
- The string. Is the proposed extension technically valid and free of conflicts? Strings that are confusingly similar to existing ones, or that raise other issues, can be flagged here.
This is the heart of the gatekeeping: it ensures a new extension will be operated to the same standard as the established ones.
Step 3: Contention sets and objections
Sometimes multiple applicants want the same string — for example, several companies applying for the same generic word. These form a contention set, and only one can ultimately run the TLD. Contention is resolved through defined mechanisms, which may include community evaluation or, as a last resort, an auction among the applicants.
Separately, the process allows objections. Third parties can object on specific grounds — for instance, that a string infringes legal rights, is contrary to public morality, or that an applicant lacks the community support it claims. These objections are heard and decided before a TLD can proceed.
Step 4: Contracting and delegation
An applicant that clears evaluation and any contention signs a Registry Agreement with ICANN. This contract sets the obligations of operating the TLD — technical standards, fees, security and data requirements, and registrant protections.
The final technical step is delegation. IANA adds the new TLD to the root zone, pointing it to the registry’s name servers. From that moment, DNS resolvers worldwide can resolve domains under the new extension, and registrars can begin offering registrations. The TLD is now a live part of the internet. Our guide on who controls TLDs explains the layered authority this creates.
Application rounds
ICANN does not accept TLD applications continuously. They open in rounds; the landmark 2012 round produced the bulk of today’s new gTLDs, and ICANN has worked toward enabling subsequent rounds. If you ever want to apply, the timing of the next round matters as much as the application itself.
★ Key takeaways
- New gTLDs are created through an ICANN application program, not registered like domains.
- Applicants apply for a string, pay a large fee, and are evaluated on capability and the string.
- Contention between rival applicants and third-party objections are resolved before approval.
- The successful applicant signs a Registry Agreement and IANA delegates the TLD to the root.
Frequently asked questions
How is a new gTLD created?
Through an ICANN application program: an applicant applies for a string and pays a fee, ICANN evaluates the applicant and string, contention and objections are resolved, a Registry Agreement is signed, and IANA delegates the TLD to the root.
How much does it cost to apply for a TLD?
It is expensive — the evaluation fee has historically been a large six-figure sum in US dollars, intentionally limiting applications to serious, well-resourced organizations.
Can anyone apply for a new TLD?
In principle any qualified organization can during a round, but the bar is high: technical competence, an operational plan, financial stability and a substantial fee. It is aimed at organizations, not individuals.
What happens if two companies want the same TLD string?
They form a contention set, and only one can run the TLD. Resolution may include community evaluation or, as a last resort, an auction among the applicants.
What is delegation in the gTLD process?
Delegation is the final step where IANA adds the TLD to the root zone, pointing it to the registry’s name servers, so resolvers worldwide can resolve domains under it.
When can I apply for a new gTLD?
ICANN accepts applications in rounds, not continuously. The 2012 round produced most new gTLDs; ICANN has worked toward enabling further rounds. See new gTLDs explained.