Document Overview

The Applicant Guidebook is comprehensive, consisting of seven modules and 12 appendices. Its structure is designed to guide potential applicants through the entire application process. The modules listed below are organized sequentially, where possible, providing the steps from application submission through evaluation. For a summary of all the rules and procedures for the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round, readers are directed to Module 1 The Applicant Journey.

More information regarding the flow and contents of each module is found below:

• Module 1 The Applicant Journey: Offers a broad overview of all requirements of the New gTLD Program, including: eligibility requirements, fees, and application and string types. Applicants will also find information regarding application stages, process overview, posted materials, lifecycle timelines.

• Module 2 General Information: Provides foundational information relevant to every applicant, including: languages and translation of supporting documentation, universal acceptance of domain names, applicant freedom of expression, security and stability, legal compliance, data privacy and protection, accountability mechanisms, and subsequent application rounds. It also includes information about frequently asked questions and support for general inquiries and system- and application-specific questions.

• Module 3 Application Submission: Covers the submission process, administrative check, fees and payments, application statuses, reveal day, string confirmation day, application queuing and prioritization, and application change requests.

• Module 4 Community Input, Objections, and Appeals: Describes the different ways the community and relevant parties can participate in the New gTLD Program, including: application comments, Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) member Early Warnings and GAC Consensus Advice, Singular/Plural Notifications, and potential objections during the application lifecycle.

• Module 5 Contention Set Resolution: Explains contention and how contention is resolved, including: replacement strings, Community Priority Evaluation, and ICANN Auction.

• Module 6 Applicant Evaluation Procedures: Describes evaluation procedures relevant to the applicant (applying entity), including background screening and financial and operational evaluations.

• Module 7 String and Application Evaluation Procedures: Describes string and application types, and provides an overview of evaluation procedures relevant to the application, including: Blocked and Reserved Names, .Brand TLD Eligibility Evaluation, Code of Conduct Exemption Evaluation, Geographic Names Review, Internationalized Domain Names, Name Collision, Public Interest Commitments, Registry Voluntary Commitments (including Community Registration Policies), Registry Service Provider Review, and String Similarity Evaluation.

• Appendices: The Guidebook includes numerous appendices, which provide additional detailed information on an array of topics relevant to applicants:

  • Appendix 1: Application Questions

  • Appendix 2: Materials related to Geographic Names

  • Appendix 3: Materials related to Objections and Appeals

  • Appendix 4: Base Registry Agreement¹

  • Appendix 5: Templates for Standard Financial Profile

  • Appendix 6: Predictability Framework

  • Appendix 7: Conflict of Interest

  • Appendix 8: Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Guidelines for Service Providers

  • Appendix 9: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Privacy Policy

  • Appendix 10: Terms and Conditions

  • Appendix 11: Applicant Support Program

  • Appendix 12: Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program