Top-level Domains Launch Schedule

When ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) approves a new TLD, the registry operator follows a structured rollout before the public can register a domain name. These phases ensure fair access and protect trademark holders.

1. Trademark Claims Period: The first phase of most new TLD launches. Anyone trying to register a domain name matching a trademark in ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse receives a warning notice, and the trademark holder is notified if registration proceeds. This typically runs for at least 90 days.
2. Sunrise Phase: Allows trademark owners to register their protected domain names before the general public. You must have a trademark registered with ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse to participate. Registry operators typically run this phase for 30-60 days.
3. Limited Registration Period (Landrush): An optional phase where anyone can register a new domain, but at significantly higher fees. This occurs after Sunrise but before General Availability.
4. Qualified Launch Program: Allows registries to issue up to 100 domain names to third parties for promotional purposes before Sunrise begins.
5. General Availability: When the TLD becomes fully open for public domain registration. Anyone can register a domain name through an ICANN-accredited registrar at standard pricing.

Yes, you can register a domain name during the Sunrise Phase, but only if you meet specific trademark requirements established by ICANN.

Trademark clearinghouse requirements: To register during the Sunrise Phase of any new TLD, you must first register your trademark with ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH). This centralized database validates trademark rights and enables priority registration across all new gTLDs. The TMCH was created by ICANN to streamline trademark protection as hundreds of new TLDs entered the domain name system.

Your trademark must be either:

• A nationally or regionally registered trademark
• A trademark validated by a court of law
• A trademark protected by statute or treaty

The domain name you wish to register must be an exact match to your trademark text. Registry operators verify all Sunrise registrations against the Trademark Clearinghouse before completing domain registration.

Registration process: To register a new domain during Sunrise:

1. Submit your trademark to ICANN's Trademark Clearinghouse for validation
2. Receive your Signed Mark Data (SMD) file
3. Find an ICANN-accredited registrar offering Sunrise registration for your desired TLD
4. Submit your registration request with your SMD file
5. The registry operator verifies your trademark rights
6. If approved, your domain name is registered

Registration fees during the Sunrise Phase are typically higher than General Availability pricing. Registry operators set these premium rates to cover the additional verification requirements and to reflect the value of priority access to new TLDs.

The timeline for when you can register a domain name on new TLDs varies depending on each registry operator's launch schedule and ICANN's approval process.

After ICANN delegates a new TLD to the domain name system, the registry operator typically requires 2-6 months before General Availability. This timeline includes mandatory periods like Trademark Claims and Sunrise Phase, plus any optional phases the registry chooses to implement.

ICANN oversees the policy and approval process for new generic top-level domains, while IANA (the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) handles the technical delegation. IANA maintains the DNS root zone, ensuring each new TLD properly resolves IP addresses when users enter a domain name in their browser. This coordination between ICANN and IANA ensures new gTLDs integrate smoothly into the existing domain name system infrastructure.

ICANN's New gTLD Program has dramatically expanded the DNS landscape. Before this program, only a limited number of gTLDs existed (like .com, .net, and .org). The program allowed registry operators to apply for virtually any keyword or brand as a new domain extension, resulting in hundreds of new TLDs entering the domain name system.

ICANN is preparing for the next round of new gTLD applications, which will bring additional TLDs to the DNS. Educational institutions, businesses, and organizations worldwide are expected to apply to operate their own registry.

Check specific launch dates: Each new TLD follows its own schedule. Registry operators publish their launch timelines, including:

• Trademark Claims start and end dates
• Sunrise Phase registration windows
• Limited Registration Period (if applicable)
• General Availability date

The launch schedule on this page shows upcoming new TLDs with their phase dates. Once a TLD reaches General Availability, you can register a domain through any participating registrar.

Several factors influence when new TLDs become available for general domain registration:

• ICANN contract finalization with the registry
• Technical DNS delegation by IANA
• Registry operator's marketing and business strategy
• Required Sunrise Phase duration (minimum 30 days)
• Mandatory Trademark Claims period

Being informed on new TLD releases gives you a competitive advantage since popular domain names get registered quickly once a TLD reaches the general availability phase. Bookmark this launch schedule page and subscribe to the newsletter to never miss a new domain extension launch.

You can also monitor ICANN's official announcements about new gTLD delegations, check registry operator websites for specific launch schedules, or opt into notifications from your preferred ICANN-accredited registrar.