How to Register Your Own Domain Extension: A Comprehensive Guide
Tags: domain, webdev, beginners
Published: 2024-06-28 07:26:22

Registering your own domain extension (also known as a Top-Level Domain, or TLD) involves a series of steps and requires coordination with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Here is a general overview of the process:

### 1. **Understand the Requirements**

Before starting the registration process, it's important to understand the requirements and responsibilities involved in managing a TLD:

- **Technical Requirements**: You need a robust infrastructure to support the domain registry, including DNS services, WHOIS services, and other technical components.
- **Financial Commitment**: Registering a new TLD can be costly. ICANN charges a substantial application fee, and there are ongoing costs for maintaining the registry.
- **Policy and Compliance**: You need to comply with ICANN's policies and procedures, including data escrow, rights protection mechanisms, and dispute resolution processes.

### 2. **Prepare Your Application**

Prepare a comprehensive application that addresses the following aspects:

- **Technical Plan**: Detail how you will manage the DNS, WHOIS services, and other technical components.
- **Business Plan**: Provide a business plan that includes your marketing strategy, pricing, and financial projections.
- **Operational Plan**: Explain how you will manage day-to-day operations, including customer support and compliance with ICANN policies.

### 3. **Submit Your Application to ICANN**

ICANN periodically opens application windows for new TLDs. During these periods, you can submit your application through the New gTLD Program. Here are the steps:

- **Create an Account**: Register an account on the ICANN New gTLD Program website.
- **Complete the Application**: Fill out the application form with all required information.
- **Pay the Application Fee**: The application fee is typically around $185,000, but this may vary.
- **Submit the Application**: Submit your completed application along with the fee.

### 4. **Application Review and Evaluation**

ICANN reviews and evaluates each application. The review process includes:

- **Initial Evaluation**: An assessment of the technical, operational, and financial capabilities.
- **Public Comment Period**: The application is posted for public comment.
- **Extended Evaluation (if needed)**: If there are concerns or objections, an extended evaluation may be conducted.

### 5. **Contracting and Pre-Delegation Testing**

If your application is approved, you will enter into a Registry Agreement with ICANN. You will also undergo pre-delegation testing to ensure your systems are ready to operate the TLD.

### 6. **Delegation and Launch**

Once you pass pre-delegation testing, your TLD will be added to the root zone of the DNS, making it officially live. You can then start accepting registrations for your new TLD.

### 7. **Ongoing Responsibilities**

Managing a TLD involves ongoing responsibilities:

- **Technical Maintenance**: Ensure the reliability and security of your DNS infrastructure.
- **Compliance**: Adhere to ICANN policies and contractual obligations.
- **Customer Support**: Provide support to registrars and end-users.

### Resources

- [ICANN New gTLD Program](https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/)
- [ICANN Applicant Guidebook](https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb)

### Summary

Registering your own domain extension is a complex, costly, and lengthy process. It involves preparing a comprehensive application, passing ICANN's rigorous review process, and maintaining ongoing compliance and technical standards. If you have the resources and commitment, launching a new TLD can provide significant branding and business opportunities.