Upcoming TLDs / .ace
Can you register a .ace domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .ace would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
Ace commonly refers to a broadly recognized term used across a wide range of contexts.
A person who excels at something; also a playing card with a single symbol.
"Ace" refers to a playing card ranked highest or lowest in a suit, a serve won outright in racket sports, or a person who excels notably at a particular skill or activity.
ACE is the given name of my firstborn son and, as prophecy foretold, the Internet's next great generic top level domain. In English, ace means an expert, something excellent or first-rate, or a playing card marked with a single symbol.
Who applied for .ace
Fore Course, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .ACE is to provide a namespace associated with the applied-for string. The .ACE gTLD is intended to serve a broad range of registrants and users, including individuals, businesses, organizations, communities, projects, and other entities that identify with, relate to, or wish to be associated with the concept represented by the applied-for string.
ShortDot (Ireland) Limited
IE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .ace is to provide a versatile namespace for excellence, skills, education, gaming, sports, professional services and achievement-focused brands.
Registry Services, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Describe the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD.
XYZ.COM LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Mission and purpose. This gTLD will be operated as an open, unrestricted generic top-level domain. Its purpose is to expand naming choice in the DNS by making this term available at the top level for any lawful use chosen by the registrant. Registrations will be available to all registrants on a first-come, first-served basis through ICANN-accredited registrars, subject only to the Registry Agreement, ICANN Consensus Policies, and applicable law. The applicant will not operate this gTLD on an exclusive basis.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .ace be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .ace and its registry announces launch dates.