Upcoming TLDs / .dns
Can you register a .dns domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .dns would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
DNS, Domain Name System, Domain Name Server
“DNS” means “Domain Name System,” the system enabling human-readable domain names, its technologies, and communities. It also means "Dynamic Network Service" or "Digital Nomadic System," among other definitions.
Who applied for .dns
Nepal Internet Foundation
NP, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing, ICANN applicant support
Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF) is a research and development forum that is working to address access and infrastructural issues with Internet connectivity. In alignment with NIF’s vision for a society where the people are empowered by the use of the Internet and each individual regardless of the country, location, language, age or income, the .dns gTLD will be an open general-purpose domain connecting the world.
Application NIF2590-T63192 on ICANN · nepalinternetfoundation.org.np
Suffix Inc.
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .DNS is to provide an accessible namespace for individuals, businesses, organizations, communities, projects, and other entities that identify with or wish to be associated with the term DNS. The purpose of .DNS is to enable registrants to establish distinctive online identities through domain names that reflect the concept represented by the applied-for string. To achieve this purpose, SUFFIX INC. will make .DNS available for registration through accredited registrars and other appropriate distribution channels; maintain secure, stable, and reliable registry infrastructure; …
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 .dns 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 .dns and its registry announces launch dates.