Upcoming TLDs / .file
Can you register a .file domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .file would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
File commonly refers to data or information that is stored or organized, or to the act of storing, organizing, or submitting data or information.
Who applied for .file
Paws Button, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .FILE is to provide a namespace associated with the concept of file as data or information that is stored or organized, or to the act of storing, organizing, or submitting data or information. The .FILE 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.
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 .file 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 .file and its registry announces launch dates.