Upcoming TLDs / .key
Can you register a .key domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .key would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
Key commonly refers to a broadly recognized term used across a wide range of contexts.
to provide access
of crucial importance, essential, or vital
“Key” means an instrument used to open or operate something and, figuratively, something essential to achieving or understanding a result.
A key is a device or piece of information used to open a lock, gain access, or unlock something; figuratively, the essential means to reach or control something.
Common English noun and modifier. A key is an object that opens a lock, and, by extension, the means of access to something; used before a noun, "key" means essential or decisive. The string is used in those ordinary senses.
KEY is an object that opens a lock or provides access. It can also mean the answer, explanation or most important part of something. Some things open doors. The right key opens everything.
Who applied for .key
Heir Superiority, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .KEY is to provide a namespace associated with the applied-for string. The .KEY 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.
Link Freedom Group / LFG
Link Freedom Group Ltd, MT, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
Link Freedom Group (LFG) aspires to become a best-in-class, vertically integrated domain name registration authority, see linkfreedomgroup.link. This TLD is part of a carefully curated portfolio of strings that LFG intends to pursue in ICANN’s 2026 New gTLD Program. In assembling this portfolio, LFG focused on securing meaningful, memorable, and commercially compelling strings that resonate strongly with end users and offer long-term growth potential.
LeapSense Limited
HK, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Mission and Objectives
ShortDot (Ireland) Limited
IE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .key is to provide a memorable namespace for individuals, businesses, organizations, products, services, and resources positioned as essential, enabling, or access-oriented. Intended uses include technology, security, education, professional services, property, solutions, guides, and informational resources. The registry intends .key to be broadly available, reliable, and secure. Its mission is sustainable because access, importance, and enabling solutions are enduring concepts across industries.
Registry Services, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Describe the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD.
XRegistry Inc.
XRegistry Incorporated, JP, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .key is to give an address to what opens something and to what matters most. The string carries two ordinary English readings that the namespace serves equally: a key is the object that opens a lock and, by extension, the means of access to something; used before a noun, ""key"" means essential or decisive. It is applied for and will be operated in those ordinary senses, as an open namespace.
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 .key 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 .key and its registry announces launch dates.