The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will close the window to apply for the 2026 Round Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program at 23:59 UTC on 12 August 2026.
RSPs offer critical services – such as Domain Name System (DNS), Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP), and DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), among others – on behalf of a registry operator. Some generic top-level domain (gTLD) registries provide their own back-end support, while others outsource these services to a third party. In either case, all new gTLD applicants must name an RSP that has been successfully evaluated by ICANN as part of their application.
RSPs need only qualify once, regardless of how many gTLD applicants they choose to support. The program streamlines gTLD application processing by separating the evaluation of the technical aspects of running a gTLD from the evaluation of the label.
A first evaluation period was open from 19 November 2024 to 20 May 2025. A second window to apply to be evaluated through the program has been open in parallel with the application period for the New gTLD Program. Additional information related to the RSP Evaluation Program, including statistics about RSP applicants, the RSP Handbook, and instructions for accessing the RSP Portal, can be found on the program webpage.
Prospective RSPs can find more information about application guidelines in this FAQ.
To learn more, and see the list of evaluated providers, please visit the RSP Applications webpage.