Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Service
Please note that the English language version of all translated content and documents are the official versions and that translations in other languages are for informational purposes only.
The Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) Service gives registry operators the ability to add, modify, or remove the different languages and scripts that they may offer in generic top-level domains (gTLDs) by submitting a service request to ICANN org. The IDN Service process utilizes standard pre-approved Registry Agreement (RA) amendment language and helps streamline processing.
General instructions on how to submit an IDN Service request are provided below. To support the efficiency in ICANN org's review of IDN Service requests, registry operators are encouraged to incorporate solutions provided in the Reference Label Generation Rules (LGR) into the submitted IDN tables, as these LGRs have been reviewed for security and stability. In addition, ICANN has developed an IDN Table Review Tool, that allows registry operators to easily compare their IDN tables with the relevant reference LGRs.
Additional information regarding IDN Service requests is available here. Questions about the process can be addressed by opening a General Inquiry case in the Naming Services portal or by emailing globalsupport@icann.org.
Add, Modify, or Remove IDN Service(s)
Registry operators may offer Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) provided the IDN service is reflected in Exhibit A of its Registry Agreement (RA). ICANN org has created an IDN Service request process for gTLD registry operators to add, modify, or remove an IDN service (e.g., languages and scripts offered) to or from its RA. The steps below follow the Registry Service Evaluation Policy (RSEP) and highlight the process used to initiate an IDN Service request.
STEP ONE: Submit an "IDN Service - Add, Modify, or Remove" Request in the Naming Services portal
Follow the steps to (a) confirm the type of request, (b) provide any relevant IDN tables and supporting details, (c) clarify any potential security, stability, or competition concerns and whether current registrations will be impacted with the change in IDN service, and (d) provide signatory information (contact with authority to execute an amendment to the RA).
STEP TWO: ICANN Review
ICANN reviews the request to ensure the submitted information is complete and reviews the proposed service request to determine if significant security, stability, or competition issues need to be raised with the registry operator.
STEP THREE: Determination and Final Processing
If approved, ICANN org will initiate the authorization process (to execute an RA amendment or issue a free to deploy letter) and ICANN will facilitate the IDN table updates with IANA.
RA Amendment Language Links:
Note: these templates will also be used when adding or removing a language/script.