Geographic NameApplications

Geographic names include:

• Country names: Even if not ISO 3166-1 codes (e.g., .scotland, .catalonia)
• City names: Major cities and municipalities (e.g., .nyc, .london, .tokyo)
• Regional names: States, provinces, territories (e.g., .bavaria, .quebec, .texas)
• UN country codes: All ISO 3166-1 country names
• Other geographic entities: Islands, regions, cultural areas

ICANN maintains a comprehensive list of protected geographic names.

All geographic name applications require:

• Government or Public Authority Support: Explicit support letter OR
• Non-Objection Letter: From relevant government or public authority
• Documentation of Authority: Evidence of the entity's jurisdiction
• Translation: If applying in a non-English language

Without this support, your application will not be evaluated.

Steps to obtain government support:

1. Identify the Authority: Determine which government body has jurisdiction
2. Prepare Documentation: Create a clear proposal explaining the TLD's benefits
3. Schedule Meetings: Meet with relevant officials
4. Request Support Letter: On official government letterhead
5. Submit with Application: Include the original letter with your application

Timeline: Start this process 6-12 months before the application window.

Yes, many geographic TLDs are operated by non-government entities:

• .nyc: Operated by a city entity
• .london: Operated by a private organization with city support
• .tokyo: Operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Government
• .paris: Operated with city government support

The key is having explicit government support or non-objection, regardless of who operates the TLD.

Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs):

• Two-letter ISO 3166-1 codes (e.g., .us, .uk, .de)
• Not part of the new gTLD program
• Generally restricted to residents/entities of that country

Geographic gTLDs:

• Can be any length (e.g., .nyc, .london, .bavaria)
• Part of the new gTLD program
• Eligibility determined by the registry operator

Required documentation includes:

• Support Letter: Official government/public authority letter of support or non-objection
• Authority Documentation: Evidence of the authority's jurisdiction over the geographic name
• Organizational Documents: Your entity's incorporation, structure
• Financial Capability: Proof of ability to pay fees and operate
• Technical Plan: RSP contract or technical infrastructure plan

As the registry operator, you set the eligibility rules:

• Restricted: Only residents, businesses, or organizations with connection to the geographic area
• Open: Anyone can register (like .com)
• Verified: Require documentation proving connection to the area

Most geographic TLDs choose restricted or verified models to maintain community relevance.

Recommended timeline:

• 2025 Early: Begin government outreach and support process
• 2025 Mid: Secure support letters, select RSP, prepare application
• Q2 2026: Submit application during window
• 2026-2028: Evaluation period (12-24 months)
• 2028: Delegation and launch preparation

Key: Government support should be secured well before the application window.