ICANN Registrars Approve FY26 Registrar-Level Fees Following Majority Vote

On July 17, 2025, ICANN-accredited registrars approved the proposed registrar-level fees for Fiscal Year 2026, marking the successful completion of the annual fee ratification process. According to Section 7.2(d) of the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), any changes to these fees must be approved by registrars through a vote where the majority of votes cast favor the proposed structure, and where those votes represent at least 50% of all registrar accreditation fees paid during the previous year.

This year’s approval met both conditions. Out of 2,447 eligible accredited registrars, 99 submitted votes. Among those, 85 registrars—representing 92.39% of the total fees paid in FY2024—voted in favor. This demonstrates strong support from the registrar community and ensures that ICANN can proceed with implementing the updated fee structure for FY26.

Voting Breakdown and Community Participation

The ratification process required a minimum level of engagement from the registrar community. Although just over 4% of registrars submitted ballots, the high fee share represented by the affirmative votes satisfied the participation threshold. This highlights a trend in which a smaller group of large registrars continues to play a decisive role in financial governance matters within ICANN.

The voting results reflect the importance of fee-based representation in ICANN's operational funding model. Registrars who contribute more financially have a proportionally larger influence in decisions tied to the budget and fee adjustments. This model ensures alignment between ICANN’s funding sources and its accountability to those contributing parties.

Implementation and ICANN's Commitment

With the fee structure for FY26 now formally approved, ICANN can move forward with its budget and operational plans for the upcoming fiscal year. The approval confirms that the community remains engaged and that the fee model remains sustainable in supporting ICANN’s coordination of the global domain name system.

ICANN expressed appreciation for registrar participation in the voting process and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and collaboration with contracted parties. As the Internet ecosystem continues to evolve, such governance mechanisms remain essential to balancing operational needs with community oversight.