The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced updated fees for telemarketers who access the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry for Fiscal Year 2026, which starts on October 1, 2025.
Telemarketers in the United States are required to use the DNC Registry to avoid calling consumers who have opted out of such calls. The first five area codes can be downloaded at no cost, and certain organizations like some charities and political groups remain exempt from these fees and may access the full list for free. Annual subscription is required for continued access.
For FY 2026, the fee to access a single area code will rise to $82, an increase of $2 compared to FY 2025. The maximum charge for accessing all area codes nationwide will now be $22,626, up from $22,038 in the previous year. Accessing an additional area code for half a year will cost $41, up by $1 from last year.
The FTC stated: "The Commission vote authorizing publication of the Federal Register notice announcing the new fees was 3-0."
It was also noted that: "The new fees will go into effect on October 1, 2025. The effective date listed in the Federal Register notice lists the wrong year and will be corrected in the coming days."
According to information provided by the FTC: "The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts."
