Telemarketer Fees to Access the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry to Increase in 2026

September 6, 2025

On August 27, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission announced new subscription fees for telemarketers to access the National Do Not Call (“DNC“) Registry for Fiscal Year 2026. All telemarketers operating in the U.S. are required to download and scrub their calling lists against the Registry to avoid contacting consumers who have opted out.

For FY 2026, the first five area codes remain free to download. Beyond that, the cost per area code will increase to $82, up from $80 in FY 2025. The maximum annual charge for access to all area codes will rise to $22,626, compared with $22,038 last year. Telemarketers who only need half-year access will see the per–area code fee increase to $41 (a $1 increase).

Organizations that qualify for exemptions, such as certain charities and political groups, may continue to obtain the entire list without charge.

The FTC’s Commission voted 3–0 to authorize publication of the notice in the Federal Register. While the official notice mistakenly lists the wrong effective year, the agency has confirmed that the new fees will go into effect October 1, 2025, with a correction to follow.

Mortgage brokers and loan originators that engage in telemarketing or outbound calling campaigns must ensure compliance with the National DNC Registry. Even small fee changes can affect marketing budgets, especially for companies operating across multiple states. More importantly, failure to properly scrub call lists against the Registry can result in significant regulatory penalties. Staying current with both the fee structure and compliance obligations is critical for managing operational risk.