WASHINGTON, D.C. — Telemarketers will pay higher fees to access the National Do Not Call Registry beginning Oct. 1, as the Federal Trade Commission increases its fiscal 2027 charges for businesses required to screen U.S. consumers against the federal database.
The cost of accessing phone numbers for a single area code will rise to $85 from $82 in fiscal 2026, a 3.7% increase, according to the FTC. The first five area codes remain available at no charge.
The maximum annual fee for an entity accessing all area codes nationwide will increase to $23,425 from $22,626, or about 3.5%. Access to an additional area code for half a year will cost $43, up from $41.
Telemarketers subject to the federal requirements must subscribe annually to the registry and download covered telephone numbers to avoid calling consumers who have registered their numbers.
Certain exempt organizations, including some charities and political callers, may obtain the entire registry without paying a fee.
The new pricing takes effect with the start of the federal government’s 2027 fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2026.
The FTC voted 2-0 to authorize publication of the Federal Register notice establishing the fees.
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