When a domain expires, it goes through a series of phases before becoming available for registration by someone else. Understanding this process is crucial if you want to recover an expired domain or purchase one that has dropped.
Grace Period
The grace period typically lasts between 18 to 45 days, depending on the registrar and top-level domain (TLD). During this time, you can renew the domain at the standard price without any penalties. No one else can claim the domain during the grace period.
Redemption Period
If the domain is not renewed during the grace period, it enters a 30-day redemption phase. ICANN requires this period for most generic top-level domains (gTLDs), with a restoration fee ranging from $50 to $200. This fee allows you to still recover the domain.
Pending Delete
After the redemption period ends, the domain moves into a 5-day pending delete phase. At this stage, the domain cannot be recovered. It is locked, unrecoverable, and queued for deletion from the registry.
Public Release
Once the domain is deleted, it is released and made available to the public. It can be claimed through a backorder service or registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Grace Period Length by Registrar
Different registrars have varying grace period lengths:
- Unstoppable Domains: Offers a 40-day grace period for DNS domains.
- GoDaddy: Provides an 18-day grace period followed by a 12-day redemption window.
- Namecheap: Offers up to a 30-day grace period with a $50-$100 redemption fee.
- Dynadot: Grace periods range from 30 to 45 days depending on the TLD.
Steps to Recover an Expired Domain
- Check Grace Period: Log into your registrar account to see if the domain is still within the grace period.
- Prepare for Redemption Fees: If the domain has entered the redemption phase, be ready to pay a restoration fee.
- Act Before Pending Delete: Once the domain enters pending delete, it cannot be recovered.
Buying Expired Domains
There are several ways to purchase expired domains, including backorders, auctions, and drop-catching services.
Backorder Services: These platforms allow you to reserve an expiring domain before it becomes available. If successful, the domain is automatically registered to you.
Auctions: Domains may go to auction if multiple parties express interest. It gives everyone a fair shot at premium names.
Drop Catching: This method involves trying to manually register a domain the moment it becomes available to the public.
Tips for Buying Expired Domains
- Track Expiration Dates: Use tools like Domain Monitor to stay ahead of expiry dates.
- Use Backorders Early: Place backorders on multiple platforms to increase your chances.
- Budget for Fees: Be prepared for redemption and auction costs.
- Monitor Domain History: Check for any past issues with the domain.
- Understand Registrar Policies: Know the rules of the registrar you are dealing with.
Conclusion
Understanding the process of domain expiration and recovery can give you an advantage in protecting your brand or making strategic investments. By utilizing grace periods effectively, using domain backorder tools, and being aware of redemption and auction fees, you can reclaim your domains or capitalize on buying expired domains intelligently.