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Understanding the Domain name cycle
When you have decided that you want to buy a domain name that has expired, you need to be aware of the domain name deletion cycle.This article will help you understand the phases an expired domain name before it becomes available.
The domain name deletion cycle has the 5 stages;
1. ACTIVE (Registrant does not renew domain name)
2. EXPIRED (Auto renew grace period)
3. REDEMPTION GRACE PERIOD (Pending delete restorable)
4. PENDING DELETE
5. ACTIVE (Available to register)
The domain name deletion cycle is illustrated in more detail below. It is important to bare in mind that as you wait for a domain name to become available for you to register, the process may potentially take up to 80 days to run its course.
Domain Deletion Cycle
ACTIVE
Domain name can be registered for a term
of between 1 - 10 years.
If the current registrant does not renew domain name then the domain name will enter auto renew grace period.
EXPIRED
(Auto renew grace period)
Original registrant receives email from registrar that domain is about to expire.
Length: 1-45 days
REDEMPTION GRACE PERIOD
(Pending delete restorable)
Domain is held in Redemption Grace Period (RGP) for 30 days. WHOIS info will be deleted, and the domain will remain inactive. Website and email no longer function.
The domain can still technically be renewed by the registrant, although it may cost nearly as much as $200.
Length: 30 days
PENDING DELETE
The domain will be deleted from the registry and may not be recovered by the registrant.
Length: 5 days
ACTIVE
Domain name is available to register by Joe or Jane Public
The ICANN gives more detailed information on the Expired Domain Deletion Policy and the obligations of registrars.
Related articles: Expired domain names and Domain Dropcatching
