EXPIRATION PROCESS
Domain Expiration Protocol: A Complete Guide
Understanding this protocol is crucial for maintaining domain ownership and avoiding permanent loss. If you have an expired domain, you can still renew it after the expiration date, based on the timeline below.
Standard Domain Expiration Timeline
The chart below provides a quick overview of the domain expiration process and required actions.
*Note: We count the expiration date as day 1 of expiration
Detailed Phase Breakdown
Expired Grace Period (Days 1-30)
During this period, the domain will stop functioning as usual. Parking nameservers are applied on day 1 of expiration, which means visitors will see a parking page rather than the website going offline immediately. If you still see your website online, it’s likely due to DNS caching, which might delay the change. You can still renew or transfer the domain at standard rates during this entire period.
Auction Period (Days 31-40)
On Day 31, the domain is removed from your account, and all renewal options are suspended. The domain is listed for auction, and you will have no control over it during this period.
Auction Results (Day 41+)
On Day 41, there are two possible outcomes: – If valid bids exist, the domain transfers permanently to the winning bidder. – If all bids fail, the domain returns to your account and enters the Restoration Period.
Restoration Period (Days 41-64)
If the domain enters this period, you can restore it via a special registry procedure for a restoration fee. This fee can vary depending on the domain extension and may or may not include a renewal year. Some domain extensions may have a different, more expensive restoration fee or may not include a renewal year with the restoration.
Pending Delete Stage (Days 65-69)
The domain cannot be renewed or restored at this point. It is listed on drop-catch platforms.
Deletion (Days 70-71)
Starting on Day 71, anyone can register the deleted domain on a first-come, first-served basis if it wasn’t claimed in a drop-catch auction.
Expiration Timelines for Specific TLDs
Different top-level domains (TLDs) have varying expiration schedules. Below are some examples:
Auction and Drop-Catch Process Overview
Expired Domain Auctions
The auction for an expired domain begins on Day 31 after expiration and ends on Day 40. After the auction concludes, if a winning bidder is validated, ownership transfers to them. If no bids are placed or all bids fail, the domain returns to your account on Day 41+ and enters the Restoration Period (subject to a restoration fee).
Drop-Catching Process
During the pending delete stage (Days 65–69), domains may be listed on drop-catch auction platforms. Registrars and investors use automated systems to register deleted domains immediately. Starting on Day 71, anyone can register a deleted domain on a first-come, first-served basis if it has not already been claimed through a drop-catch auction at platforms like Catch.club.
Expiration Notices
Notifications you may receive include:
- Monthly domain report (expiring domains).
- 30 days before expiration: First Reminder.
- 7 days before expiration: Second Reminder.
- Expiration confirmation email.
- Day 31: Domain Removal Notice.
- Day 41+: Auction Results.
Critical Reminders and Best Practices
- Set calendar expiration reminders.
- Keep your email updated.
- Renew early (before Day 30).
- Monitor auto-renewal settings.
- Understand the auction validation period (Days 31-40).
- Budget for a restoration fee if needed.
- Use drop-catch services strategically if investing.