Understanding the domain lifecycle is crucial to preventing loss of your domain name. Please read this policy carefully and enable auto-renewal to avoid accidental expiration.
Overview
Domain names go through several distinct phases during their lifetime, from initial registration through potential expiration and deletion. This policy explains each phase and what you can expect during each stage.
The timeline and procedures described here apply to most gTLDs (generic top-level domains) like .com, .net, .org, etc. Some TLDs may have different timelines or procedures as determined by their respective registry operators.
Domain Lifecycle Phases
1. Active Registration
Duration: From registration date until expiration date
Status: Active and fully functional
During this phase, your domain is active and fully under your control. You can:
Use the domain for websites, email, and other services
Update DNS settings and nameservers
Modify contact information
Transfer the domain to another registrar (after 60 days from registration)
Renew the domain for additional years
Enable or disable privacy protection
Best Practice: Enable Auto-Renewal
We strongly recommend enabling auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration. You can manage auto-renewal settings in your account dashboard.
2. Expiring Soon (30 Days Before)
Duration: 30 days before expiration date
Status: Active with expiration warnings
We will send renewal reminder emails starting 30 days before your domain expires:
First reminder: 30 days before expiration
Second reminder: 14 days before expiration
Final reminder: 7 days before expiration
Day-of reminder: On the expiration date
Action Required: Renew your domain before the expiration date to avoid service interruption.
3. Auto-Renew Grace Period (Days 0-30)
Duration: 30 days after expiration
Status: Expired but renewable at standard price
Domain Expired - Action Required!
Your domain has expired. Services may be disrupted. Renew immediately to restore full functionality.
During the grace period:
Your domain may stop resolving (websites and email may stop working)
You can still renew at the standard renewal price
No additional fees are charged during this period
Domain transfers to other registrars are not permitted
DNS and nameserver changes are not allowed
Recommended Action: Renew your domain as soon as possible to avoid entering the redemption period.
4. Redemption Period (Days 30-60)
Duration: 30 days (from day 30 to day 60 after expiration)
Status: Redeemable with additional fees
Redemption Period - High Recovery Costs!
Your domain is in the redemption period. Significant fees apply to restore it. See our Redemption Fee Schedule.
During the redemption period:
Your domain is no longer active and does not resolve
All services (website, email) are completely non-functional
The domain can only be restored by paying redemption fees
Redemption fees are significantly higher than standard renewal
Transfers to other registrars are not permitted
No changes to domain settings are allowed
Redemption Costs:
Redemption fees include both registry charges and OrbitFour processing fees. See our
Redemption Fee Schedule
for current pricing.
Critical Action: Contact support immediately at
[email protected]
to initiate redemption.
5. Pending Delete (Days 60-75)
Duration: Approximately 15 days (from day 60 to day 75 after expiration)
Status: Scheduled for deletion, cannot be recovered
Domain Cannot Be Recovered
Your domain is scheduled for deletion and cannot be recovered by the current owner. The domain will be released for public registration soon.
During the pending delete period:
The domain cannot be renewed, restored, or transferred
No changes of any kind can be made to the domain
The domain is completely non-functional
The domain will be deleted and released for public registration
Important: Once a domain enters pending delete status, you will need to re-register it after deletion if you wish to regain ownership. However, there is no guarantee you will be able to register it, as it will be available to the public.
6. Deleted and Available
When: Approximately 75 days after original expiration
Status: Deleted and available for public registration
After deletion:
The domain is removed from the registry
The domain becomes available for anyone to register
All previous ownership and settings are erased
You may attempt to re-register the domain, but availability is not guaranteed
The domain may be registered by someone else immediately
Note: High-value domains are often targeted by automated systems and may be registered within seconds of deletion. If you lose a valuable domain, it may be very difficult or expensive to recover.
Timeline Summary
Days After Expiration
Phase
Status
Can Renew?
Additional Fees?
-∞ to 0
Active Registration
Active
Yes
No
0 to 30
Grace Period
Expired
Yes
No
30 to 60
Redemption Period
Redemption
Yes (Restore)
Yes (High)
60 to 75
Pending Delete
Pending Delete
No
N/A
75+
Deleted
Available
No (Re-register)
N/A
TLD-Specific Variations
While most generic TLDs (.com, .net, .org, etc.) follow the timeline described above, some TLDs may have different policies:
Some ccTLDs (country-code TLDs) may not have a redemption period
Some new gTLDs may have shorter or longer grace and redemption periods
Premium domains may have different renewal and redemption policies
Registry-reserved domains may have special lifecycle rules
Always check the specific policies for your TLD. If you have questions, contact our support team at [email protected].
Best Practices
✓ Do This
Enable auto-renewal for important domains
Keep your contact information and payment methods up to date
Monitor your registered email address for renewal notices
Set calendar reminders for domain expiration dates
Renew domains well before expiration
Consider multi-year registrations for important domains
✗ Don't Do This
Don't wait until the last day to renew
Don't ignore renewal reminder emails
Don't let domains expire if you want to keep them
Don't assume you can easily recover an expired domain
Don't use an email address you don't check for domain contacts
Don't forget to update payment methods before they expire
Need Help?
If you have questions about the domain lifecycle or need assistance with renewal or restoration, contact our support team at [email protected].