The domain life cycle begins with a domain name being available, then activated, expires if not renewed, and eventually deleted.
In many cases, domain owners forget about renewal fees and allow a domain to expire.
So what happens when a domain expires? Find the answer and a few tips on staying on top of your domain name registration in our article below.
When a Domain Is Not Renewed
The domain life cycle is similar across most extensions. A domain starts its life cycle by being available for registration through a domain checker.
Once you’ve purchased your domain name, it is kept active for at least 1 year. You will need to renew your domain to continue ownership. It is important to know when a domain expires to utilize it fully!
What happens to a domain once it is beyond its expiration date will differ depending on the extension or TLD you registered it in.
Domain Name Is Unavailable
It is embedded in the domain name system that your domain registrar will keep sending expiration notices to keep your domain active.
You can manually renew your domain or set it up for auto-renewal.
The day after the domain expires, your domain name is deactivated and “parked” until further action.
Website Is Inaccessible
Don’t let your domain expire. At this point, your websites are no longer active and will show an error message.
You can still have your domain renewed and pay regular renewal rates for as long as it has not reached the end of its redemption status; they can take advantage of expired domain benefits if offered to third parties.
However, even when your domain is up for auction, you still have the priority to renew it within 30 days of its expiration date. You might also need to pay a redemption fee.
Grace Period
A grace period will depend on the TLD. Some extensions will even enter redemption status immediately.
Renewal Grace Period
You can typically renew your domains without paying extra fees in 30 days.
This grace period allows you to renew your domain with its standard renewal fee.
Redemption Grace Period
Some TLDs allow your expired domain to enter a redemption grace period known as a registrar hold status.
In the redemption period, you will pay additional fees to regain your domain. The amount includes a renewal fee and a redemption fee determined by your TLD.
Additionally, your registrar begins to auction off your domain during the redemption period. Learning the differences between auction domains and expired domains will greatly help you!
However, even when bidding has begun, the new owner will still have to wait 30 days before they can own your domain.
If you decide to renew during this second set of 30 days, you get to take your domain back. If not, the highest bidder will own it.
If no one bids on your domain name in the auction, the registrar will list it for a lower price in a closeout sale.
After Grace Period
After the grace period, your domain name will go through a pending deletion stage.
Domain Name Is Available to Re-Register
If there is no success for sale during the auction during the redemption stage, the domain enters a pending deletion stage.
This means the domain name will be deleted and returned to its available status on the registry.
Some even go to the extent of drop-catching. This is when a person quickly “catches” and registers an expired domain name. The exact moment it has “dropped” is after the redemption period when it can be re-purchased.
You can buy expired domains at Odys Global Domains Marketplace at a good price.
Website Is Lost
If you do not renew the domain or sell it in an auction during the registry grace period, it will soon be deleted and released for general registration.
At this point, your websites are lost, expired, and will no longer function.
How to Avoid Domain Expiration
Here are some ways to keep your domain registration and avoid expiration:
Set Up Automatic Renewal
If you don’t want to manually renew your domain yearly, set your account to auto-renew. You will only need to pay the standard renewal price every time.
If you attach your credit card, monitor expiry dates to avoid payment decline.
Also, be wary that renewing an expired domain within the redemption period will cost you additional fees.
Monitor Domain Expiration Date
Upon initial purchase of a domain name, you can pay fees ahead of time.
Make sure to switch your email notifications on and update your email so you won’t miss out when it’s time to renew.
Purchase Domain With a Longer Registration Cycle
Keep your domain registered longer if you want your websites to run smoothly for multiple years.
Domains have a minimum registration period of one year and a maximum of 10 years. Registering for multiple years saves you the hassle of renewing each year, and you get to lock in the current price!
What to Do When a Domain Expires
You should keep your domain names active for smoother business operations online.
But if you get expired domains in your hands, here is what you can do:
Renew the Domain
When your registration expires, immediately contact the registry and check your options to continue operating your domains.
Transfer the Domain
You can transfer your expired domain to another web hosting service within the grace period. Beyond the redemption period, it is no longer possible.
Contact your current registrar and initiate a change of registrant. Your registrar will then confirm this action through a secure email request.
Consider Deleting the Domain
This cancels your registration. Visitors cannot find your website, emails are no longer sent, DNS stops serving, and other parties can buy your domain after the grace period.
Final Words
Avoid business disruptions by not losing your domain. Opt for an auto-renew account and keep your contact information up-to-date!