People on the internet can find and profit from expired domains by putting the sites on auction, exploring Search Engine Optimization (SEO), or content creation.
Thus, we’re sure you’d also want to know when and how you can purchase expired domain names to gain from them.
In this article, we’ll talk about expired domain names in detail and answer the question: how long after the domain expiration date can you purchase an expired domain?
How Long After Domain Expiration Can You Buy It?
When you can purchase expired domains will depend on varying factors — including the domain name extension (a.k.a. top-level domain) and the domain registrar where the domain names are logged.
Each domain name registrar has distinct processes or waiting periods that differentiate it from others.
Hence, the waiting time before you can buy expired domains varies. It could be one second after a domain expires (in the case of domain drop catching) or 45 days from its expiration date.
To fully understand the concepts behind securing an expiring domain name for a price, we’ll break the information down below.
The Redemption Period
Before domain names expire, site owners or domain registrants are given a grace period to reinstate their sites. A series of notices are emailed, informing them about their fees before the expiration date.
The domain registry offers a 30-day grace period for owners to pay their fees and reclaim their site, often without requiring a redemption fee or renewal fee.
Depending on the terms between the web page owner and domain registrars during the general registration, prospective buyers may be ALLOWED to purchase the expired domain during the grace period.
However, most registrars wouldn’t put the domain names up for purchase until the time has elapsed.
Once the owner fails to pay their fees and the renewal grace period lapses, the redemption grace period follows.
In these cases, the domain name registry would still allow the original owner to renew their expired domain name by paying a renewal fee.
This is one of the requirements set by the Internet Corporation Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) as a final warning to the domain owner 30-60 days before the domain names get deleted.
The Pending Delete Status
If the site owner still can’t settle the renewal fee for their domain name within the given redemption grace period, the deletion period follows.
The domain name will carry a “pending delete” status for five days after the redemption period.
The website owner can NO LONGER recover the domain name, and they will lose ownership over it entirely, only being able to visit it via Google Search.
Once the domain name system deletes the site, it becomes available for registration — prospective buyers can pay the price and own the expired domain name on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be the new owner, you need to pay a registration fee to the domain name registry to purchase the domain, though extra fees may apply.
The Drop Auction
As the domain expires, it will be uploaded to the domain name auction registry.
As with an auction house, you can start bidding on your desired domain name once it’s available. To get the domain name, you must be the highest bidder among all the bids.
NOTE: You won’t automatically get the domain name even if you placed the highest among all the bids during the auction if you bid for it during the grace period.
What Happens to a Domain After it Expires?
Once a domain expires, it becomes blocked or taken down by the registry, but it doesn’t mean it disappears.
Three main things could take place once a domain name reaches its expiration date:
- Redemption grace period
- Domain name auction
- Deletion period
How is Expired Domain Availability Determined?
A domain name with an expired status doesn’t automatically mean it’s available.
A registrar would usually grant a restoration grace period for the renewal of their site. Usually, the grace period granted varies from one registrar to another.
Most of the time, you’ll know if the expired domain name is available when the registrar has already auctioned it since the domain names are already accessible through the auction process.
Another common sign is when the registrar offers it to prospective buyers who placed a backorder — the registrar will contact them if renewal for the site is already out of the question.
So, if you want to be ahead of the queue and secure an opportunity to register your target domain name, contacting the registrar and placing a backorder is a SMART CHOICE.
How to Reclaim an Expired Domain
Reclaiming a domain name is easy, but it still depends on the registration process required by the registrar.
While the process varies, we’ll still give you a brief background so you know what to expect as a prospective buyer and registrant.
Identify a Domain You Want to Reclaim
There are marketplaces you can visit to browse through available domains, but there are also some that only let you choose the industry you’d like to focus on.
For example, if you want a domain in the beauty niche that contains the word “makeup” to match your business, you can search for it on the website’s database or library offering domain names.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a domain name, so choose wisely!
Determine the Status of the Domain
You then need to determine if the domain is already in its grace period, redemption period, or has a pending delete status.
You can directly check with the registrar or refer to the initial information gathered on the website to know the status of the domain and if it’s up for sale.
Purchase the Domain
Afterward, you can arrange the payment by following the instructions. You can even acquire shark services to help you purchase your desired site.
Update the Domain Contact Information
This is a crucial step because you want to be contacted for notices regarding your domain, including renewal and expiry, for example.
Don’t forget to change the mobile number, email, and other details from the previous owner’s to yours.
When Can You Buy A Domain That Has Expired?
The perfect time to buy a domain after its expiration date varies. But we’ll give you a general timeline you can refer to for guidance.
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The Timeline for Buying an Expired Domain
According to ICANN, site owners can still renew their accounts when their domains expire. But, if renewals and redemptions are out of the question, it will be open for prospective buyers to register.
Domains can generally be bought and registered by a new registrant 80 days after expiration. This buys time for site owners to have their domains renewed.
Check out this timeline to know more:
- Grace period – 30-40 days after the expiration date
- Redemption – 30-60 days after the grace period
- Pending delete status – 5 days after the redemption period
Factors That Impact the Timeline
As you might notice, there’s only a given range for each phase. This is because there are a few factors affecting the timeline as to when domains become available after they expire, including:
- Domain registrar
- ICANN policies
- Top-level domains
FAQs
Let’s answer more of your questions!
How Do I Prevent My Domain Name From Expiring?
Setting up the site to auto-renew is best so you won’t reach its expiry date BEFORE securing your account. Auto-renew will help simplify the renewal process for your site.
You also have to be attentive to the notices the registrar sends before domains expire. They will remind you to renew your account before it expires.
Can I Buy A Domain That Is Expired Or Pending Renewal?
Yes, you can potentially buy an expired domain, but the timing and ability to purchase depends on its current status. During the grace period (first 30-40 days), the original owner has priority to renew.
You might be able to bid on it during auction, but your purchase won’t be guaranteed until after all grace periods end. It’s best to wait until after the redemption period or place a backorder with a registrar to increase your chances of securing the domain.
How Long Does It Take For A Domain To Become Available After It Expires?
A domain typically becomes fully available for new registration about 80 days after its initial expiration date. This timeline includes a 30-40 day grace period, followed by a 30-60 day redemption period, and finally a 5-day pending delete status.
After these periods end, the domain enters the open market where anyone can register it on a first-come, first-served basis. However, exact timing can vary depending on the domain registrar, top-level domain type, and ICANN policies.
Conclusion
We hope we answered the question, “When is the perfect time to purchase domains as they expire?”
Expired domains can be helpful for business or personal uses. So, we hope you’ll get the best deal for it.
When you already own a domain, don’t let it expire. Make sure to renew your account on time or avail of auto-renewal services to keep your domain renewed and active in a breeze!