Every domain name follows a specific lifecycle that governs its registration, renewal, and expiration. Understanding these stages can help you manage your domain effectively and avoid unintentional loss of ownership.
Gtld domain life cycles:
ATTENTION: IMPORTANT – This only applies Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs).
1. New Registration
When a domain name is first registered, it is considered "new." Domains can be registered for a minimum of one year and up to a maximum of ten years, depending on the registrar's offerings. Once registered, the domain enters the active phase.
2. 5-Day Add-Grace PeriodAfter registration, there is a 5-day grace period known as the "Add-Grace Period." During this time, the registrant can cancel the domain and receive a refund, though this is subject to the registrar's policies. This phase allows users to correct accidental registrations or typos.
3. Domain Active (1-10 Years)Once the grace period ends, the domain becomes fully active. During this phase, the registrant has full control over the domain, including DNS settings, website hosting, and email configurations. The domain remains active for the duration of its registration period, which can range from 1 to 10 years.
4. Expiration Date
If the domain is not renewed by its expiration date, it enters a grace period. Renewal should ideally occur before this date to prevent disruptions in services tied to the domain, such as websites or emails.
5. Auto-Renew Grace Period (45 Days)After expiration, most registrars provide a 45-day auto-renew grace period. During this time:
- The domain may still appear active and usable, depending on the registrar.
- The original registrant can renew the domain at the standard renewal fee.
- If the domain is not renewed within this period, it moves to the redemption phase.
6. Redemption Grace Period (30 Days)
If the domain is not renewed during the auto-renew grace period, it enters a 30-day "Redemption Grace Period." During this phase:
- The domain is no longer active and services tied to it (e.g., websites, emails) will stop functioning.
- The registrant can still reclaim the domain but must pay a redemption fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.
- Redemption fees vary by registrar but are generally higher due to the manual intervention required.
7. Pending Delete (5 Days)
If the domain is not redeemed during the redemption period, it moves to the "Pending Delete" phase. This phase lasts for 5 days, during which:
- The domain cannot be recovered by the original registrant.
- The domain is prepared for release back into the public domain pool.
8. Domain Released
After the pending delete phase, the domain is released and becomes available for anyone to register. At this point, the original registrant has no claim to the domain, and it may be picked up by a different user.
Fees and Timing
- Standard Renewal Fee: Applicable during the active period and the auto-renew grace period (up to 45 days).
- Redemption Fee: If the domain enters the redemption grace period (past 45 days), a higher fee is required to reclaim it.
- Timing Tip: To avoid additional costs and risks, renew your domain before the expiration date or during the auto-renew grace period.
.AU Domain Life cycles (.com.au & .au)
ATTENTION: IMPORTANT – This only applies to .AU Domains.
1. New Registration
When a .AU domain name is first registered, it is added to the registry and becomes active. Registrants must provide accurate and valid details, and the initial registration period typically lasts for 1 to 5 years, depending on the selected term.
After the domain is registered, there is a 3-day Add-Grace Period where the registrar can delete the domain and receive a refund from the registry. This period is mainly used to correct registration errors or address invalid registrations.
3. Domain Active (1-5 Years)During the active period, the domain remains registered to the owner and functions as expected. This period can last between 1 to 5 years based on the term chosen during registration or renewal.
The domain can only be renewed within the final 90 days leading up to its expiration.
When the domain reaches its expiration date, it stops functioning unless it is renewed. Registrants must act during the renewal window to ensure the domain remains active.
5. Expiry Period (30 Days)
After the domain expires, it enters a 30-day expiry period, also known as the grace period. During this time, the registrant has the opportunity to renew the domain without incurring additional fees. However, the domain and its associated services will not be active during this period.
6. Pending Purge (Within 2 Days)
If the domain is not renewed during the expiry period, it moves to the Pending Purge status. This is the final phase before the domain is released back to the public. It remains in this state for up to 2 days, during which it cannot be renewed or re-registered by the original owner.
7. Domain Released
Once the pending purge period ends, the domain is released to the public and becomes available for anyone to register on a first-come, first-served basis. At this point, the previous owner loses all rights to the domain.
Important Notes
- Renewal Period: Domains can only be renewed within 90 days of their expiration date. Be proactive in renewing your domain to avoid losing it.
- Email Notifications: Registrars typically send multiple reminders before a domain expires. Ensure your contact information is up to date.
- Re-registering a Released Domain: Once released, there is no guarantee you will be able to re-register your domain if someone else purchases it.
