The Domain Name Lifecycle
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A domain name is not purchased permanently. Instead, it is registered for a specific period and must be renewed to remain active.
For many gTLDs, an unrenewed domain may follow a lifecycle similar to the one below. Exact timelines and stages vary by TLD and registrar.
Typical Domain Lifecycle (gTLDs)
Available for Registration → Registered & Active → Expires → Auto-Renew Grace Period → Redemption Grace Period (RGP) → Pending Delete → Available for Registration Again
|
Stage |
Typical Duration |
What Happens |
What You Can Do |
|
Active Registration |
1–10 years |
The domain remains active and fully functional. |
Use the domain normally. Auto-renewal is recommended. |
|
Auto-Renew Grace Period |
Typically 1–45 days |
The domain has expired. Websites, email services, and DNS may stop functioning even though renewal is still possible. |
Renew the domain through your account. |
|
Redemption Grace Period (RGP) |
30 days |
The domain has been removed from normal service and enters redemption status. A redemption fee is usually required. |
Restore the domain through the registrar. |
|
Pending Delete |
Approximately 5 days |
The domain is scheduled for deletion and can no longer be renewed or restored. |
Wait for the domain to be released. |
|
Available Again |
— |
The domain has been fully deleted and becomes available for anyone to register. |
Register the domain if it is still available. |
Important Renewal Reminders
For gTLD registrations subject to ICANN's Expired Registration Recovery Policy, registrars must send renewal reminders before a domain expires.
For most gTLDs, registrars typically send notifications:
-
Approximately 30 days before expiration
-
Approximately 7 days before expiration
-
At least once within 5 days after expiration if the domain has not been renewed or deleted
To avoid missing important renewal notices, we strongly recommend keeping a valid backup email address on your account.
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