Understanding the Lifecycle of a Domain Name
Last Modified: December 12, 2024
(Rev. v1.0)
by Ryan T. M. Reiffenberger
This overview talks about the different stages of domain registration, and what happens before a domain returns back to the market for purchase.
| Stage | Description | Duration (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Active | The domain is registered, paid, and in use by the owner. | 1–10 years (renewable) |
| Expiration | The domain expires if not renewed. The website and email may stop working. | Begins immediately after expiration date. |
| Grace Period | The owner can renew the domain at the standard renewal fee. No penalty is applied. | ~30 days |
| Redemption Period | The domain enters a recovery state; the owner must pay a redemption fee to retrieve it. | ~30 days (varies by registrar) |
| Pending Deletion | The domain is queued for release back to the market; it cannot be renewed by the owner. | ~5 days |
| Return to Market | The domain becomes available for registration by anyone. | Immediately after deletion stage ends. |