When a domain name expires, it doesn’t disappear right away. Instead, it moves through a series of registry-defined stages that determine whether it can still be recovered, whether additional fees apply, or whether it has been released back to the public. Understanding where your domain sits in this lifecycle helps you know what actions are still possible.
The 6 Stages of a Domain
| Stage | Status & Timing | What This Means | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Available | Unregistered | The domain is not owned and is open to the public. | Register the domain |
| 2. Active | Registered (1–10 years) | The domain is live and functioning normally. | Use, renew, or transfer |
| 3. Expired (Grace Period) | ~40 days after expiry | Services like email or websites may stop, but the domain can still be recovered at the regular renewal rate. | Renew at standard cost |
| 4. Redemption | 30 days (RGP) | The domain has been removed from normal use. Recovery is still possible, but the registry charges a recovery fee. | Restore with penalty |
| 5. Pending Delete | 5 days | The domain is locked by the registry and cannot be recovered by anyone. | Wait for release |
| 6. Released | Available again | The domain returns to the public pool. | Re-register (if available) |
Key takeaway
There are up to 70 days after the expiry date during which a domain may be recovered. Once a domain enters the Redemption stage (Days 41–70), recovery always includes an additional registry-set fee.
Redemption Grace Period (RGP) Fees: What to Expect
The Redemption Grace Period is the final window where a domain can be recovered before it is permanently released. Fees during this stage are set by the registry, not the registrar.
.CA Domains
Recovery fees for .CA domains are significantly lower than most other extensions.
In some cases, recovery costs may be reduced or waived at the registrar’s discretion.
All Other Extensions (.COM, .NET, etc.)
Most global extensions incur a high registry recovery fee during RGP.
Typical recovery costs are $134+, depending on the extension.
These fees cannot be waived, as they are charged directly by the registry during the recovery process.
Why the difference?
Global registries charge a substantial manual recovery cost to reclaim domains from redemption. Once charged, these fees cannot be reversed.
Important Note About Pending Delete
Once a domain enters the Pending Delete stage, it is fully locked by the registry for a five-day period and cannot be recovered, renewed, or restored by anyone. During this time, no action can be taken to reclaim the domain. Once the Pending Delete period ends, the domain is released back into the public pool and becomes available for registration again. At that point, you may attempt to re-register the domain, but availability is not guaranteed, as it can be claimed by anyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Avoid Domain Loss
- Enable auto-renew to ensure your domain renews automatically before it expires.
- Keep your billing details up to date so renewals can be processed without interruption.
- Renew your domain early rather than waiting until the expiry date.
- Watch for renewal reminder emails, which are sent ahead of expiration.
If you’re ever unsure about your domain’s status, contact our support team as soon as possible. Timing matters, and acting early can make all the difference.
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