Domain Name Expiry and Renewal Grace Period of Domains
When a domain name reaches its expiration date without being renewed, it enters a Renewal Grace Period. Here’s a detailed look at what happens during this period and the steps you should take to manage your domain effectively:
1. Domain Name Expiry and Grace Period
- Expiration and Grace Period: If a domain name is not renewed by its expiry date, it enters a Renewal Grace Period. During this time, the domain name will display a temporary commercial Parking Page indicating that it has expired. Websites and emails associated with the domain will no longer function.
2. Auto-Renewal and Parking
Auto-Renewal: The Registry typically auto-renews domains for an additional year. However, this auto-renewal process is not immediate and can take up to 48 hours to complete. If you add another renewal request during this period, it may extend the renewal by an additional year, even if that was not your intention.
Parking Action: To prevent automatic extension issues, the Parking action might be left incomplete. During this time, the domain will show a status like "Action Requested: Parking of <domain name>" and "Status of the action: Awaiting update at Registry."
3. DNS Propagation
- Propagation Time: Once you renew a domain, it can take 24-48 hours for DNS Propagation to complete globally. This period is necessary for your website to start resolving properly and for emails to be received.
4. Renewal Grace Period
- Renewal Grace Period: After the initial expiration, you can renew the domain at normal costs during the Renewal Grace Period. If you do not renew it within this time frame, the domain will be queued for deletion.
5. Redemption Grace Period
Redemption Grace Period: If the domain is not renewed within the Renewal Grace Period, it moves into the Redemption Grace Period, which generally lasts 30 days. During this period, only the current Registrar can redeem the domain. Redeeming a domain during this time can be costly and time-consuming.
Pending Delete: If the domain is not redeemed within the Redemption Grace Period, it will enter the Pending Delete phase for 5 days. In this phase, the domain cannot be redeemed and will eventually be released for fresh registration.
Key Takeaways
Monitor Expiration Dates: Keep track of your domain's expiration date to avoid disruptions in service and additional costs.
Understand Auto-Renewal: Be aware of how auto-renewal works and how it may affect your domain's renewal and renewal periods.
React Quickly: Act promptly during the Grace Period and Redemption Grace Period to avoid losing your domain.
Plan for DNS Propagation: Allow sufficient time for DNS changes to propagate after renewing your domain.
By understanding these stages and acting proactively, you can effectively manage your domain names and avoid potential issues related to expiry and renewal.
