What happens after domain names expire?
Once a domain name expires, it goes through many stages before being released to the open market. We send five renewal emails to the HostingDude.com account owner prior to the expiration date. Below is a timeline based on .com domain names.
Note: These timelines do not apply to ccTLD domain names.
| Days after expiration | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | We make the first of three billing attempts to renew the domain name. If the billing fails, the domain name expires and the domain is parked. The domain name can be renewed by the registrant at no extra cost. |
| Day 4 | We make the second billing attempt. The domain name can still be renewed by the registrant at no extra cost. Any website or email services associated with the domain name may be interrupted. |
| Day 12 | We make the third and final attempt to renew the domain name. The domain name can still be renewable by the registrant at no extra cost. |
| Day 19 | The domain name can be renewed by the registrant for the cost of a one-year renewal plus an $80 redemption fee. |
| Day 25 | We add the domain name to an expired domain name auction. |
| Day 31 | The domain may no longer be redeemed. |
| Day 36 | The expired domain name auction ends. If there are no backorders and no bidders in the expired domain name auction, we list the domain name in a closeout auction. |
| Day 41 | The closeout auction ends. |
| Day 42 | We return the domain name to the registry. The registry may hold the domain before releasing it for general registration. |
Note: A registrant can renew an expired domain name at no extra cost up to day 18. If they renew an expired domain name anytime between day 19 and day 42, they must also pay an $80.00 redemption fee. The domain name might not be available for renewal after day 30. If the domain is available for renewal and redemption from the registry after day 42, the $80.00 redemption fee is still applicable.