What Happens After a Domain Expires?

A domain name, also known as a web domain, is a unique name or address that an individual types into a browser to access a website. It is crucial for maintaining a brand’s digital presence. This is because an active domain can help brands enhance credibility, improve search engine visibility and user traffic, and boost sales. So, on the off chance your domain name expires, you may face certain challenges.

What Happens After a Domain Expires?

You cannot register a domain name for an indefinite period. Typically, you get to lease it for one to ten years. This is the active stage, wherein the domain is live and within your control; you can make changes, update the contact information, and manage DNS settings. However, when you do not renew a domain, it moves through a three-stage cycle.

Expired

Your website and email cease to function when you don’t renew the domain before its expiration date. In such cases, users will most likely see “parked domain” displayed on your website or come across an error message, “This site can’t be reached.”

Most domain registrars, including some of the best options like Hostinger, GoDaddy, and DreamHost, offer a grace period between 30 and 45 days to renew a domain without penalties. At this point, you still have priority over other third-party bids. However, you must be prompt with your decision to avoid serious consequences. Take Sorenson Communications, for instance. Its domain, sorenson.com, briefly expired, leading to a three-day service outage wherein users could not access critical services like 911. The company had to pay a fine of $3 million, including reimbursement and penalty.

Redemption Grace Period

The domain enters the redemption grace period if you do not pay the registration fees during the first stage. Here, most top-level domain registrars charge a redemption fee and the usual renewal cost for the domain name. The redemption fee is non-refundable and can differ based on the registrar.

Pending Delete

This is the third phase of what happens when a domain name expires. Suppose you do not pay the renewal fee; the expired domain can be deleted from the registry and made available for public registration.

In April 2013, Regions Bank forgot to renew its domain name. As a result, the website went into “Pending Delete” status, and access to various online services was lost. Regions Bank moved swiftly to renew the website for the next 10 years; however, the website was down for about 24 hours.

Top Tools to Check If a Domain Has Expired

The easiest way to check if a domain name has expired is by logging into the registrar’s website and checking the relevant section of the account dashboard. While each registrar has different layouts, you can usually find the information listed under “Domain Expiry Date” or something similar. Alternatively, you can also use other tools to determine whether a domain has expired.

WHOIS.com

The tool helps you identify domain information, such as the date of creation and expiration. You can use WHO.IS or ICANN WHOIS for this.

Domain.com

You can use this tool to check the expiration date of a domain and set an automatic reminder via Domain.com to alert you before it is about to expire.

DomSignal.com

In addition to displaying the domain expiration date, DomSignal.com shows other important information, such as the date of creation and the date you last paid for renewal.

When Can You Buy a Domain After It Expires?

You can buy a domain after the “Pending Delete” phase. This stage lasts about five days, following which, the domain becomes available to anyone who wishes to buy it. While you can buy a domain after it expires, remember that other prospective buyers may also be considering the purchase.

Can Someone Else Buy Your Expired Domain?

Yes, a third party, such as competitors and domain speculators, can purchase your domain name, provided it has fully expired and been returned to the public server. You have about 70 to 75 days post-expiration to renew the domain.

Note: If you are wondering how to buy a domain name from someone else, know that it is completely up to their discretion. They may choose to use the domain themselves, auction it, or sell it at a higher price. They can use backordering services to claim expired domains, especially those that are high-traffic and brandable, the moment they become available. So, to protect your domain, remember to pay the registration and renewal fees on time. You can also set up the auto-renewal feature to avoid missing payment dates.

FAQs

Do websites go offline immediately after a domain expires?

Yes. A website typically goes offline immediately after a domain expires. After this, it is not associated with a hosting service.

What is a domain grace period?

The “Redemption Grace” or domain grace period is when you fail to pay the registration fees during the “Expired” stage. This is typically after 35 to 40 days. While you can re-register the domain during this period, delayed registration can cost you an additional non-refundable fee. The amount you may have to pay depends on the registrar.

Can I buy someone else’s expired domain?

Yes. When the domain reaches the “Pending Delete” phase, an expired domain becomes open for public registration, allowing you or other interested parties to buy it.

Can an expired domain still be renewed?

Yes and no. You can renew an expired domain only if the registrar’s policies allow it. Most offer grace and redemption periods, after which the registrar can choose to put it up for domain registration. This is why it is essential to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before purchasing a domain name from a registrar.

Will I lose my SEO rankings if my domain expires?

Yes. An expired domain means the website is no longer functional and accessible to users. The downtime may cause prospective users to move to other competitors, reducing site visibility and impacting its SEO.

Do I get notified before my domain expires?

Yes. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) makes it mandatory for registrars to send expiration notifications and renewal reminders to domain registrants. These are usually sent about 30 days and 7 days before expiration. A final notification may be sent out on the date of expiration. Based on your registrar, you may also receive an invoice reminder about 14 days before expiration.