If you're a domain owner who’s missed your renewal date, you might be wondering:
"Can I transfer my domain during the redemption period?"
The short answer is: No, domain transfers are not possible during the redemption period unless the domain is first restored.
In this article, we will explain the redemption period, why transfers cannot occur during this time, and the steps you need to take to restore your domain and proceed with a transfer.
What is the Redemption Period (RGP)?
The Redemption Period is the period in which the domain is once the Renew Grace Period has passed.
During the Redemption Period, the domain cannot be renewed in the usual way and it is necessary to start a recovery process of the domain. The recovery of a domain in this period has an additional fee, this procedure has the name of Restore. Depending on the extension, the cost of Restore can include the price of renewal or not.
Redemption Period Defined:
Duration: Typically lasts 30 days after the domain expires.
Status: During this period, the domain is removed from DNS resolution, and all services are suspended.
Recovery: Domain owners can still restore the domain during this period by paying a redemption fee and renewing the domain.
Can You Transfer a Domain During the Redemption Period?
Actually no, until it’s restored.
ICANN’s Expired Registration Recovery Policy (ERRP) clearly prohibits domain transfers during the redemption period. The redemption period is specifically designed to allow domain owners to recover their expired domains before they are deleted and made available for new registration.
Why Can't a Domain Be Transferred During Redemption?
The domain’s status during the redemption period is not active, meaning it’s not fully under your control until it’s restored.
DNS is suspended: During the redemption period, DNS settings are also suspended, and the domain is not resolving to any web or mail servers, which is necessary for transferring.
Registrar Restrictions: Registrars enforce ICANN’s policy and typically lock the domain from transfer to ensure the rightful owner has the chance to restore it before it’s permanently deleted.
How to Transfer a Domain After the Redemption Period
Although you cannot transfer a domain directly during the redemption period, you can restore the domain and then proceed with the transfer.
Step 1: Restore Your Domain
To restore a domain during the redemption period:
1. Log into your current registrar’s account to check the status of your domain.
2. If the domain is in the Redemption Period, follow the instructions to redeem and renew your domain.
3. You will typically need to pay a redemption fee (which is higher than regular renewal fees) to restore the domain.
4. DNS will be reactivated once the domain is restored, and services (such as websites and email) will be re-enabled.
Important Reminder: Restoration usually takes 24–48 hours for DNS to propagate and become fully active again.
Step 2: Verify Domain Status
Once your domain is restored and active again:
1. Check that your domain is listed as “Active” in your registrar’s interface.
2. Ensure that all DNS settings are correct and working before proceeding with the transfer.
3. Unlock the domain if it’s still locked by the registrar (many registrars lock domains by default to prevent unauthorized transfers).
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer
After confirming that the domain is active:
1. Request a transfer to your desired registrar.
2. Make sure that the Auth code (EPP code) is obtained from your current registrar, as this is necessary to authorize the transfer.
3. Follow the transfer process as outlined by your new registrar. Transfer times vary, but usually take 5–7 days.
FAQ
Q1: Can I transfer my domain if it is still in the redemption period?
A: No, ICANN’s policies prohibit transferring domains during the redemption period. The domain must be restored first, and then the transfer can proceed.
Q2: How long does it take to restore a domain in the redemption period?
A: Once you pay the redemption fee, restoration typically takes 24–48 hours for DNS to become active again.
Q3: Can I transfer my domain if I miss the redemption period?
A: Unfortunately, if your domain enters the Pending Delete phase, it cannot be restored or transferred. You will have to wait for the domain to become available for public registration.
Q4: Is the redemption fee refundable?
A: Typically, redemption fees are non-refundable. If you do not restore the domain within the redemption period, the domain will be permanently deleted
Conclusion: Why Timely Action Is Essential
While a domain in the Redemption Grace Period cannot be transferred immediately, it can be restored and then transferred. To avoid losing your domain, act quickly to redeem and restore it before it enters the Pending Delete phase.
By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your domain remains in your control, allowing you to proceed with transferring it to your preferred registrar.
Nicenic stands as that trusted partner for brands, developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses worldwide, offering reliable domain management services and expert support to help you navigate the domain lifecycle and ensure your website remains secure and operational.
