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Expired Domain Renewal, Redemption, and Auction Policy
When a domain expires, the next steps may include standard renewal, redemption, auction, pending delete, or release back to the public, depending on the TLD and registry rules. This page explains how NiceNIC handles expired domains, what fees may apply, when recovery may still be possible, and when a domain may no longer be restorable. For most gTLDs, NiceNIC's public help center describes a 30-day grace period followed by a 30-day redemption period, while its service agreement also makes clear that timing can vary by TLD and registry policy.
The English version of NiceNIC's legal agreements and policies is the controlling version. Any translation is provided for convenience only. In the event of any inconsistency, the English-language version will prevail. ICANN's Expired Registration Recovery Policy also requires registrars to provide clear information about expiration notices, renewal, and redemption procedures for gTLDs.
On Aug. 31, 2013, ICANN adopted the Expired Registration Recovery Policy (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/errp-2013-02-28-en), which requires registrars to disclose important information to Registrants and prospective customers about expiration notices, fees, and redemption procedures (for more information please check https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/errp-2013-02-28-en).
What Happens When a Domain Expires?
An expired domain does not immediately become available to the public. In most cases, it moves through several stages. First, there may be a post-expiration renewal window. After that, the domain may move into a redemption stage, may enter auction if eligible, and may later be deleted at the registry. Once the registry-level redemption period ends, the domain typically enters a 5-day Pending Delete stage before it is finally released for re-registration. NiceNIC also notes that your domain may stop resolving on the day it expires, even if it is still within a grace period for renewal.
Days after expiration may vary depending on TLD
Day from expiration Action
Day 0 The domain name can be renewed manually by the registrant at no extra cost (for a standard fee) for the next 30 days.
Day 26 Domain goes to auction, registrant can still manually renew the domain at no extra cost (for a standard fee).
Day 31 If no active bids in the auction, the domain name can be renewed by the registrant for standard fee plus the cost of redemption fee. Once there is a bid in the auction, the domain is removed from your account and cannot be renewed anymore.
Day 37 Domain goes to a final closeout auction. Unless there's a pending purchase of the domain, the registrant can still manually renew the domain for the standard fee plus the applicable redemption fee. Registrant can't renew the domain if a purchase is pending. Once there is a purchase of the domain, the domain is removed from your account and cannot be renewed anymore.
Day 41 Final closeout auction ends. Unless there was a purchase of the domain, the registrant can still manually renew the domain for the standard fee plus
the applicable redemption fee.
Day 74 Domain is removed from your account and can't be renewed any more. The registrant may be able to register the domain name after the registry has
released it, but we can't advise when the registry will release a domain name for registration.
TLDs' grace periods
Generic TLD (gTLD) grace periods
When a domain expires, your website and mail service stop functioning, and no changes can be made to the domain.
However, for generic TLDs (.com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, etc.), you have a period of about 30 days after the actual expiration date during which you can still renew the domain at NiceNIC at the regular rate. A full list of generic TLDs can be found on the Domain Name Search page.
If you do not renew the domain within this grace period, your domain name may be auctioned off and purchased by someone else. If your domain is not auctioned off, it may enter the Redemption Grace Period that lasts 30 days (sometimes more) at the Registry.
As an owner, you still have the option to get the domain back at this stage for a redemption price (plus $0.20 ICANN fee for generic TLDs). To reinstate your domain name from redemption, please check the pricing table to see how much you need to pay, add the correct amount to your account balance and contact our Support team, who will complete the process.
If the domain is not reinstated from redemption, it enters the PendingDelete stage at the Registry for 5 days. On the 6th day, the domain should be released to the public for re-registration.
Normally, generic TLDs get released approximately in 70-80 days (in rare cases, up to 120 days) after the expiration date if not auctioned off and not reinstated from RGP.
Please note that once the domain has been released, the registration is carried out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Country code TLD (ccTLD) grace periods
Most of ccTLDs (Country Code TLDs) live according to the general domain life-cycle mentioned above (e.g., such TLDs as .AI, .BZ , .CA, .CC, .CO, .FM, .ID, .IN, .IO, .ME, .MX, .PW, .TV, .UK, .US, .WS). A full list of ccTLDs can be also found on the Domain Name Search page.
Still, there are some TLDs that have different life-cycles set by their Registries. Below, you can find the information about them along with the instructions on how to not let your domain name expire and what to do with the already expired ones. Keep in mind that if a domain is not renewed on time, it may enter the Redemption Grace Period (RGP). During this time, your domain will stop working, and no changes can be made to the domain.
Also, there are TLDs that do not have PendingDelete stage. Such domains should be released to the public pool instantly right after their RGP ends: . ES, .EU, .FR. .IS, .LI, .NL, .PE, .PH domains (.PH domains have no RGP).
The .CH, .ES, .FR, .LI, .PE, .SG, .COM.SG, .COM.AU, .ORG.AU, .NET.AU TLDs must be renewed 12 days prior to the actual expiration date. If not renewed, the domain will enter RGP right away regardless of the number of days left until expiration.
.ES RGP lasts up to 10 days from the expiration date. There is no PendingDelete stage, and the domain will be released instantly once the RGP is over.
The .CX, .DE, .EU and .NL TLDs can be renewed manually or auto-renewed not later than 5 days before expiry. Please be aware that .CX, .DE, .EU and .NL domains are most likely going to be placed into RGP right on the 5th day prior to expiration if not renewed. If the domain lapsed, please contact our Support team, and we'll see what can be done in this case.
If your domain is .CM, please make sure to renew it before the actual expiration date. These domains do not enter RGP and are sent for deletion right on the expiration date. Normally, these domains are released into the public pool and become available for registration on the same day they expire.
.GG domains can be reactivated from your account during approximately 28 days from the expiration..GG domains can enter RGP at any time between the 28th and 30th day after the domain expiration date. Once a domain enters RGP, it can only be reactivated by our Support team during approximately 26 days.
There is no RGP for .PH, .COM.PH, .NET.PH, or .ORG.PH domains.
It's possible to reactivate an expired domain within 30 days via your NiceNIC account at a regular renewal cost. If you can no longer see the domain in your account, though it is not yet available for registration, you may still try to restore it by contacting our Support team.
One more exception to the common life-cycle is .UK (including second-level TLDs such as .CO.UK, .ME.UK, .ORG.UK). While a regular 30-day grace period is provided for this TLD after the actual expiration date, these domains are not released to the public after the grace period. Instead, they are placed into RGP that does not require paying a redemption fee for the domain reactivation. Thus, it should be possible to renew your .UK domains at a regular price up until their release date, which is 90 days for .UK domains. If your .UK domain expired more than 30 days ago but is still not released, and you do not see it in your account, please contact our Support team for further assistance with the renewal.
.TO domains can only be reactivated during 27 days after the expiration. There is no RGP for this TLD, and once these 27 days are over, the domains get reserved by the Registry with no possibility to renew/reactivate them.
.NU TLDs can be reactivated in a regular way within 7 days after the expiration. If not renewed, the domain will enter a 60-day RGP, during which you may still try to restore it by contacting our Support team.
NiceNIC Expired Domain Recovery FAQ: Common Questions & Answers
When a domain expires, the exact timeline may vary depending on the TLD and the registry's policy. For eligible domains under NiceNIC's standard expired domain process, the timeline below explains how notifications, renewal, redemption, and auction stages generally work.
Quick Overview: Three Timelines You Should Know
1) Expiration Notification Timeline
NiceNIC sends multiple reminder emails to help you avoid losing your domain.
30, 15, 10, 7, and 3 days before expiration: Renewal reminder emails
On the expiration date: Expiration notice with renewal instructions
3, 7, 10, 15, and 30 days after expiration: Follow-up reminder emails
2) Renewal and Redemption Timeline
This timeline explains when you can still renew your domain and when a redemption fee may apply.
Day 0 to Day 30 after expiration:
You can usually renew the domain at the standard renewal fee, with no redemption fee.
Day 31 and after:
If the domain has not been renewed in time, it may move into a redemption stage, and recovery may require the standard renewal fee plus a redemption fee.
After final deletion or registry release:
The domain can no longer be renewed or restored through NiceNIC.
3) Auction Timeline for Eligible Domains
Day 26:
The domain may enter expired domain auction. At this stage, the registrant may still be able to renew it at the standard renewal fee.
Day 31 and after:
If there is an active bid, normal renewal may no longer be available.
If there is no active bid, recovery may still be possible with the standard renewal fee plus the redemption fee.
Day 37:
The domain may move to final closeout auction.
Day 41:
Final closeout auction typically ends.
Around Day 72 and beyond:
If the domain is not renewed, restored, or sold, it may eventually be released by the registry and return to the public registration pool. The exact release date depends on the TLD and registry policy.
Common Questions About Expired Domains
1. What happens if my domain expires?
If your domain expires, you may still have time to recover it. In many cases, there is a post-expiration renewal window during which you can renew it at the standard renewal fee. After that, the domain may move into redemption, may enter auction if eligible, and may later be deleted and released back to the public.
2. Can I still renew my domain after it expires?
Usually, yes, but only for a limited time. For most gTLDs, NiceNIC publicly describes a 30-day post-expiration grace period. After that, normal renewal may no longer be available, and a redemption fee may apply instead. If the domain has an active bid or pending purchase in an expired-domain auction, recovery options may be more limited.
3. Why does my WHOIS show the domain was automatically renewed?
In some cases, the registry may reflect an automatic extension as part of the expiration and deletion lifecycle. This does not necessarily mean the registrant has completed and paid for a regular renewal through the registrar. If the domain is not manually renewed within the applicable recovery window, additional fees or restrictions may still apply.
4.What is the Redemption Grace Period?
The Redemption Grace Period, often called RGP, is the stage that applies after the domain has been deleted at the registry but is still temporarily recoverable. For applicable gTLDs, ICANN describes this as a 30-day period immediately following deletion. During this period, the domain typically does not resolve and can only be restored through the registrar for an added fee.
5. How much is the redemption fee?
The recovery cost is usually:
Standard renewal fee
Plus the applicable redemption fee
For many domains, the redemption fee is commonly around $100, but the exact amount may vary depending on the TLD.
6. Can I recover my domain after it enters auction?
Possibly, but it depends on the stage. For eligible auction domains, recovery may still be possible in certain periods before a sale is finalized. However, once there is an active bid or a pending purchase, standard renewal may no longer be available. Because not all TLDs follow the same auction process, the safest approach is to renew before the domain reaches auction at all.
7.What does Pending Delete mean?
Pending Delete is the final pre-release stage after redemption. It typically lasts 5 days. During this period, the domain cannot be renewed, restored, or transferred. Once the stage ends, the domain is deleted by the registry and may become available for public registration.
8. When will my expired domain be released to the public?
There is no single universal date for every TLD. For many generic TLDs, the domain may be released roughly 70-80 days after expiration if it is not renewed, restored, or sold. However, the exact release timing depends on the TLD, registry policy, and whether an auction path applied.
9. How does NiceNIC notify me about an expiring domain?
NiceNIC sends reminder emails before and after expiration to help reduce the risk of accidental domain loss. However, you should also keep your contact email up to date and monitor your account regularly.
10.How do I avoid losing my domain after expiration?
Keep your account email address up to date, monitor renewal reminders, enable auto-renew if possible, and renew well before the expiration date. This is especially important for ccTLDs, because NiceNIC's service agreement notes that some registries may require renewal up to 60 days before the actual expiration date.
We recommend:
Make sure your account email address is correct
Renew as soon as you receive a reminder email
Do not wait until the domain enters redemption or auction
Important Note
Expiration, renewal, redemption, auction, and deletion timelines may vary by TLD and registry policy. This page is intended as a general guide for domains managed through NiceNIC. For TLD-specific recovery rules, please contact NiceNIC support or submit a ticket from your account.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Expired domain recovery is time-sensitive. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to recover your domain at the standard renewal fee and avoid redemption fees, auction risks, or permanent loss. If your domain is close to expiration, renew it as early as possible to protect your website, email, and brand.
When a domain expires, the next steps may include standard renewal, redemption, auction, pending delete, or release back to the public, depending on the TLD and registry rules. This page explains how NiceNIC handles expired domains, what fees may apply, when recovery may still be possible, and when a domain may no longer be restorable. For most gTLDs, NiceNIC's public help center describes a 30-day grace period followed by a 30-day redemption period, while its service agreement also makes clear that timing can vary by TLD and registry policy.
The English version of NiceNIC's legal agreements and policies is the controlling version. Any translation is provided for convenience only. In the event of any inconsistency, the English-language version will prevail. ICANN's Expired Registration Recovery Policy also requires registrars to provide clear information about expiration notices, renewal, and redemption procedures for gTLDs.
On Aug. 31, 2013, ICANN adopted the Expired Registration Recovery Policy (https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/errp-2013-02-28-en), which requires registrars to disclose important information to Registrants and prospective customers about expiration notices, fees, and redemption procedures (for more information please check https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/errp-2013-02-28-en).
What Happens When a Domain Expires?
An expired domain does not immediately become available to the public. In most cases, it moves through several stages. First, there may be a post-expiration renewal window. After that, the domain may move into a redemption stage, may enter auction if eligible, and may later be deleted at the registry. Once the registry-level redemption period ends, the domain typically enters a 5-day Pending Delete stage before it is finally released for re-registration. NiceNIC also notes that your domain may stop resolving on the day it expires, even if it is still within a grace period for renewal.
Days after expiration may vary depending on TLD
Day from expiration Action
Day 0 The domain name can be renewed manually by the registrant at no extra cost (for a standard fee) for the next 30 days.
Day 26 Domain goes to auction, registrant can still manually renew the domain at no extra cost (for a standard fee).
Day 31 If no active bids in the auction, the domain name can be renewed by the registrant for standard fee plus the cost of redemption fee. Once there is a bid in the auction, the domain is removed from your account and cannot be renewed anymore.
Day 37 Domain goes to a final closeout auction. Unless there's a pending purchase of the domain, the registrant can still manually renew the domain for the standard fee plus the applicable redemption fee. Registrant can't renew the domain if a purchase is pending. Once there is a purchase of the domain, the domain is removed from your account and cannot be renewed anymore.
Day 41 Final closeout auction ends. Unless there was a purchase of the domain, the registrant can still manually renew the domain for the standard fee plus
the applicable redemption fee.
Day 74 Domain is removed from your account and can't be renewed any more. The registrant may be able to register the domain name after the registry has
released it, but we can't advise when the registry will release a domain name for registration.
Generic TLD (gTLD) grace periods
When a domain expires, your website and mail service stop functioning, and no changes can be made to the domain.
However, for generic TLDs (.com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, etc.), you have a period of about 30 days after the actual expiration date during which you can still renew the domain at NiceNIC at the regular rate. A full list of generic TLDs can be found on the Domain Name Search page.
If you do not renew the domain within this grace period, your domain name may be auctioned off and purchased by someone else. If your domain is not auctioned off, it may enter the Redemption Grace Period that lasts 30 days (sometimes more) at the Registry.
As an owner, you still have the option to get the domain back at this stage for a redemption price (plus $0.20 ICANN fee for generic TLDs). To reinstate your domain name from redemption, please check the pricing table to see how much you need to pay, add the correct amount to your account balance and contact our Support team, who will complete the process.
If the domain is not reinstated from redemption, it enters the PendingDelete stage at the Registry for 5 days. On the 6th day, the domain should be released to the public for re-registration.
Normally, generic TLDs get released approximately in 70-80 days (in rare cases, up to 120 days) after the expiration date if not auctioned off and not reinstated from RGP.
Please note that once the domain has been released, the registration is carried out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Country code TLD (ccTLD) grace periods
Most of ccTLDs (Country Code TLDs) live according to the general domain life-cycle mentioned above (e.g., such TLDs as .AI, .BZ , .CA, .CC, .CO, .FM, .ID, .IN, .IO, .ME, .MX, .PW, .TV, .UK, .US, .WS). A full list of ccTLDs can be also found on the Domain Name Search page.
Still, there are some TLDs that have different life-cycles set by their Registries. Below, you can find the information about them along with the instructions on how to not let your domain name expire and what to do with the already expired ones. Keep in mind that if a domain is not renewed on time, it may enter the Redemption Grace Period (RGP). During this time, your domain will stop working, and no changes can be made to the domain.
Also, there are TLDs that do not have PendingDelete stage. Such domains should be released to the public pool instantly right after their RGP ends: . ES, .EU, .FR. .IS, .LI, .NL, .PE, .PH domains (.PH domains have no RGP).
The .CH, .ES, .FR, .LI, .PE, .SG, .COM.SG, .COM.AU, .ORG.AU, .NET.AU TLDs must be renewed 12 days prior to the actual expiration date. If not renewed, the domain will enter RGP right away regardless of the number of days left until expiration.
.ES RGP lasts up to 10 days from the expiration date. There is no PendingDelete stage, and the domain will be released instantly once the RGP is over.
The .CX, .DE, .EU and .NL TLDs can be renewed manually or auto-renewed not later than 5 days before expiry. Please be aware that .CX, .DE, .EU and .NL domains are most likely going to be placed into RGP right on the 5th day prior to expiration if not renewed. If the domain lapsed, please contact our Support team, and we'll see what can be done in this case.
If your domain is .CM, please make sure to renew it before the actual expiration date. These domains do not enter RGP and are sent for deletion right on the expiration date. Normally, these domains are released into the public pool and become available for registration on the same day they expire.
.GG domains can be reactivated from your account during approximately 28 days from the expiration..GG domains can enter RGP at any time between the 28th and 30th day after the domain expiration date. Once a domain enters RGP, it can only be reactivated by our Support team during approximately 26 days.
There is no RGP for .PH, .COM.PH, .NET.PH, or .ORG.PH domains.
It's possible to reactivate an expired domain within 30 days via your NiceNIC account at a regular renewal cost. If you can no longer see the domain in your account, though it is not yet available for registration, you may still try to restore it by contacting our Support team.
One more exception to the common life-cycle is .UK (including second-level TLDs such as .CO.UK, .ME.UK, .ORG.UK). While a regular 30-day grace period is provided for this TLD after the actual expiration date, these domains are not released to the public after the grace period. Instead, they are placed into RGP that does not require paying a redemption fee for the domain reactivation. Thus, it should be possible to renew your .UK domains at a regular price up until their release date, which is 90 days for .UK domains. If your .UK domain expired more than 30 days ago but is still not released, and you do not see it in your account, please contact our Support team for further assistance with the renewal.
.TO domains can only be reactivated during 27 days after the expiration. There is no RGP for this TLD, and once these 27 days are over, the domains get reserved by the Registry with no possibility to renew/reactivate them.
.NU TLDs can be reactivated in a regular way within 7 days after the expiration. If not renewed, the domain will enter a 60-day RGP, during which you may still try to restore it by contacting our Support team.
NiceNIC Expired Domain Recovery FAQ: Common Questions & Answers
When a domain expires, the exact timeline may vary depending on the TLD and the registry's policy. For eligible domains under NiceNIC's standard expired domain process, the timeline below explains how notifications, renewal, redemption, and auction stages generally work.
Quick Overview: Three Timelines You Should Know
1) Expiration Notification Timeline
NiceNIC sends multiple reminder emails to help you avoid losing your domain.
30, 15, 10, 7, and 3 days before expiration: Renewal reminder emails
On the expiration date: Expiration notice with renewal instructions
3, 7, 10, 15, and 30 days after expiration: Follow-up reminder emails
2) Renewal and Redemption Timeline
This timeline explains when you can still renew your domain and when a redemption fee may apply.
Day 0 to Day 30 after expiration:
You can usually renew the domain at the standard renewal fee, with no redemption fee.
Day 31 and after:
If the domain has not been renewed in time, it may move into a redemption stage, and recovery may require the standard renewal fee plus a redemption fee.
After final deletion or registry release:
The domain can no longer be renewed or restored through NiceNIC.
3) Auction Timeline for Eligible Domains
Day 26:
The domain may enter expired domain auction. At this stage, the registrant may still be able to renew it at the standard renewal fee.
Day 31 and after:
If there is an active bid, normal renewal may no longer be available.
If there is no active bid, recovery may still be possible with the standard renewal fee plus the redemption fee.
Day 37:
The domain may move to final closeout auction.
Day 41:
Final closeout auction typically ends.
Around Day 72 and beyond:
If the domain is not renewed, restored, or sold, it may eventually be released by the registry and return to the public registration pool. The exact release date depends on the TLD and registry policy.
Common Questions About Expired Domains
1. What happens if my domain expires?
If your domain expires, you may still have time to recover it. In many cases, there is a post-expiration renewal window during which you can renew it at the standard renewal fee. After that, the domain may move into redemption, may enter auction if eligible, and may later be deleted and released back to the public.
2. Can I still renew my domain after it expires?
Usually, yes, but only for a limited time. For most gTLDs, NiceNIC publicly describes a 30-day post-expiration grace period. After that, normal renewal may no longer be available, and a redemption fee may apply instead. If the domain has an active bid or pending purchase in an expired-domain auction, recovery options may be more limited.
3. Why does my WHOIS show the domain was automatically renewed?
In some cases, the registry may reflect an automatic extension as part of the expiration and deletion lifecycle. This does not necessarily mean the registrant has completed and paid for a regular renewal through the registrar. If the domain is not manually renewed within the applicable recovery window, additional fees or restrictions may still apply.
4.What is the Redemption Grace Period?
The Redemption Grace Period, often called RGP, is the stage that applies after the domain has been deleted at the registry but is still temporarily recoverable. For applicable gTLDs, ICANN describes this as a 30-day period immediately following deletion. During this period, the domain typically does not resolve and can only be restored through the registrar for an added fee.
5. How much is the redemption fee?
The recovery cost is usually:
Standard renewal fee
Plus the applicable redemption fee
For many domains, the redemption fee is commonly around $100, but the exact amount may vary depending on the TLD.
6. Can I recover my domain after it enters auction?
Possibly, but it depends on the stage. For eligible auction domains, recovery may still be possible in certain periods before a sale is finalized. However, once there is an active bid or a pending purchase, standard renewal may no longer be available. Because not all TLDs follow the same auction process, the safest approach is to renew before the domain reaches auction at all.
7.What does Pending Delete mean?
Pending Delete is the final pre-release stage after redemption. It typically lasts 5 days. During this period, the domain cannot be renewed, restored, or transferred. Once the stage ends, the domain is deleted by the registry and may become available for public registration.
8. When will my expired domain be released to the public?
There is no single universal date for every TLD. For many generic TLDs, the domain may be released roughly 70-80 days after expiration if it is not renewed, restored, or sold. However, the exact release timing depends on the TLD, registry policy, and whether an auction path applied.
9. How does NiceNIC notify me about an expiring domain?
NiceNIC sends reminder emails before and after expiration to help reduce the risk of accidental domain loss. However, you should also keep your contact email up to date and monitor your account regularly.
10.How do I avoid losing my domain after expiration?
Keep your account email address up to date, monitor renewal reminders, enable auto-renew if possible, and renew well before the expiration date. This is especially important for ccTLDs, because NiceNIC's service agreement notes that some registries may require renewal up to 60 days before the actual expiration date.
We recommend:
Make sure your account email address is correct
Renew as soon as you receive a reminder email
Do not wait until the domain enters redemption or auction
Important Note
Expiration, renewal, redemption, auction, and deletion timelines may vary by TLD and registry policy. This page is intended as a general guide for domains managed through NiceNIC. For TLD-specific recovery rules, please contact NiceNIC support or submit a ticket from your account.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Expired domain recovery is time-sensitive. The sooner you act, the more likely you are to recover your domain at the standard renewal fee and avoid redemption fees, auction risks, or permanent loss. If your domain is close to expiration, renew it as early as possible to protect your website, email, and brand.
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