Internet Names for Business FAQ

Expired domain names move through a few different stages, and this can change depending on which registrar the domain was purchased through as well as what type of domain it is. The basic stages are as follows:

Expiration Grace period – starts at the time of Registration, lasts approximately one month. During this time, only the domain owner can renew the domain and the cost is the standard rate.

Redemption Period – starts when the Expiration Grace period ends, lasts for either one month or one year depending on the Registrar’s assessed demand for the domain name. During this time, only the domain owner can renew the domain, but there is a higher price. Note: there is no Redemption period for .ca domain names; there is only the Expiration Grace period

To Be Released – for .ca domains after the Expiration Grace period is over. Domains are released on Wednesday afternoons; to find out when your domain is released, check with CIRA .

Pending Delete – When the Redemption period is over, the automated registration system takes some time to clear your domain out of the system, during which time the domain status is “Pending Delete”. Domains stay in Pending Delete for anywhere from one to five business days, and no action can be taken on a domain name in this status.

When in doubt, please contact us for detailed information about the status of your domain name.

See also: 1.2 - How can I contact Internet Names for Business?