When does a domain name come into existence? How does another person end up owning a domain name created by someone else? Understanding the life cycle of your domain can be tricky, but here at Epik, we want you to understand how your domain works.
Domains have five different states in their life cycle:
1. Available for registration
2. Registered
3. Expired
4. Redemption Grace Period
5. Pending Delete
While we are showing the domain cycle progressing from State 1 through State 5, understand that the process might not always be sequential. For example, a name could be registered (State 2), then expire (State 3), and then be renewed and return to the State 2. Again, domains can be confusing, but don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the process. Read on.
State 1: Domain name is available for registration
A unregistered domain name is in State 1. The name you want is available and you can register it. You can register a domain name anywhere from 1 to 10 years.
State 2: Domain name is registered
Domain names are unique. When you register a domain name, it can’t be registered by anyone else. During State 2, your domain name can be used for online services like a website or email hosting. Most registered domain names are in State 2.
Note: When a name is in State 2, you don’t have to actively be using it. A domain name you own that isn’t being actively used is said to be parked.
State 3: Domain name has expired
Every domain name has an expiration date. Most registrars will inform you ahead of the expiration date in accordance with ICANN. At Epik, we always let you know when your domain is going to expire, and we presume you want to renew it even if your first payment fails. If you don’t renew the registration before the expiration date, the domain will enter State 3—the expired state.
After entering the expired state, the you’ll have a renewal grace period. (The length of the grace period depends on the registrar and can be as little as ten days. At Epik, you have a thirty-day renewal grace period.) During the renewal grace period, visitors to your expired domain will see a “This site can’t be reached” message.
State 4: Domain name is in redemption grace period
If the renewal grace period passes and you still haven’t renewed your domain name, it enters State 4—a 45-day redemption grace period. During the redemption grace period, you can renew the domain for an additional cost. Domains cannot be transferred during this period.
State 5: Domain name is pending delete
After your domain name completes the redemption grace period, it enters State 5—pending deletion. While pending delete, you can’t renew your domain name. After 5 days, the domain name is deleted. The domain name then restarts the domain name life cycle at State 1 by becoming available for registration.