Stage 1: Domain hits expiration date.
      

       For most domains which we register the domain enters into a grace period. During this time the domain is placed on Registrar-Hold status (or a similar status depending on the TLD). In this status the domain can not be transferred to another registrar and the domain will not resolve (as the nameserver entries are removed from the root nameservers).

      During the grace period the domain may be renewed through us or transferred to another OpenSRS Reseller. If the domain is registered through another OpenSRS Reseller you can transfer the domain to us. Transferring the domain between OpenSRS Resellers will renew the domain.

     The specific grace period depends on the TLD of the domain. You can view our Domain Information Chart for more information on grace periods by TLD.

    Once the domain has been renewed the nameserver entries are restored to the root servers, but this change may take up to 48 hours to complete and propagate.

Stage 2: Redemption/Pending Delete Period.

      If a domain is not renewed within the grace period (or the domain does not have a grace period) the domain will enter into what is known as the Redemption Period (if the registry has one) or the Pending Deletion state.

      For the purposes of domains registered through us these are the same. We can/will not redeem/restore domains once they are in this state due to the high cost (both in fees and effort). The length of these periods varies between TLDs. You can view our Domain Information Chart for more information on redemption periods by TLD.

     Also during this period, registrants may perform tests on the marketability of an expiring domain. This practice is called "domain tasting" and typically includes determining the value of a domain name through old links, search queries, and typos. If a domain shows high value, it may be purchased by a snap service (described below).

     The Pending Delete period typically lasts from 1 to 7 days for all domains.

Stage 3: Domain Deleted
     

     At the end of the Pending Delete stage the domain is deleted and made available for registration to the general public.

     However, and this is a big "however", if somebody has "back ordered" the domain through one of the snap registrars they will typically get first crack at the domain. There are also snap registrars that watch the registry for pending deletions, and auto-register expired domains. They put an advertisement or parking page on the domain and wait for visitors; if the domain receives enough hits, or determines enough hits are coming from a single IP address (such as an owner viewing his or her previously-owned domain), they keep the registration and try to resell it to the old owner. If the domain doesn't receive enough hits, they have it refunded by the registry within the first five days. This is known as domain tasting, and is an extremely common practice.