Domain Lifetime: How Long is a Domain Registered For

A domain is a unique name for a website on the internet used to identify it, for example, example.com.

A domain is not purchased permanently — it is registered for a limited period. The registration term of a domain can range from 1 to 10 years, with the possibility of renewal. The owner of the domain is the person who paid for its registration and provided their information in the domain record.

Domain Lifecycle Stages

The lifespan of a domain consists of several sequential stages, each determining the status of the domain name and its availability to the owner or third parties.

1. Available: the domain is not yet registered and is available for purchase by any user through a registrar.
2. Registered/Active: once purchased, the domain becomes active. It is assigned to the owner for a specified period. During this time, it can be used: connected to a website, email, etc.
3. Expired: if the domain is not renewed before the registration expiration date, it enters the «expired» status. Usually, within 0–45 days (depending on the registrar and domain zone), the owner can renew it without penalties.
4. Redemption Grace Period: 30–45 days after expiration, the redemption period begins. It lasts 30 days. During this time, the domain no longer works but can still be recovered by paying a higher fee (penalty).
5. Pending Delete: if the domain is not restored, it enters the deletion status, which lasts 5 days. During this time, recovery is no longer possible, and the domain is prepared for full release.
6. After the deletion stage, the domain becomes available for registration again.

How to Check the Domain Expiration Date

You can find out the domain’s expiration date using a WHOIS service. This tool shows the registration details of the domain name, including the registration and expiration dates.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to any WHOIS service, such as:
   1. whois.com;
   2. who.is;
   3. lookup.icann.org.
2. Enter the domain you’re interested in into the search bar.
3. In the results, find the fields:
   1. Creation Date — registration date;
   2. Registry Expiry Date — expiration date;
   3. Updated Date — last renewal date.

If the domain is protected by privacy registration (Privacy Protection), some data may be hidden, but the expiration date is usually still visible.

Recommendations for Managing Domain Expiration

For reliable domain expiration management, it is recommended to always monitor the expiration date and renew the registration in advance, at least a few weeks before expiry.

To avoid missing the deadline, you should enable auto-renewal with your registrar and ensure your account has sufficient funds or that an up-to-date payment card is linked.

It is also important to provide a valid email address in the account settings to receive timely notifications about the upcoming expiration.

If the domain is critically important for a business or project, it makes sense to register it immediately for the maximum term (up to 10 years) and keep the payment confirmation. To protect against possible loss of domain rights, you can use the domain lock feature and activate two-factor authentication in the registrar’s control panel.

Conclusion

Understanding the domain expiration date and its lifecycle stages helps avoid unnecessary risks, retain access to the website, and ensure its uninterrupted operation. Timely renewal, the use of reliable control tools, and careful attention to registration data allow the domain owner to confidently manage their website and maintain it in the long term.

FAQ

How long can a domain be renewed for?

A domain can usually be renewed for a term from one to ten years, depending on the domain zone and registrar. Most registrars offer flexible renewal options for user convenience.

When can a domain be purchased after expiration?

After expiration, a domain typically goes through several stages (grace period, Redemption Grace Period), which can last up to 30 days. The domain can be purchased again once it becomes available for public registration, usually after these periods end.

How often should you check the domain expiration date to avoid losing it?

It is recommended to check the domain expiration date at least once per quarter and set up registrar notifications. This helps avoid accidental loss of the domain and ensures timely renewal.