Simply put, the Redemption Period is a phase after a domain has expired and after the grace period.

During this time, the original owner can still recover the domain, but often at a higher cost.

More About Redemption Periods

If a domain isn’t renewed during the grace period, it enters the redemption phase. During this period, the domain is deactivated and might display a placeholder page. Recovering a domain in redemption is possible but typically involves higher fees. If still not reclaimed, the domain will eventually be released and become available for re-registration.

Here are more specifics about the domain “Redemption Period”:

  • Expiration: The Redemption Period comes into play after a domain has expired. When a domain owner fails to renew the domain before its expiration date, the domain enters a grace period, during which the registrant may still have the opportunity to renew it without additional fees.
  • Grace Period: Prior to the Redemption Period, most domain registries offer a grace period during which the domain owner can renew the domain without incurring any redemption fees. The duration of this grace period varies by registry but typically lasts for a few weeks.
  • Redemption Period Duration: After the grace period ends and if the domain is still not renewed, the domain enters the Redemption Period. The Redemption Period is an additional phase that generally lasts for 30 days. During this time, the domain is not active, and the registrant has limited options for recovering it.
  • Recovery During Redemption Period: To recover a domain during the Redemption Period, the domain owner must typically go through their domain registrar and pay a fee, which can be substantially higher than a standard renewal fee. The process involves redeeming the domain from the registry, and the registrar facilitates this process on behalf of the domain owner.
  • Registry Hold: While in the Redemption Period, the domain is in a “registry hold” status, which means it cannot be registered or used by anyone else. It is effectively locked to prevent unauthorized transfers or registrations.
  • Limited Functionality: During the Redemption Period, the domain’s website and email services are usually disabled. The domain does not resolve to any website, and email sent to addresses associated with the domain may bounce or go undelivered.
  • No Guarantees: Not all domain registries have a Redemption Period, and the rules and fees associated with it can vary from one registry to another. Additionally, there is no guarantee that a domain can be recovered from the Redemption Period, as it depends on the registry’s policies and the domain registrar’s ability to facilitate the redemption.
  • Expiration of Redemption Period: If the domain owner does not redeem the domain within the Redemption Period, it typically becomes available for registration by the general public. At this point, anyone can register the domain on a first-come, first-served basis.

In summary, the Redemption Period is a specific phase in the lifecycle of an expired domain name, lasting around 30 days, during which the domain owner has the option to recover the domain by paying a redemption fee (120USD).

It is a last-chance opportunity to regain control of the domain before it becomes available for registration by others.