Domain life cycle (hold, redemption, delete)?

Domain life cycle — is the process a domain name goes through from the moment it is registered to its possible deletion and return to public access. This cycle is regulated by the rules of the domain zone (for example, .com, .ua) and depends on the administrator of this zone.

Each domain has its own clear validity period during which it can be used. If the owner does not renew the registration in time, the domain gradually goes through several stages before becoming available for registration by other users.

Phase 0 (Available) — The domain is free and can be registered by anyone through a registrar.

Phase 1 (Active) — the domain is registered for a certain period (usually from 1 to 10 years), set to ok or active. During this period, it is active, and the owner can use it for his needs.

Phase 2 (Expiration Grace Period) — the domain has expired, it is suspended, set to hold. During this period, the domain is usually inactive, but the owner can still renew it at the regular price for 30–45 days.

Phase 3 (Redemption Grace Period) — the domain expired 30 days ago, the domain is blocked, and the redemptionPeriod status is set. At this stage, the domain can be renewed at the increased renewal price for 30 days.

Phase 4 (Pending Deletion) — the domain goes into deletion, and the pendingDelete status is set. At this time, the owner can no longer return it. The domain is removed from the registration system and becomes available for new registration. The phase lasts 5–15 days, after which the domain moves to phase 0 and becomes available for registration again to anyone.

You can find out the current phase of the domain and its validity period through any whois service, for example from Cityhost [link]

Types domains

All domains can be divided into 2 main types — Ukrainian domains and international domains. Depending on the type, the dates of the phases will differ slightly, but all phases will necessarily be the same.

Ukrainian domain zones

Examples of zones

• - National: .ua, .ukr.
• - Regional: .kyiv.ua, .lviv.ua, .od.ua, .kharkiv.ua, .rv.ua.
• - General: .com.ua, .org.ua, .biz.ua, .net.ua.

Stages after the expiration

• - Hold lasts 30 days. The domain is not active, but can be renewed at the standard price.
• - RedemptionPeriod lasts 30 days. The domain can still be renewed, but at an increased price.
• - PendingDelete lasts 5 days. Preparation for deletion.

Re-registration is possible 65 days after the domain expires.

Transfer for most Ukrainian domains is possible immediately after registration or renewal

International domain zones

Examples of zones

• - Popular: .com, .net, .org, .info.
• - Thematic: .shop, .club, .online, .tech, .travel, .art.

Post-expiration steps

• - Hold lasts 30–45 days. The domain is suspended, but can be renewed at the standard price.
• - RedemptionPeriod lasts 30 days. The domain can still be renewed, but at a higher price.
• - PendingDelete lasts 5 days. Preparing for deletion.

Re-registration is possible 65-90 days after expiration.

Transfer is available 60 days after registration or renewal.

Renewal with redemptionPeriod

You can learn more about the cost of domain renewal from redemptionPeriod status on our website [link]

The cost of renewal is determined by the domain zone administration and may vary depending on the zone.

Understanding each phase helps to avoid losing the domain and unnecessary costs for its renewal. Timely renewal of the domain will help to maintain the availability of your resources and avoid risks.

If you have any questions or need help with domain management, our support service is always ready to help.