Expired domain availability
An expired or suspended domain is not necessarily available to buy
Expiry normally begins a recovery process for the current registrant. A .UK domain can remain renewable for about 90 days after expiry, while global domains follow registry-specific grace, recovery and deletion stages. Search for the domain, but do not assume it can be registered until the registry releases it.
What happens when a .UK domain expires?
Under Nominet’s established lifecycle, a .UK domain normally has a 90-day renewal window. The process is designed to give the existing registrant time to renew, so the domain cannot simply be bought by somebody else on the expiry date.
- 1Days 1 to 30
The domain normally remains active and can be renewed by its registrant through the current registrar.
- 2Days 31 to 90
The domain is normally suspended, so its website and email may stop working, but it can still be renewed by the registrant.
- 3After the renewal window
Nominet may cancel the registration. Release timing is controlled by the registry and a successful new registration is never guaranteed.
- 4If you own the domain
Renew it immediately rather than waiting. Contact UKC Support if it is in your account but the normal renewal route is unclear.
What happens to .com, .net and other global domains?
Global domain endings do not all follow one timetable. A domain may pass through an auto-renew grace period, a paid redemption or restore period, pending delete and eventual release. The length and cost of each stage depend on the registry, registrar and extension.
Grace period
The existing holder may still be able to renew at the usual or stated renewal price. The domain is not available to another buyer.
Redemption or restore
Recovery may still be possible, but an additional registry restoration charge can apply.
Pending delete
The domain is normally locked for deletion and cannot be renewed or newly registered during this stage.
Release
If the registry releases the name, it becomes available on a first-come basis. Automated registration services may compete for valuable names.
What should you do if you want the domain?
Search its current status
Use a live domain search and registry lookup. An expired date alone does not confirm that the name can be registered.
Do not build plans around it yet
Wait until registration is complete in your own account before printing, advertising or trading under the name.
Consider an alternative
A clear available name may be more useful than waiting for a domain that could be renewed or acquired by somebody else.
Protect existing rights
If the domain concerns your company name or trademark, obtain appropriate legal advice rather than relying on the expiry process.
Can a domain be suspended without expiring?
Yes. A registry or registrar may suspend a domain for reasons such as incomplete contact verification, an abuse investigation, a payment problem, a court or dispute process, or a policy breach. A suspended website is not evidence that the domain has expired or will soon be available.
Expired domain questions
Can I buy a .UK domain as soon as it expires?
No. The existing registrant normally has about 90 days to renew. The domain must be cancelled and released before a new registration can succeed.
Can UKC reserve an expiring domain for me?
A normal search cannot guarantee a future registration. Availability is controlled by the registry and other applicants may try to register the same name.
Why does the website not work if the domain is still registered?
The domain may be suspended, its DNS may have changed, or the website or hosting may have a separate fault. Check the registry status and account notices.
Should I buy an expired domain for SEO?
Do not assume old links or age will improve rankings. Buy a domain because the name suits a legitimate website and investigate its history first.
Checking a domain?
Use a live search, then wait for confirmed registration
If your own domain has expired, renew it now. If you want somebody else’s expired domain, keep a sensible alternative ready.