The life cycle of a domain name

Important ⚠️

The life cycle of a domain name detailed below is the standard for gTLDs (.COM, .ORG, etc), ccTLDs (.FR, .BE, etc) may have a different life cycle.

What is a domain renewal?

A domain name is registered for a period ranging from 1 to 10 years. In other words, a domain name does not belong to its holder for life. He “rents” it for a fixed period of time and will have to renew it at regular intervals.

Some services (email, hosting, etc.) may be associated with domain names. When the time comes, their proper functioning depends on the timely renewal of the domain name.

What cycle do domains go through?

Here are some of the stages that make up the life cycle of a domain name:

Registration Period: 1 to 10 years.
The domain must be renewed before its expiration date in order to keep all related services (e-mail, hosting, etc.) active.
Grace Period: once the expiration date is reached, the holder can still renew his domain at the same price for 45 days.
Services (e-mail, hosting, etc.) are no longer available.
Redemption Period: the holder has another 30 days to keep his domain name. This is no longer a renewal but a restoration, which is a more expensive process.
Services (e-mail, hosting, etc.) are still unavailable.
If the holder does not renew the domain, it will be permanently deleted.
No further action can be taken for 5 days, the domain is then released and be registered by anyone.