Recovering expired domain names can be a convoluted and frustrating process. To help you recover expired domain names from the most common registrars, we've put together some notes for GoDaddy, Network Solutions, Enom to help you get started.
Please note that this information applies to gTLDs (.com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .mobi). The expiration policies may be slightly different for other registries. Redemption may not be available for all domain names, at the discretion of the domain registrar.
GODADDY
Grace period: 18 days
Redemption Period: 24 days
Redemption Fee: $80 (does not include the renewal of the domain name)
Maximum time to recover an expired domain: 42 days
During the first 18 days after a domain has expired, you can renew your domain name at no additional cost by accessing your Domain Control Panel or calling GoDaddy. Between day 19 and day 42 the $80 redemption fee applies.
Here is an article from the GoDaddy help site to assist you with redeeming an expired domain:
http://support.godaddy.com/help/article/5018/recovering-expired-dom...
After day 18 there are few things that take place. On day 26, GoDaddy adds the domain to an expired domain name auction where it remains for 10 days. If there are no backorders or bids placed for the domain, the auction ends and it then remains in a closeout auction until day 41.
On day 43 the domain is given to the winner of the auction. If there are no backorders or bids, the domain is given back to the registry, and can be publicly registered by anyone as a new domain.
For any additional questions please contact GoDaddy: www.godaddy.com
NETWORK SOLUTIONS
Grace Period: 30-35 days (depending on the registry)
Redemption Period: 30 days
Redemption Fee: $299 (includes the cost of renewal)
Maximum time to redeem an expired domain: 60-65 days
Note: Network Solutions may or may not provide a grace period, and if you are granted a grace period, they may terminate it at any time without notice.
If a domain is not renewed during the 30-35 day grace period, the domain is deleted. At this point, Network Solutions may allow you to redeem the deleted domain from redemption; however, there is no guarantee that a domain will be available for redemption recovery.
After the initial 30-35 day grace period, Network Solutions may complete a “Direct Transfer” which involves renewing and transferring a domain to a third party on behalf of the registrant. If the registrant does not want to allow this type of transfer to occur, in the event they let a domain lapse, they must notify Network Solutions by email at backorderservice@networksolutions.com
More information on this can be found on the Network Solutions help site:
http://www.networksolutions.com/support/domain-deletion-policy/
For any additional questions please contact Network Solutions: www.networksolutions.com
ENOM
Grace Period (reactivation period): 30 days
Redemption Period: 30-42 days
Redemption Fee: $250 (does not include the renewal of the domain name)
Maximum time to redeem an expired domain: 60-72 days
First, you will have to locate your reseller. You can do so using the following search:
http://www.enom.com/help/reseller_lookup.asp
If a domain is not renewed during the 30 reactivation period, Enom may provide a redemption period. Enom may also make deleted domains available to third parties and auctions after the reactivation period. If the domain name is obtained through such an auction, Enom will transfer the domain to the winner and you will not be able to redeem your domain.
More information on this can be found in the Enom Terms of Service:
http://www.enom.com/terms/agreement.aspx
For any additional questions, please contact Enom: www.enom.com