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Domain expired? How long until you lose it (.com and other gTLDs)

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Source checked 8 Oct 2026 · Published 23 Oct 2026 · Last reviewed 23 Oct 2026 · By Ctrl+Z Therapy (how we test)

The short answer

For gTLDs like .com, ICANN's policy says registrars must send reminders approximately one month and approximately one week before expiration, and at least one more notice within five days after. But after a domain expires, registrars may delete it at any time. After deletion, all gTLD registries must offer a Redemption Grace Period of 30 days to restore it.

What to do

  1. Turn on auto-renew and check that the card on file is still valid.
  2. Give your registrar a secondary email contact that is not on the domain itself, so reminders still reach you when the domain and its email stop working.
  3. Domain already deleted? Ask your registrar about the Redemption Grace Period. Fees vary.

Good to know

  • Country-code domains like .io or .ai follow their own rules. Ask your registrar.

Source

Checked on 8 Oct 2026. Prices, limits and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them.