The Domain life cycle

The domain name life cycle is the different phases that a domain goes through to stay active - from registration to expiry and eventual deletion.

1. Available for new registration
   This means the domain name is available to be registered by a registrar and has not been registered by any entity.
2. Active domain
   The domain has now been registered and is active. The domain will be registered for 1 year before needing renewal.
3. Domain expires - Renewal phase
   If the domain name is not renewed by the renewal date advised, the domain expires and will no longer function. This expiry phase allows a grace period of 30 - 45 days for the domain to be renewed.
4. Redemption or Grace phase
   After the expiry phase, the domain enters a redemption phase which is valid for 30 days depending on the registrar. During this phase, the domain can be renewed but additional fees will apply.
5. Pending deletion phase
   If you do not renew your domain during the renewal and redemption phase, your domain will enter the pending deletion phase for 5 days and all data will then be deleted permanently, and the domain will become available for public registration.