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The domain expiration cycle (the process in which the domain name is expires, and then is made available for re-registration) differs significantly from registrar to registrar, so we will content ourselves with a detailed overview of the expiry/deletion process.

Once a domain name has passed its expiry date, a number of things happen. Firstly, the domain name is typically put on hold - that is, its name server information is deleted or modified so that the domain name no longer points to the website it is associated with. Secondly, the domain name is put in the registrar's deletion queue for processing according to its procedures for handling expiring domains (as mentioned previously, these vary significantly from registrar to registrar

Some registrars give customers very little leeway, choosing to delete domain names within ten days of the expiry date. Others hold on to names for longer periods, typically 30 or 45 days. Still others don't release domain names back into the pool at fixed intervals, but in large batches at irregular intervals.

Below is an outline of the important phases of a domains life cycle:

• Active (1-10 years) After purchasing a domain, it becomes active for 1 to 10 years depending on the length of the subscription. Most people purchase domains for one or two year terms and then can renew at the end of that term.
• On Hold (1-45 days) When the registrar receives no response from the owner of the domain after the subscription ends, the registrar may send the delete command to the registry at its discretion. The domain could continue to operate for 1 to 45 days depending upon the registrar and other factors. The domain is still in the Shared Registry System (SRS) during this time.
• Redemption Grace Period (30 days) After the on hold period, the domain name is held in the registry for 30 days during the Redemption Grace Period (RGP). During this time, the general public cannot purchase the name and the Web site no longer operates. This gives the original owner a grace period when he or she can still renew it. Sometimes domains accidentally expire when the owner had meant to renew it.
• Deletion (5 days) After the final deletion command is sent, there can be 5 additional days where the domain remains in the Shared Registry System and cannot be purchased by others. The original owner can still renew the domain during this time.
• Available Once the deletion completes, the name is released for purchase by the general public, normally on a first come, first served basis.