Have you ever wondered if you could transfer an expired domain? The answer is yes, under certain conditions. In this article, you’ll learn more about that, including eligibility requirements, important conditions, and what happens if the domain is deleted.
Is it possible to transfer a domain when it’s already expired?
The answer is yes. You can transfer an expired domain due to ICANN regulations as the current domain name owner.
The domain transfer process requires help from the Domain Registrar; thus, you will need to contact them beforehand to help you start the transfer.
Conditions under which you can transfer an expired domain
According to ICANN regulations, domain owners can still transfer their domain even after it has expired, provided that the domain is
Free of outstanding fees from the previous registration period.
In the Redemption Grace Period (a limited timeframe after expiration when the domain is recoverable).
More information about Redemption and Grace Periods, and Renewals can be found here.
Conditions under which you can not transfer an expired domain
There are specific conditions where transferring an expired domain is not possible:
Unpaid Fees: If there are any outstanding payments from the previous registration period, the registrar will not allow the transfer.
Redemption Period Expiry: If the domain remains in the Redemption Grace Period without renewal, the domain registrar, as per ICANN rules, will start deleting your domain name and purge it from the domain registrar’s history. Once that process is initiated, you will not be able to transfer the expired domain since its status will be changed to “pending delete“.
More information about different Domain statuses can be found here.
If the domain enters the deletion process, you may still have a last chance to recover it through your current registrar. However, this comes with:
A 60-day Domain Lock period before it becomes eligible for transfer again.
An additional Redemption Fee to reinstate it to active status.
The need to re-register it with your original registrar.
If you have any other questions on the topic, don’t hesitate to contact the WPX Support Team via live chat (use the bottom right-hand widget), and they will respond and help within 30 seconds or less.