Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Domain Names : What time does a domain expire on its expiry date?

[duen]

A big question that I never thought of before, and still can't seem to find the answer.

When exactly does a domain expire? My domains are listed with expiry date January 29th.

Do they expire at the START of the day of January 29th? (like 0001hrs)

Or do they expire at the END of the day of January 29th? (as in 2359hrs)

Also what time zone would this be? GMT? or a US time zone? All I find on my domain names are the date of creation and expiry, not the times.

These domains registered thru godaddy.

Anyone with the answers? Much obliged!

Thanks.

*By the way I am NOT asking for what happens after expiry and the registry hold period and all. Just asking what time of the day my domains expire.

[eddy2099]

Not too sure but probably at the end of the day but I guess if you need the domains, don't push your luck.. just renew them now before losing them.

[duen]

Hmm.. that's what I'd expect too. But don't know for sure. No, it's not about me renewing, I'm offering these domains for sale in the domain advertising section, and need to know what time I should take in the last high bid before I close the auction and still give enough time to transfer to the buyer and enough time for him to renew.

Well I'll assume 29th January 2359hrs for exact expiry, and I'll close my auction at 6-8 hours before that time I guess.

Anyone else with more in-depth knowledge?

[eddy2099]

You might want to check with your domain name registrar, if I recall correctly, there is a period of time prior to expiration where you cannot transfer the domain names.

[duen]

I thought I did read it somewhere too, but I can't find it. So probably I was confused.

What I do find is a period of time AFTER i register the domain where I can transfer it.

[eddy2099]

Got this from the FAQs on GoDaddy

QUESTION:


When can I transfer a domain name to GoDaddy.com?


ANSWER:


Most registrars will not allow transfers of domains that are within 10 days of expiration, or that have already expired.

When a domain name expires it enters a 45 day grace period during which it may still be renewed. However, if you renew your domain name during this grace period you may still be prevented from transferring it until the full 45 days have passed.

Check with your current registrar regarding their renewal and transfer policies during this grace period.

If your name is within 10 days of expiration, or has already expired, we recommend that you first renew your domain with your current registrar.

[duen]

Hey, thanks Eddy!

But yeah, that's the other way around. Some other registrar transferring to GoDaddy.

I just called up GoDaddy Support, the guy says GoDaddy doesn't have a lock-down b4 expiry, so we are allowed to transfer our domains out even on the day of expiry itself. From GoDaddy to somewhere else. Or from GoDaddy to another GoDaddy account.

As for the answer to my question, domains expire at the start of the day of the date stated for expiration. That means if your expiry date is 29th January, then 11.59pm of 28th January is the last time you have your domain.

Ahh! Finally, am glad. Got my answers, at least I can plan what I'm doing now. I really shdn't leave things to the last minute so often...

[vito]

Originally posted by duen
As for the answer to my question, domains expire at the start of the day of the date stated for expiration. That means if your expiry date is 29th January, then 11.59pm of 28th January is the last time you have your domain.

Well, looks like you've already got your answer. That is indeed correct. Last week I had a customer call me asking why his email didn't work. I did a whois and discovered that it was the very day that his domain expired. So he had to quickly renew in order to get his site back online. This was in the morning, so clearly it is done early in the day rather than at the end.

Vito

[astutiumRob]

as regards you selling/transferring them out - *some* registars block that for upto 60 days either side of expiry.

Why not as a courtesy to the buyer renew them for a year when they purchase ?

[duen]

Yah, thanks, vito.

othellotech, yeah, I'll let the buyer have the option of whether they wanna renew the domains themselves or want me to do it for them before I transfer over. Will leave that up to them. I'm fine for either.

[nameslave]

Originally posted by othellotech
Why not as a courtesy to the buyer renew them for a year when they purchase ?

Not if the renewal cost makes up a significant portion of the sale price.

[kjmz]

Sometimes in the whois it shows a time. I don't know what timezone though.

[duen]

yah, I've noticed those...

but not always.
these ones in particular did not.

[Bashar]

bulkregister allow expired domains if they are not inhold yet