Expired Domain Names
There's no if's and's or but's about it. When a domain name expires, it expires. Expiration of a domain name occurs when the owner fails to register it, which is to be done on an annual basis - sometimes call a "Life Cycle".
Here's what happens when a name expires. When you miss the registration, it automatically expires. Then there is a 35 day period of "pending renewal deletion". The registration company will move your registration information over to nsl.pendingrenewaldeletion.com. This website will include your mailing address and other contact information. After the 35 day grace period, you domain name is automatically up for auction again, up for grabs by anyone with a few bucks.
The website responsible for the registration, ICANN, states the following about expiration of domain names
"The current provisions relating to the handling of expired registrations do not require that registrars give a uniform notice or grace period to registrants. Registrars' "grace period" practices vary - some delete names within days, while some registrars wait weeks or even months to delete expired domain registrations. Also, registrars vary as to the number and type of renewal notices they send. Some registrars simply send e-mails to the administrative and/or billing contacts for an expiring registration. Some registrars send renewal notices to the listed registrant by postal mail. Other registrars supplement these notices with a registrar-implemented holding period, during which the domain registration is deactivated (removed from the zone file) as an added method of trying to get the registrant's attention to the need to renew the name." source ICANN
Even though it says they don't have to give a grace period, you still do own the name and should therefore have rights during this time. Different websites state different things about expiration so just be sure to read the fine print when registering your name. Better yet, just don't forget to register your name. Find a system to help you remember the annual date for renewal by marking it on your calendar as soon as you register it.
While some sites may be more flexible on your registration, expired still means expired and you don't want to take the risk of losing your name.
To learn more about buying and selling domain names visit the author's website at http://www.MarketersExpress.com.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
Added: April 30, 2008
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