TLD LIFECYCLESUPDATED 2026-05-06

.info domain lifecycle

.info is operated by Identity Digital. Approximately 80 days from expiry to drop. Reference sites, information-heavy brands, fallback when .com unavailable.

At a glance

RegistryIdentity Digital
Launched2001
Registrations~3 million
Lifecycle modelstandard
Auto-renew grace45 days
Redemption period30 days
Pending delete5 days
Total expiry-to-dropApproximately 80 days from expiry to drop
Transfer lock60 days
Annual renewal$10–$25 retail
Redemption fee$80–$200
WHOIS / RDAPFull RDAP available

What .info is for

.info launched in 2001 as one of the first new gTLDs after the original 1985 set. It positioned as "the information TLD" but never gained the brand traction of .com or .net.

Registrations are around 3 million. Pricing is similar to .com but with higher abuse rates due to historically aggressive promotional pricing.

Lifecycle is the standard ICANN gTLD model.

Best fit: Information-oriented brands, encyclopedic projects, or low-cost alternatives to premium TLDs.

Special rules and quirks

  • Higher historical abuse rate than premium TLDs.
  • Promotional pricing has fluctuated significantly.

Buyer notes

  • Standard 80-day lifecycle.
  • Less competitive drop market.

Frequently asked questions

Is .info a reputable TLD?

Mixed. Legitimate reference and informational sites use it; abuse rates are higher than premium TLDs.

How long does an expired .info take to drop?

About 80 days, standard pattern.

Is .info open registration?

Yes. No restrictions.

Who runs .info?

Identity Digital (formerly Afilias and Donuts).

Why is .info often promoted at $1?

The registry has a history of aggressive promotional pricing to drive new registrations. Renewals are at standard rates.

Related TLDs

References

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