.org domain lifecycle
.org is operated by Public Interest Registry (PIR). Approximately 80 days from expiry to drop. Nonprofits, charities, open-source projects, foundations.
At a glance
What .org is for
.org is run by Public Interest Registry, a nonprofit operator. The TLD is open registration — anyone can register a .org regardless of whether they are a nonprofit — but the "nonprofit perception" remains strong and most premium .org sales are driven by mission-aligned buyers.
After a controversial 2019 attempted sale to private equity (which ICANN ultimately blocked), .org pricing has been stable. Wholesale prices are similar to .com.
The lifecycle is the standard ICANN gTLD model: 45-day grace, 30-day redemption, 5-day pendingDelete.
Best fit: Mission-driven organisations, nonprofits, and projects that benefit from the "org credibility" perception.
Special rules and quirks
- No nonprofit verification required at registration — anyone can register.
- PIR has its own anti-abuse program separate from ICANN, sometimes leading to suspensions.
Buyer notes
- Lifecycle matches .com exactly.
- Premium .org prices are usually below equivalent .com but above .net for nonprofit-aligned names.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a nonprofit to register a .org?
No. Despite the perception, .org has been open-registration since launch.
How long does an expired .org take to drop?
About 80 days. Same as .com and .net.
Who runs the .org registry?
Public Interest Registry (PIR), a nonprofit organisation.
Is .org pricing increasing?
Wholesale prices have been relatively stable since the 2019 sale was blocked. Retail prices vary by registrar.
What is the .org redemption fee?
Set by the registrar, typically $80-$200 plus a year of renewal.
Related TLDs
References
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