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EPP STATUS CODESUPDATED 2026-05-06

autoRenewPeriod: the 0-45 day grace after expiry

autoRenewPeriod is the EPP status that follows expiry. The registry has automatically renewed the domain on the registrant's behalf, and the registrar has a 45-day window to credit the renewal back if the registrant does not pay. During this phase the website usually still works.

autoRenewPeriodGrace0-45 days (registrar discretion, ICANN max 45)low buyer signal
TakenGraceExpiredRedemptionPending deleteAvailable

Most autoRenewPeriod domains never drop — they get renewed. Watch but do not plan around them.

Quick facts

EPP codeautoRenewPeriod
Categorylifecycle
Typical duration0-45 days (registrar discretion, ICANN max 45)
Buyer signal strengthlow
Leads toredemptionPeriod

What this status means

When a gTLD domain reaches its expiry date, the ICANN-mandated default is that the registry immediately auto-renews it for one year. The registrar is then on the hook for that renewal fee unless they explicitly request a deletion within 45 days.

This grace period exists so registrants who forgot to renew, paid late, or had a credit card decline have a chance to keep their domain without losing it. Most registrars send 3-5 reminder emails during this window.

For domain buyers, autoRenewPeriod is mostly noise. The vast majority of domains in this status will be renewed (either by the original registrant catching up or by the registrar deciding the customer is a long-term keeper). Only when the registrar formally deletes does the domain enter redemptionPeriod and become a real watch target.

Timeline

  1. 01

    Expiry date

    The domain hits its scheduled expiration. Auto-renewal triggers immediately at the registry.

  2. 02

    Day 1–45

    The registrar can still refund the renewal and request deletion. The domain typically still resolves during this phase.

  3. 03

    Day 45 (max)

    After 45 days the registrar can no longer get a refund. They must either keep paying or proceed with deletion (which moves the domain into redemptionPeriod).

What to do if you are watching a domain in this status

  • Add to watchlist but do not get hopes up. Most autoRenewPeriod domains are renewed.
  • The transition signal you want is autoRenewPeriod → redemptionPeriod. That is the registrar formally giving up on the registration.
  • Do not contact the registrant offering to buy. During autoRenewPeriod they still have full control and may renew specifically because someone showed interest.

Real-world examples

  • A long-time customer's credit card declines at renewal. The registrar auto-renews and emails the customer for 30 days; the customer eventually updates their card. The domain never enters redemption.
  • An abandoned personal blog domain hits expiry. The registrar emails into a dead inbox for 45 days. On day 46 they delete and the domain enters redemptionPeriod.
  • A premium .com hits autoRenewPeriod. The registrar may keep paying renewal fees indefinitely while attempting to reach the customer or auction the domain rather than let it drop.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the domain still work even though it expired?

Because the registry has technically already renewed it. autoRenewPeriod is a grace window where the registrar holds the renewal but can still refund it. DNS continues to work normally.

How long is autoRenewPeriod?

Up to 45 days, set by ICANN policy. Registrars choose how long within that window — some are aggressive (delete after 7 days), most stretch it out closer to 45.

Does autoRenewPeriod show up in WHOIS?

Yes, as the EPP status code "autoRenewPeriod". It will not appear if the registrant has already paid the renewal — only when the renewal is in the grace state.

Will the domain definitely drop after autoRenewPeriod?

No. Most domains in autoRenewPeriod get renewed and never enter redemption. The next step is the registrar's decision: keep renewing, auction, or delete.

How is this different from redemptionPeriod?

autoRenewPeriod = before deletion (registrar can still refund, DNS works). redemptionPeriod = after deletion (registrant pays a premium to recover, DNS does not work). Total time from expiry to drop is typically 70-80 days.

Related statuses

References

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