RGP Status (Redemption Period)
- What is RGP?
RGP stands for Redemption Grace Period. The Redemption Grace Period is a thirty (30) day period that begins after a registrar requests that the registry delete a domain name. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has required that registries implement this facility to allow the original registrants (domain name holders) to redeem a deleted name.
The reason for the introduction of the RGP process is to provide additional time to catch erroneous deletions before the name is made available for re-registration.
When a name enters RGP, it is removed from the zone file (if it was originally in the zone file). As a result, any Internet services served by the domain name will be disabled (e.g. e-mail or a Web site). The registrant must act IMMEDIATELY if he or she wants to keep the name.
- What is the Redemption Hold Period (RHP)?
Following the deletion of a name by the sponsoring registrar, if this registrar does not request that the name be restored during the 30-day RGP, then the name enters a Redemption Hold Period, or RHP. RHP lasts for five (5) days, and during this time the name is locked. After five (5) days, the name will become available for re-registration. Once the name enters RHP, the prior registrant cannot renew it.
- How do I know if a name is in RGP?
If a name is in RGP, the Status field in the WHOIS will show the name as "Pending Delete - Restorable." Additionally, all Internet services associated with the name will remain disabled.
- How do I know if a name is in RHP?
If a name is in RHP, the Status field in the WHOIS will show the name as "Pending Delete - Scheduled for Release."
- How do I redeem my name if it has been placed in RGP?
If your domain name has been placed in RGP, it is because your registrar requested to delete it.
If you wish to renew the name, YOU MUST CONTACT YOUR REGISTRAR IMMEDIATELY.
The registrar of record for the name (as indicated in the WHOIS) is the ONLY registrar who can restore the name. Please note that your registrar may charge a fee for the restoration of the name.
Please also note that Qservers.net cannot directly restore your name. Name restorations can only be done by explicit instructions from the sponsoring registrar.
- How do I know when a name will be released for re-registration?
In order for a name to be released for registration, it must complete the RGP period (30 days) as well as the RHP period (5 days). In total, a name can be released for re-registration 35 days after it has been deleted by a registrar, provided that there has been no Restore request received by the registry during the RGP period. To calculate the date a deleted name will be available for registration, add 35 days to the "last updated on" date reflected in the WHOIS.
- Will my domain name still resolve if it is in RGP?
No. Once a domain name is deleted, it is placed in RGP and removed from the zone file, and thus no Internet services for that domain name will work.
- Will I still be able to get e-mail if my name is in RGP?
No. Once domain names are deleted, they are placed in RGP and removed from the zone file, and thus no Internet services for that domain name will work.
- If my registrar has sent in a restore request to the registry, why can't my Web site and e-mail be live immediately?
Once a registrar formally requests to restore a name, it must provide a special restore report to Qservers.net within five (5) days of the request to restore the name. This report must include background documentation and a reason for the restoration. Qservers.net must have this report before it can unlock your domain and restore the domain name. If your registrar does not deliver the report within the five (5) days, the name will go back into RGP.
- Why is my registrar charging me to redeem my name through RGP?
The registry does not determine the fees that registrars charge their customers. However, the registrar incurs extra costs each time it invokes the RGP process. Registrars may charge a fee to restore a name through RGP at their discretion. You should contact your registrar to inquire about the fee being charged.
- If my name is in RHP, why can't I restore it?
Once a name passes the 30-day RGP deadline, it cannot be restored. The RHP period serves as a notice period for registrars regarding the pending availability of the name.
- Will I be charged a renewal fee in addition to the RGP fee itself? Do I lose any time that remained on my registration?
Should the name requested for restoration already have an expired term, then this name shall be restored and the registrar’s account will be debited for the RGP fee. The name will be held in the restore lock period for up to 5 calendar days. Upon receipt of a completed Restore Report, the name will be auto-renewed for a period of one year and the registrar will be charged the renewal fee. Similarly, should a name that has already been renewed and subsequently deleted by a registrar be restored under RGP, the registrar debit account will be charged the RGP fee and the renewal fee accordingly. When at all commercially reasonable, the name will be reinstated, with temporary restrictions, within 5 calendar days of the restore request and ticket number being issued. It is up to each registrar whether they wish to charge the registrant for the renewal fee in addition to an RGP fee.
