“Drop” refers to the process when a domain name registration expires and is not renewed by the original owner, thus becoming available for registration by others.
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Expiration: The domain name reaches its expiration date. If the owner does not renew it, the domain registrar often provides a grace period during which the original owner can still reclaim the domain.
- Redemption Period: If not renewed during the grace period, the domain enters the redemption period that typically lasts about 30 days. During this time, the original owner can still recover the domain, but often at a higher cost.
- Pending Delete: Post-redemption period, the domain name enters a “Pending Delete” status, usually for about five days, during which it cannot be recovered by the previous owner or registered by anyone else.
- Drop: At the end of the “Pending Delete” status, the domain “drops”, meaning it’s released back into the pool of available domains. Anybody can register it on a first-come, first-served basis.