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What Happens When a Registry Deletes a Domain?

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A registry can delete a domain without a request from you or DNSimple. For some TLDs, including .DE, DNSimple tells you by email when this happens, and by webhook if you use webhooks. If the registry offers a redemption period, you can restore the domain from DNSimple. If it does not, the domain is no longer registered.

Why a registry deletes a domain

Each registry sets its own policies, and it can delete a domain when the domain does not meet them. For example, DENIC deletes a .DE domain when the holder does not complete holder verification. DENIC’s contact accuracy rules align with the EU NIS2 directive.

A registry deletion is different from expiration. The registry can delete the domain before its expiration date. To learn what happens at the end of a registration period, see What Happens When a Domain Expires?.

How DNSimple tells you

For TLDs that report registry deletions to DNSimple, such as .DE, DNSimple sends an email with the subject “Domain example.com was deleted by the registry”. When you can restore the domain, the subject starts with “ACTION REQUIRED”. The email goes to the account notification recipients.

If you use webhooks, DNSimple also sends a domain.registry_deletion event to them. For the event payload, see the webhook events documentation.

If the registry offers a redemption period

The domain moves to expired in your account. You can restore the domain from DNSimple until the date in the email. A restore costs the registry’s restore fee plus the domain’s renewal fee.

You cannot renew the domain before you restore it.

Warning

After the date in the email, the registry releases the domain. You cannot restore it after that date.

If the registry does not offer a redemption period

The domain is no longer registered. It stays in your account as a hosted domain. DNSimple cancels auto-renewal for the domain.

You can try to register the domain again if it becomes available.

Have more questions?

If you have any questions about a domain the registry deleted, contact support, and we’ll be happy to help. You can also read more about domain registration at DNSimple.