This policy explains how Atom handles the life cycle of domain names — from registration and renewal to expiration, redemption, and transfer. Atom follows ICANN requirements and applicable registry rules.
1. Renewal
- Domains can be renewed manually at any time before expiration, or automatically if Auto-Renew is enabled in your account.
- Auto-Renew attempts are made on or shortly after the expiration date. If payment fails, we will send reminders and allow a 30-day grace period before permanent expiration or auction.
- The renewal term will match the previous registration term unless otherwise selected, subject to registry limits.
- Renewal Reminders
Atom sends renewal reminder notices to the registrant email address on file in accordance with ICANN’s Expired Registration Recovery Policy (ERRP):
- First reminder — approximately 30 days before expiration
- Second reminder — approximately 7 days before expiration
- Final notice — within 5 days after expiration if the domain has not been renewed
These reminders include instructions for renewing your domain through your Atom account.
2. Expiration
- If a domain is not renewed before its expiration date, it will stop resolving and may be placed on hold. Atom will notify you by email before and after expiration in accordance with ICANN’s Expired Registration Recovery Policy (ERRP).
- Expired domains typically remain renewable for 30 days after the expiration date (the renewal grace period). If not renewed during this time, the domain may be:
- Listed in an expired domain auction;
- Moved into the redemption period where recovery requires a restoration fee.
3. Redemption
- After the grace period, a domain may enter the redemption phase. During redemption, the previous registrant can usually recover the domain by paying the standard renewal fee plus a redemption recovery fee. This option is available for a limited time (typically up to 30 days), depending on the registry.
- Once the redemption period ends, the domain is permanently deleted from the registry and becomes available for new registration.
4. Deletion
When the renewal and redemption phases are over, Atom may remove the expired domain from your active domain list and finalize deletion at the registry level. Domains that enter auction or redemption are no longer considered active holdings. Final deletion timelines vary depending on the TLD and registry policy.
5. Transfer
- Domains may be transferred to or from Atom in accordance with ICANN’s Transfer Policy and Atom’s own Transfer Policy.
- Domains must be in good standing (not expired or in redemption) to transfer out. Expired domains generally need to be renewed before transfer.
- Transfer timing, authorization requirements, and any applicable locks or restrictions are explained in Atom’s separate Transfer Policy.
6. Fees and Refunds
Renewal and redemption fees are published in your account at the time of renewal. Fees are non-refundable once a renewal or redemption is completed.
7. Notices
All expiration, renewal, and transfer notices are sent to the Registrant Email Address on file. It is your responsibility to keep this contact information accurate and up to date.
Contact: support@atom.com
This policy is published in accordance with ICANN’s Expired Registration Recovery Policy (ERRP).
