This guide explains the messages you may receive mentioning ERRP (Expiration Reminder Renewal Policy) or domain expiration.

Preamble

• These messages are related to notifications and rules for managing domain names on the Internet.
• Their purpose is to inform you of renewal deadlines to avoid any interruption of your online services, such as your website or email addresses.

ERRP (Expiration Reminder Renewal Policy)

The ERRP is a policy established by the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). It requires registrars (companies that register and manage domain names, such as Infomaniak or others) to inform domain holders when their domains are approaching expiration. The goal is to allow owners to renew their domain on time and avoid any service disruption.

Operating principles

1. Renewal reminders: the registrar must send several notifications before and after the expiration date. Generally:
   • 30 days before expiration,
   • 7 days before expiration,
   • 1 day after expiration.
2. Content of messages: each email must specify the domain concerned, the expiration date, and clear instructions for proceeding with the renewal.
3. Sending address: reminders are sent to the email address registered with the domain. It is therefore important to keep this address up to date in your contact information.

Domain name expiration

When a domain is not renewed before its expiration date, it goes through several stages before being permanently deleted. Here is what usually happens:

1. Grace period: after expiration, the holder still has a 30 to 45 day period to renew the domain without additional fees. During this period, the website or related services may be temporarily deactivated.
2. Redemption period (Redemption Grace Period): if the domain is not renewed during the grace period, it enters a redemption phase. The holder can still recover the domain, but additional fees are applied. This period usually lasts about 30 days.
3. Domain deletion: if no action is taken after the redemption period, the domain is deleted from the registry and becomes available for new registration.

Emails mentioning ERRP and domain expiration

Emails that mention ERRP or domain expiration follow ICANN guidelines. They are used to inform holders of the necessary actions to keep their domains active.

1. Initial alert: a first email is sent approximately 30 days before expiration. It informs the holder that the domain is approaching its deadline and includes instructions for performing the renewal.
2. Urgent reminder: a second email is sent 7 days before the expiration date, reminding the importance of renewing the domain to avoid any service interruption.
3. Post-expiration notification: a final email is sent just after expiration, specifying that the domain can still be renewed during the grace period.

These notifications are essential to ensure that owners retain control of their domains and that their websites or associated services remain available without interruption.