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27 Registration Life Cycle

gTLDFull Legal NameE-mail suffixDetail
.SHOPGMO Registry, Inc.gmoregistry.comView
Overview

Registration Lifecycle refers to the various stages that a domain object in the SRS go through, as well as all possible states (and combinations thereof) in which it may exist, along with events that trigger each state change.

It is commonly understood that domains are registered for a fixed period of time, after which it expires. However, it is not well known outside the ICANN community that, for a variety of business, policy, security reasons, there exist many policies that warrant a complex lifecycle that commences the moment a domain is registered.

The registration lifecycle in the SRS is modeled after ICANN consensus policies and current best practices in gTLD registries, and is fully compliant with the standards track EPP RFCs, specifically RFC 5731 (EPP domain name mapping) and RFC 3915 (EPP domain registry grace period mapping).

The following diagram illustrates an overview of the domain registration lifecycle.

![attached: 27_1.png](⁄27_1.png)



EPP Statuses

The EPP Domain Name Mapping specifies a set of statuses that may be associated with a domain name, along with their semantics and constraints on how they can be combined.

The following status values are supported by the .shop registry. Status values that are prefixed with “client” can be managed by the sponsoring registrar. Status values that are prefixed with “server” is managed by the registry, either through automated processes in the SRS or manually updated by the registry operator.

clientDeleteProhibited, serverDeleteProhibited:
Requests to delete the domain will be rejected by the SRS.

clientHold, serverHold:
The domain will not be included in the zone file.

clientRenewProhibited, serverRenewProhibited:
Requests to renew the domain will be rejected by the SRS.

clientTransferProhibited, serverTransferProhibited:
Requests to transfer the domain will be rejected by the SRS.

clientUpdateProhibited, serverUpdateProhibited:
Requests to update the domain (other than to remove this status) will be rejected by the SRS.

Inactive:
This is the default status when a domain is first created and there are no associated host objects for the DNS delegation. This status is also be set by the server when all host-object associations are removed.

Ok:
This is the normal status value for a domain that has no pending operations or prohibitions. This value is set and removed by the server as other status values are added or removed.


Grace Periods

In addition to standard EPP statuses, the registry also implements operational grace periods commonly offered in other gTLD registries. The following grace periods and their associated rules apply:

Add Grace Period (AGP): This grace period is provided after the initial registration of a domain name. The registration fee will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the initial registration of the domain name. The value of the Add Grace Period is 5 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the registrar during this period, the domain name will be deleted immediately and become available for registration. The registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the registration except when it exceeds the excess deletion limit according to the Add Grace Period Limits consensus policy.

- If the domain name is extended during this period, no credit for the extension will be provided to the registrar of the domain name. The fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name when the domain name is extended.

- The ICANN consensus policy on Inter-Registrar Transfer does not allow transfers within the first 60 days after the initial registration. It is the registrars’ responsibility to enforce this restriction, and the SRS also enforces it.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the initial add will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is registered.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Auto-Renew Grace Period (ARGP): This grace period is provided after a domain name registration period expires and is extended (renewed) by one year automatically by the registry. The Auto-Renew fee will be charged at the time of the Auto-Renew. The value of the Auto-Renew Grace Period is 45 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the registrar during this period, the Auto-Renew fee will be credited to the registrar. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If the domain name is explicitly extended during this period, the fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the extension.

- If the domain name is transferred other than ICANN-approved bulk transfer, the Auto-Renew fee will be credited to the losing registrar. The one year added by the Auto-Renew operation is cancelled. The expiration date of the domain name is extended by one year up to a total maximum of ten and the gaining registrar is charged for that additional year, even in cases where a full year is not added because of the 10-year registration term maximum.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the Auto-Renew will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is transferred.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Renew Grace Period (REGP): This grace period is provided after a domain name registration period is explicitly extended (renewed) by the registrar. The renewal fee will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time the domain name is extended. The value of the Renew Grace Period is 5 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the registrar during this period, the registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the renewal. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If the domain name is extended during this period, the fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the extension.

- If the domain name is transferred other than ICANN-approved bulk transfer, there is no credit to the losing registrar. The expiration date of the domain registration is extended by one year and the years added as a result of the Renew remain on the domain name up to a total of 10 years. The gaining registrar will be charged for that additional year, even in cases where a full year is not added because of the 10-year registration term maximum.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is extended.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Transfer Grace Period (TGP): This grace period is provided after the successful transfer of domain name registration sponsorship from one registrar to another registrar. The transfer fee will be charged to the gaining registrar at the time the domain name is transferred. The value of the Transfer Grace Period is 5 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the gaining registrar during this period, the registry provides a credit to the gaining registrar for the cost of the transfer. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If the domain name is extended during this period, there is no credit for the transfer. The fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the extension.

- The ICANN consensus policy on Inter-Registrar Transfer does not allow transfers within the first 60 days after another transfer has occurred. It is the registrars’ responsibility to enforce this restriction, and the SRS also enforces it.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the transfer that occurred prior to the Bulk Transfer will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is transferred.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Redemption Grace Period (RGP): A domain name is placed in Redemption Grace Period status when a registrar requests the deletion of a domain that is not within the Add Grace Period. A name that is in Redemption Grace Period status will not be included in the zone file. A registrar can not modify or purge a domain in Redemption Grace Period status. The only action a registrar can take on a domain in Redemption Grace Period is to request that it be restored. Any other registrar requests to modify or otherwise update the domain will be rejected. Unless restored, the domain will be held in Redemption Grace Period for 30 calendar days.


Overlapping Grace Period

If an operation is performed that falls into more than one grace period, the following rules apply:

- If a domain name is deleted within the Add Grace Period and the Renew Grace Period, the registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the registration and renewal. The domain name will be deleted immediately and become available for registration.

- If a domain name is auto-renewed, then extended within the Auto Renew Grace Period, and then deleted within the Renew Grace Period, the registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the auto-renew and renewal. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If a domain name is transferred, then extended within the Transfer Grace Period, and then deleted within the Renew Grace Period, there is no credit to the current (gaining) registrar for the transfer. The registry provides a credit to the current registrar for the cost of the renewal. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

Note: If several billable operations, including a transfer, are performed on a domain name and the domain name is deleted within the grace periods of each of those operations, only those operations that were performed after the latest transfer, including the latest transfer, are credited to the current registrar.


Pending Periods

Pending Transfer: A specified number of calendar days following a request from a registrar (registrar A) to transfer a domain in which the current registrar of the domain (registrar B) may explicitly approve or reject the transfer request. The value of the Pending Transfer period is five calendar days for all registrars. The transfer will be finalized upon receipt of explicit approval or rejection from the current registrar (registrar B). If the current registrar (registrar B) does not explicitly approve or reject the request initiated by registrar A, the registry will approve the request automatically after the end of the Pending Transfer period. During the Pending Transfer period:
• EPP TRANSFER request is denied
• EPP RENEW request is denied.
• EPP DELETE request is denied.
• EPP UPDATE request is denied.
• AUTO-RENEW is allowed.
• Bulk Transfer operations are allowed.
After a transfer of a domain, the EPP TRANSFER request may be denied for 60 days.

Pending Restore (optional): This status value is used to describe a domain that is in the process of being restored during the Redemption Grace Period.

Pending Delete: A domain name is placed in Pending Delete status if it has not been restored during the Redemption Grace Period. A name that is in Pending Delete status will not be included in the zone file. All registrar requests to modify or otherwise update a domain in Pending Delete status will be rejected. A domain name is purged from the registry database a specified number of calendar days after it is placed in Pending Delete status. The length of this Pending Delete Period is five calendar days.


Resourcing Plan

Domain lifecycle management is a core function of the SRS. As such, the responsibilities of maintaining and operating this aspect of registry operations involve the following roles:
● Technical Manager
● Applications Engineer
● System Architect
● Security Officer
● Technical Support
● Registry Administrators
● Trademark Protection Officer
● QA and Process Manager

The attached table, “resource_fte.png”, outlines the overall FTE equivalent resources available to GMO Registry for the initial implementation and ongoing operations of the registry, of which the management of domain lifecycle is a subset.

Initial Implementation

Initial implementation of this aspect of registry operations refers to:
● implementation of the domain lifecycle and grace period policies outlined above in all related registry components including billing, majority of which already exists in the current production SRS
● conducting training for customer support personnel
● creation of registrar documentation relating to the grace period policies

During this phase, all roles listed above are involved in the planning and implementation of their respective systems and processes in support of this component.

Ongoing Maintenance

The ongoing maintenance of the domain lifecycle is a constituent of the SRS operations, which involves:
 Monitoring the lifecycle processes to ensure accurate and timely operation
 Providing customer support to registrars in regards to policies, grace periods and billing
 Engaging in knowledge sharing within the ICANN community to contribute to, and adopt best practices and⁄or consensus policies that may emerge from time to time

All roles listed above are involved in this phase of the operations.
gTLDFull Legal NameE-mail suffixDetail
.GGEEGMO Internet, Inc.gmoregistry.comView
Overview

Registration Lifecycle refers to the various stages that a domain object in the SRS go through, as well as all possible states (and combinations thereof) in which it may exist, along with events that trigger each state change.

It is commonly understood that domains are registered for a fixed period of time, after which it expires. However, it is not well known outside the ICANN community that, for a variety of business, policy, security reasons, there exist many policies that warrant a complex lifecycle that commences the moment a domain is registered.

The registration lifecycle in the SRS is modeled after ICANN consensus policies and current best practices in gTLD registries, and is fully compliant with the standards track EPP RFCs, specifically RFC 5731 (EPP domain name mapping) and RFC 3915 (EPP domain registry grace period mapping).

The following diagram illustrates an overview of the domain registration lifecycle.

![attached: 27_1.png](⁄27_1.png)



EPP Statuses

The EPP Domain Name Mapping specifies a set of statuses that may be associated with a domain name, along with their semantics and constraints on how they can be combined.

The following status values are supported by the .ggee registry. Status values that are prefixed with “client” can be managed by the sponsoring registrar. Status values that are prefixed with “server” is managed by the registry, either through automated processes in the SRS or manually updated by the registry operator.

clientDeleteProhibited, serverDeleteProhibited:
Requests to delete the domain will be rejected by the SRS.

clientHold, serverHold:
The domain will not be included in the zone file.

clientRenewProhibited, serverRenewProhibited:
Requests to renew the domain will be rejected by the SRS.

clientTransferProhibited, serverTransferProhibited:
Requests to transfer the domain will be rejected by the SRS.

clientUpdateProhibited, serverUpdateProhibited:
Requests to update the domain (other than to remove this status) will be rejected by the SRS.

Inactive:
This is the default status when a domain is first created and there are no associated host objects for the DNS delegation. This status is also be set by the server when all host-object associations are removed.

Ok:
This is the normal status value for a domain that has no pending operations or prohibitions. This value is set and removed by the server as other status values are added or removed.


Grace Periods

In addition to standard EPP statuses, the registry also implements operational grace periods commonly offered in other gTLD registries. The following grace periods and their associated rules apply:

Add Grace Period (AGP): This grace period is provided after the initial registration of a domain name. The registration fee will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the initial registration of the domain name. The value of the Add Grace Period is 5 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the registrar during this period, the domain name will be deleted immediately and become available for registration. The registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the registration except when it exceeds the excess deletion limit according to the Add Grace Period Limits consensus policy.

- If the domain name is extended during this period, no credit for the extension will be provided to the registrar of the domain name. The fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name when the domain name is extended.

- The ICANN consensus policy on Inter-Registrar Transfer does not allow transfers within the first 60 days after the initial registration. It is the registrars’ responsibility to enforce this restriction, and the SRS also enforces it.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the initial add will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is registered.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Auto-Renew Grace Period (ARGP): This grace period is provided after a domain name registration period expires and is extended (renewed) by one year automatically by the registry. The Auto-Renew fee will be charged at the time of the Auto-Renew. The value of the Auto-Renew Grace Period is 45 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the registrar during this period, the Auto-Renew fee will be credited to the registrar. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If the domain name is explicitly extended during this period, the fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the extension.

- If the domain name is transferred other than ICANN-approved bulk transfer, the Auto-Renew fee will be credited to the losing registrar. The one year added by the Auto-Renew operation is cancelled. The expiration date of the domain name is extended by one year up to a total maximum of ten and the gaining registrar is charged for that additional year, even in cases where a full year is not added because of the 10-year registration term maximum.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the Auto-Renew will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is transferred.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Renew Grace Period (REGP): This grace period is provided after a domain name registration period is explicitly extended (renewed) by the registrar. The renewal fee will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time the domain name is extended. The value of the Renew Grace Period is 5 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the registrar during this period, the registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the renewal. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If the domain name is extended during this period, the fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the extension.

- If the domain name is transferred other than ICANN-approved bulk transfer, there is no credit to the losing registrar. The expiration date of the domain registration is extended by one year and the years added as a result of the Renew remain on the domain name up to a total of 10 years. The gaining registrar will be charged for that additional year, even in cases where a full year is not added because of the 10-year registration term maximum.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is extended.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Transfer Grace Period (TGP): This grace period is provided after the successful transfer of domain name registration sponsorship from one registrar to another registrar. The transfer fee will be charged to the gaining registrar at the time the domain name is transferred. The value of the Transfer Grace Period is 5 calendar days.

- If the domain name is deleted by the gaining registrar during this period, the registry provides a credit to the gaining registrar for the cost of the transfer. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If the domain name is extended during this period, there is no credit for the transfer. The fee for the number of the extended years will be charged to the registrar of the domain name at the time of the extension.

- The ICANN consensus policy on Inter-Registrar Transfer does not allow transfers within the first 60 days after another transfer has occurred. It is the registrars’ responsibility to enforce this restriction, and the SRS also enforces it.

- Bulk transfers with ICANN approval may be made during this period according to the procedures in Part B of the ICANN Policy on Transfer of Registrations between Registrars. The expiration dates of transferred registrations are not affected. The fee for the transfer that occurred prior to the Bulk Transfer will be charged to the losing registrar when the domain name is transferred.

(Please see [Overlapping Grace Period] for a description when an operation falls into more than one grace period.)

Redemption Grace Period (RGP): A domain name is placed in Redemption Grace Period status when a registrar requests the deletion of a domain that is not within the Add Grace Period. A name that is in Redemption Grace Period status will not be included in the zone file. A registrar can not modify or purge a domain in Redemption Grace Period status. The only action a registrar can take on a domain in Redemption Grace Period is to request that it be restored. Any other registrar requests to modify or otherwise update the domain will be rejected. Unless restored, the domain will be held in Redemption Grace Period for 30 calendar days.


Overlapping Grace Period

If an operation is performed that falls into more than one grace period, the following rules apply:

- If a domain name is deleted within the Add Grace Period and the Renew Grace Period, the registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the registration and renewal. The domain name will be deleted immediately and become available for registration.

- If a domain name is auto-renewed, then extended within the Auto Renew Grace Period, and then deleted within the Renew Grace Period, the registry provides a credit to the registrar for the cost of the auto-renew and renewal. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

- If a domain name is transferred, then extended within the Transfer Grace Period, and then deleted within the Renew Grace Period, there is no credit to the current (gaining) registrar for the transfer. The registry provides a credit to the current registrar for the cost of the renewal. The domain name will go into Redemption Grace Period. The status becomes Pending Delete – Restorable.

Note: If several billable operations, including a transfer, are performed on a domain name and the domain name is deleted within the grace periods of each of those operations, only those operations that were performed after the latest transfer, including the latest transfer, are credited to the current registrar.


Pending Periods

Pending Transfer: A specified number of calendar days following a request from a registrar (registrar A) to transfer a domain in which the current registrar of the domain (registrar B) may explicitly approve or reject the transfer request. The value of the Pending Transfer period is five calendar days for all registrars. The transfer will be finalized upon receipt of explicit approval or rejection from the current registrar (registrar B). If the current registrar (registrar B) does not explicitly approve or reject the request initiated by registrar A, the registry will approve the request automatically after the end of the Pending Transfer period. During the Pending Transfer period:
• EPP TRANSFER request is denied
• EPP RENEW request is denied.
• EPP DELETE request is denied.
• EPP UPDATE request is denied.
• AUTO-RENEW is allowed.
• Bulk Transfer operations are allowed.
After a transfer of a domain, the EPP TRANSFER request may be denied for 60 days.

Pending Restore (optional): This status value is used to describe a domain that is in the process of being restored during the Redemption Grace Period.

Pending Delete: A domain name is placed in Pending Delete status if it has not been restored during the Redemption Grace Period. A name that is in Pending Delete status will not be included in the zone file. All registrar requests to modify or otherwise update a domain in Pending Delete status will be rejected. A domain name is purged from the registry database a specified number of calendar days after it is placed in Pending Delete status. The length of this Pending Delete Period is five calendar days.


Resourcing Plan

Domain lifecycle management is a core function of the SRS. As such, the responsibilities of maintaining and operating this aspect of registry operations involve the following roles:
● Technical Manager
● Applications Engineer
● System Architect
● Security Officer
● Technical Support
● Registry Administrators
● Trademark Protection Officer
● QA and Process Manager

The attached table, “resource_fte.png”, outlines the overall FTE equivalent resources available to GMO Registry for the initial implementation and ongoing operations of the registry, of which the management of domain lifecycle is a subset.

Initial Implementation

Initial implementation of this aspect of registry operations refers to:
● implementation of the domain lifecycle and grace period policies outlined above in all related registry components including billing, majority of which already exists in the current production SRS
● conducting training for customer support personnel
● creation of registrar documentation relating to the grace period policies

During this phase, all roles listed above are involved in the planning and implementation of their respective systems and processes in support of this component.

Ongoing Maintenance

The ongoing maintenance of the domain lifecycle is a constituent of the SRS operations, which involves:
 Monitoring the lifecycle processes to ensure accurate and timely operation
 Providing customer support to registrars in regards to policies, grace periods and billing
 Engaging in knowledge sharing within the ICANN community to contribute to, and adopt best practices and⁄or consensus policies that may emerge from time to time

All roles listed above are involved in this phase of the operations.