RGP & backorder
The Redemption Grace Period (RGP) is the protection period after a domain is deleted or expires: during this time, no third party can register the domain, and the previous holder can usually still get it back. Only after the RGP does the domain become finally available – ReCatch acts exactly on the final day of this period.
Why does the RGP exist?
It protects domain holders from unintended loss – for instance if a renewal was missed, a payment failed, or contact details were outdated. Instead of becoming publicly available immediately, the domain remains in a quarantine phase.
Can a third party register the domain in the meantime?
No. During the RGP, a new registration by third parties is not possible. That is exactly why backorder orders target the moment after the RGP – and exactly why the ReCatch acquisition on the final RGP day is a different mechanism: it happens from within the ongoing process, not through a new registration.
Can the previous holder reactivate it?
As a rule, yes – through their provider or the procedures provided by the respective registry. An important exception in the ReCatch context: for a domain handed over via Redomain, the previous holder no longer has this right, because the handover was irrevocable.
How long does the RGP last?
That depends on the TLD and registry – there is no blanket duration for all extensions. DomainCatcher states roughly 30 to 40 days for common extensions such as .de, .at or .com; for individual cases the period can also be longer. Never rely on a blanket figure for a specific domain, but on the actual status.
RGP, Pending Delete and drop
- RGP: protection period; the previous holder can usually get the domain back, no registration by third parties.
- Pending Delete: for many gTLDs, a short final phase after the RGP in which deletion is final and restoration is no longer possible.
- Drop: the moment of final release – from now on, anyone can register the domain anew; this is where backorder comes in.
Where does ReCatch fit into the process?
ReCatch offers selected domains from the Redomain process on the final RGP day – that is, before Pending Delete and the drop. The offering is currently concentrated on domains from the German-speaking DomainCatcher environment, in particular .de domains; the current ReCatch list is authoritative.
View RGP lists and ReCatch on DomainCatcher
External link to DomainCatcher.com – the prices and terms published there apply.
Further reading: What is ReCatch? · ReCatch versus backorder · Glossary