Expired Domains

Search expired domains with AI-powered tools. Explore our comprehensive index of expiring and recently expired domain names.

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Understanding the Expired Domain Lifecycle

When a domain expires, it goes through several stages before becoming available for registration. The entire process typically takes 75-90 days.

Active Domain

Registration period

Domain is registered and active. Owner receives renewal reminders before expiration.

Grace Period

0-45 days

Domain expires but can still be renewed by the owner at regular price. The website may go offline during this time.

Redemption Period

30 days

Domain can only be recovered by the original owner at a higher redemption fee. Not available for new registration yet.

Pending Delete

5 days

Domain is queued for deletion. Still not available for registration. Cannot be recovered.

Available

After ~75-90 days total

Domain is released and available for anyone to register on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is an expired domain?

An expired domain is a previously registered domain name that the owner didn't renew. This can happen due to failed payments, forgotten renewals, or intentional abandonment. After going through grace and redemption periods, these domains become available for registration.

Why consider expired domains?

Expired domains may have existing backlinks, search engine history, or memorable names. Understanding these characteristics helps you evaluate whether a domain fits your needs and goals.

Research before registering

Before registering an expired domain, research its history using archive tools and backlink checkers. Verify it doesn't have spam penalties or trademark issues. Understanding the domain's past helps you make informed decisions.

How our search works

Our search indexes millions of domains and uses AI to help you find relevant expired domains based on keywords, extensions, and other criteria you specify.
Search millions of domains instantly

The fastest domain search tool on the internet

Instant Domain Search is the ultimate domain search engine to find, buy, and register available domain names and extensions (TLDs). Our tool shows hundreds of results as you type, surfacing the best domain names at the lowest prices. We are an ICANN-accredited domain registrar, so you can search and register domains with confidence.

Search available domain names

Our domain search tool shows you domain and extension combinations in real-time as you type. Explore availability, popularity, and more so you can choose with confidence.

Check more than 1,600 domain extensions

Check domains across the most popular, relevant, and affordable extensions (.com, .org, .ai) for your website URL in seconds.

Domain name generator

Our AI domain generator searches millions of available domains to suggest the most creative, shortest, and unique names.

Explore premium domain names

Discover premium domains for sale that stand out. Identify undervalued options with traffic, backlinks, and domain authority.

Search expired domains

Find expired and expiring domain names with AI-powered search. Explore hundreds of thousands of expired domains in one place.

Bulk domain search

Check availability of thousands of domain names at once. Upload a list or paste domains to search multiple domains instantly.

Instant domain name search tools for finding the best available domains.

Instant Domain Search provides the most comprehensive domain name search tools and features you need to find the perfect domain name.

Domain name checker

Check millions of domains and 1,600+ extensions instantly. Instant Domain Search finds the best available domains with instant results as you type.

Domain price comparison

Compare registrar pricing in real time to find available domains at the lowest prices across top registrars.

Domain history & insights

Track ownership, expiration, and value trends. Find domains that already have traffic, backlinks, or SEO authority.

WHOIS lookup

Look up domain ownership history and registrant information instantly with our built-in WHOIS lookup.

Domain value estimates

Estimate how much a domain might be worth using real market data, comparable sales, and traffic insights.

Premium domain marketplace

Explore high-quality premium domains optimized for branding, traffic, and long-term value.
Tips for choosing a domain

What makes a great domain name?

Choosing the right domain is critical for your website. When you combine it with the right extension, it becomes even more powerful.

Relevant

Your domain name should connect to your brand, business, and web content. It should give visitors a clear idea of what to expect when they land on your site.

Memorable

Great domain names stick in people's minds and stand out from the crowd. Avoid complex or confusing words that challenge spelling.

Short

Short domains are easier to remember and type. Avoid unnecessary words or hyphens that can make your domain name hard to remember.

On-brand

Your domain name and extension offer an opportunity to reinforce your brand identity. Extensions and TLDs specific to your industry can enhance the relevance and credibility of your website.
Guides & blogs

Learn more from domain experts

Explore domains from the fundamentals of buying domains to the technology behind Instant Domain Search.

Domain guides for beginners

Read all guides

Our best-kept tech secrets

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“Media Guy's pop pick: Instant Domain Search.”

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Domain Name Search FAQs

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address you type into your web browser to visit a website, like "instantdomainsearch.com." It identifies a website on the internet, making it easy for people to find and remember. Like your home address helps people find where you live, a domain name helps people find your website. Our domain search tool helps you find available domains.

Why use Instant Domain Search?

Our free domain name search delivers the fastest search results on the internet. As you type, our tool shows available domains in less than 25 milliseconds using powerful AI and instant search infrastructure. With every query, you see available extensions, suggested similar domains, and premium domains to boost your website performance. You also gain access to a suite of features including price history, WHOIS lookup, estimated value, pronunciation, and where to buy it for the cheapest price.

What if the domain name I want is already taken?

If someone already owns the domain name you want, you still have several options:

  • Try a different extension: if someone owns "example.com," check if "example.net," "example.org," or other TLDs remain available. See the full list of available extensions.
  • Create a variation: add a word, hyphen, or change the order of words to create a variation of your desired domain name. Our Domain Name Generator suggests similar available domains. Our premium domain search tool also helps you find similar, high-performing domains.
  • Contact the owner: the current owner might sell their domain. You can often find owner information by visiting the domain or using WHOIS lookup to locate the owner.

How do I check if a domain name is available?

Use our domain checker to see if a domain name is available. Type the name you want, and you'll receive real-time results that check domains across different extensions (like ".com" or ".net") and provide alternative suggestions.

What are extensions and TLDs, and which one should I choose?

A TLD (Top-Level Domain) represents the part of a domain name that comes after the dot, like ".com" or ".org." The .com extension ranks as the most common, but many others, such as ".net" or industry-specific extensions like ".tech" or ".shop," offer great alternatives. Our domain extension tool helps you explore different TLD options.

How do I buy domains?

Once you find an available domain using our domain search tool, select a registrar to purchase it. We show you pricing from trusted registrars so you can buy with confidence. After buying, you'll connect the domain to your website or hosting provider.

Expired Domains: Find Expiring Domain Names