Starting September 21, 2026, Ascio and EPAG are changing how unrenewed domains are handled: eligible domains will be sent to auction instead of being deleted outright, and the domain expiry timeline is shifting to align across our platforms. This article answers the most common questions about what's changing, which domains are affected, and what you need to do.
What's changing and when
Effective September 21, 2026, 15:00:00 UTC, two updates take effect:
- Domain expiry lifecycle timing. The timing of automatic renewal and automatic deletion for expiring domains is changing, across all gTLDs and the ccTLDs .CC, .CO, .ME, .US, and .WS.
- Auction handling. Eligible domains in that TLD set that aren't renewed after expiry go to auction instead of being deleted. What this means for you depends on whether you're an Ascio reseller or an EPAG reseller — see the brand-specific FAQs below.
Timeline at a glance
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Up to 35 days before expiry | Expire/UnExpire orders can still be created. This timing is unchanged. |
| 30 days before expiry | Automatic renewal, where applicable, now happens at this point. |
| At expiry | Domains eligible for auction become eligible to be sent to auction. |
| Up to 30 days after expiry | The domain can still be renewed by the current reseller. Renewing at any point in this window removes the domain from the auction process immediately. |
| 40 days after expiry | Automatic deletion, where applicable, now happens at this point — unless the domain was already renewed or sent to auction. |
Note: For domains not eligible for auction, deletion at day 40 is followed by the standard Redemption Grace Period, during which the domain can still be restored as usual.
Frequently asked questions
Which domains are affected?
The lifecycle change applies to all gTLDs, plus the ccTLDs .CC, .CO, .ME, .US, and .WS.
Will I be reminded before a domain expires?
Yes. Ascio automatically sends renewal/expiry reminders on the following schedule:
- Reminder 1: 26 days before expiration (-26)
- Reminder 2: 4 days before expiration (-4)
- Reminder 3: 5 days after expiration (+5)
What happens if a domain isn't renewed in time?
- If the domain isn't eligible for auction: it's deleted at day 40 after expiry, followed by the standard Redemption Grace Period, during which it can still be restored as usual.
- If the domain is eligible for auction: once the 30-day post-expiry renewal window closes, it can no longer be renewed and is forfeited. There is no Redemption Grace Period or restoration option for domains sent to auction — the 30-day renewal window is the only opportunity to keep the domain.
Can I still renew a domain that's already in the auction process?
Yes. As long as you're within 30 days of the expiry date, renewing the domain removes it from the auction process immediately and the domain remains with the current reseller.
What changes for Ascio resellers specifically?
Effective September 21, 2026, Ascio will no longer share auction revenue on domains sent to auction. This applies to Ascio resellers whose domains are already sent to auction today. The AscioNIC Agreement has been updated to reflect this change, no action is required on your part.
What changes for EPAG resellers specifically?
This is the first time EPAG domains will be sent to auction rather than deleted outright when unrenewed. The Registrant Agreement (Exhibit A) has been updated to reflect this. EPAG resellers should make sure that, by September 21, 2026, these updated terms become an explicit part of their own customers' terms and conditions when a domain is registered.
Tip: If you're an EPAG reseller, let your registrants know that an unrenewed domain may now be sold to a third party rather than deleted — and that they can prevent this by renewing within 30 days of expiry.
Do I need to do anything right now?
Review the lifecycle changes above and check whether any of your own systems or automations need updating to reflect the new renewal and deletion thresholds. Ascio resellers don't need to take any action on the revenue-sharing change itself. EPAG resellers need to update their own customer-facing terms and conditions to reflect the updated Registrant Agreement.
Who do I contact with questions?
Contact your account manager, or reach out to Ascio Support.
Next steps
- Read the updated agreement that applies to you. Ascio resellers: review the updated AscioNIC Agreement that was previously distributed to you. EPAG resellers: review the Registrant Agreement (Exhibit A).
- Check your own renewal automation against the new 30-day (renewal) and 40-day (deletion) thresholds so nothing falls through unexpectedly.
- Talk to your account manager if you have questions about how this affects your specific account.
Questions? Contact Ascio Support.
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