What Is Drop Date?
The drop date is the specific date (and sometimes time) when an expired domain completes its deletion cycle and becomes available for public registration. Knowing the exact drop date allows domain investors and buyers to prepare backorders and drop catching attempts.
Drop dates vary by registry. For .com and .net domains managed by Verisign, the pending delete period is exactly 5 days, making drop dates predictable once a domain enters that status. Other TLDs may have different timelines.
Services like ExpiredDomains.net, DropCatch, and NameJet track upcoming drop dates and display them alongside domain quality metrics, helping users identify valuable domains worth catching.
Why This Matters for Startups
If you've identified a domain you want that's currently in the expiration cycle, knowing the drop date tells you exactly when to have your backorder in place. Place your backorder as early as possible — don't wait until the last minute. Also be aware that if the current owner renews during the grace period (which they can do at any time), the drop is cancelled and you'll get a refund on your backorder fee.
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