addPeriod status

The domain was registered within the last few days (usually 5 for gTLDs) and is in its add grace period. This status is informational only.

addPeriod at a glance
EPP status codeaddPeriod
RDAP statusadd period (per RFC 8056)
Set byRegistry (grace period)
CategoryGrace period status (RGP)
Defined inRFC 3915
ICANN referenceicann.org/epp#addPeriod

What addPeriod means

addPeriod shows that the domain is in its add grace period, the first few days after it was registered. For gTLDs this period is typically 5 days. In RDAP it appears as add period.

The grace period is a billing arrangement between the registry and the registrar, defined by the Registry Grace Period extension in RFC 3915. If the registrar deletes the domain during this period, the registry credits the registration fee back to the registrar, which lets registrars correct mistakes such as typos or failed payments.

ICANN's Add Grace Period Limits Policy caps how many of these refunds a registrar can claim, which largely ended the practice known as domain tasting.

For the owner nothing changes: the domain works normally, and the status disappears automatically when the period ends.

Official definition: ICANN, EPP Status Codes: What Do They Mean, and Why Should I Know? (addPeriod)

Why a domain has this status

  • The domain was registered recently. The registry adds the status automatically at registration.

What you should do

  • Nothing. It is an informational status and there is no problem with your domain.
  • If you registered the domain by mistake, for example with a typo, contact your registrar straight away. Whether you can cancel and get a refund depends on the registrar's policy.
  • Expect a new domain to be transfer-locked for a while: many registrars don't allow a transfer to another registrar shortly after registration.

Check a domain's status

Look up any domain to see its current status codes, registrar, expiration date and name servers from the registry's RDAP or WHOIS service.

  • pendingCreate: A request to register the domain has been received but not completed yet, typically during a TLD launch phase or a manual registry review.
  • renewPeriod: The domain was renewed within the last few days (usually 5 for gTLDs) and is in its renew grace period; no action is needed.
  • transferPeriod: The domain was recently transferred to a new registrar and is in its transfer grace period, usually 5 days for gTLDs; no action is needed.
  • autoRenewPeriod: The domain has expired and the registry renewed it automatically; for gTLDs the registrar has up to 45 days to keep or delete it.
  • ok: The domain has no pending operations and no restrictions, so it can be updated, renewed, transferred or deleted normally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does addPeriod last?

Typically 5 days after registration for gTLDs such as .com. Country-code registries set their own rules, and some don't use grace periods at all.

Can I get a refund during the add grace period?

The add grace period refund goes from the registry to the registrar. Whether you get your money back depends on your registrar's refund policy, so ask them as soon as possible.

Further reading