---
description: >-
  This document outlines the stages a .box domain goes through after expiration
  and explains the recovery opportunities at each stage.
---

# Domain Expiration

#### **1. Grace Period (Days 1–64)**

* **Functionality Ceases**\
  Once a domain expires, it stops functioning. This means associated services like websites, email, and domain transfers will no longer work.
* **Recovery Still Possible**\
  You can recover the domain at the regular recovery rate of 120 USDC without any additional fees during this period.
* **No Immediate Ownership Loss**\
  The domain remains associated with the original owner, allowing for easy recoverability.

***

#### **2. Pending Delete Period (Days 65–69)**

* **Domain Prepped for Deletion**\
  The domain enters the queue for deletion offchain. This involves a system delay of approximately four days to prepare the domain for release back into the public pool.
* **From the User’s Perspective**\
  The domain is effectively deleted at this point, and the original owner can no longer use or renew it through normal channels. The NFT is frozen in their wallet.

***

#### **3. Deleted (Day 70)**

* **Public Availability**\
  On the 70th day, the domain becomes available for registration. However, unlike traditional first-come, first-served models, expired .box domains enter a **premium pricing phase**.
* **Premium Pricing Phase**\
  During this phase, prices start at **7,680 USDC** and halve every 24 hours over a period of **6 days**, eventually settling at a fixed rate of **120 USDC**. This allows users to decide whether to pay a premium to secure the domain early or wait for the price to stabilize.
* **NFT Transfer**\
  When purchased by another user, the frozen domain NFT will automatically be transferred to the new owner's wallet.
