glossary
Pending delete: the last days before a name drops.
What pending delete means for .com/.net and other gTLDs, when names actually drop, and why alerts matter. Vacato watches availability; it does not catch or register the domain.
Last updated 2026-08-22
Typical .com / .net path
- Registered — name is taken. WHOIS/RDAP show an expiry date.
- Expired / auto-renew grace — often ~0–45 days. The original registrar may still let the owner renew at a normal fee.
- Redemption — often ~30 days. Restore usually costs extra. The name is not in the public pool.
- Pending delete — for Verisign .com/.net, commonly about five days. The registrant typically cannot renew. Catch platforms queue the delete.
- Drop — the name returns to the registry pool. First successful registrar create wins — including automated catchers.
Other TLDs differ. Always treat this as a sketch, not a legal calendar. Registry policy wins.
When alerts matter
If you only look once a week, you will miss the window. Vacato re-checks your list every 5 minutes (Free) or every minute (Pro). That still may not beat a catch cluster on a hot name. Read drop catching and vs DropCatch.
How to check status now
Use the free RDAP checker for a snapshot (pending delete vs available is not always a dedicated field — you get registration state and often expiry). For a loop, add the name to a watchlist. Technical loop: WHOIS/RDAP monitor · how it works.
FAQ
What does pending delete mean?
It is the last stage before a gTLD returns to the registry pool. For .com and .net this is typically about five days after redemption ends. The registrant usually cannot renew during pending delete.
When should I start watching?
Add the name as soon as you care about it. Vacato checks availability continuously, not only during pending delete. Expiry data helps you know when the window is close.
Does Vacato catch pending-delete names?
No. We alert. Drop-catch platforms compete at the registry. You can still lose after an alert.
Start a watchlist free
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