Domain Names:Domain name fees

Domain name type

Prices differ between standard and premium domain names.

• Standard domain names: Most domain names fall into this category, with standard registration, renewal, transfer-in, and restoration prices per TLD. Current rates are on the Domain Prices.

• Premium domain names (also known as platinum domain names): Registries designate these domain names as high-value based on length, brandability, or keywords. Their registration, renewal, transfer-in, and restoration fees exceed standard rates and are set at the time of transaction. Premium domain names are not eligible for promotional offers. The final price is displayed on the checkout page.

Premium domain names are settled in a foreign currency. Because the price involves exchange rate conversion and the accumulation of rounded decimal amounts, the total price of a multi-year renewal may be higher than renewing one year at a time. The actual amount charged is the price displayed on the order page.

Domain name operations

• Registration: Prices vary by TLD, domain name type, and registration duration.

• Transfer-in: Per ICANN policy, transferring a domain name to Alibaba Cloud includes a one-year registration extension. The transfer-in fee typically equals the standard one-year renewal fee for that TLD.

Domain name lifecycle and fees

After expiration, a domain name enters a renewal grace period and then a redemption period, each with different costs. We strongly recommend renewing before expiration to avoid additional fees and potential service interruptions.

1. Active period: The domain name functions normally. Renew at any time at the standard renewal price.

2. Renewal grace period: After expiration, the domain name enters a grace period (typically 30 days). DNS resolution is suspended, but you can still renew at the standard renewal price.

   The grace period varies by TLD — for example, 28 days for .hk domain names. Check the console for the exact duration.

3. Redemption period: If not renewed during the grace period, the domain name enters a redemption period (typically 14–30 days). Redeeming it requires a significantly higher restoration fee.

   The redemption period varies by TLD — for example, .hk domain names have no redemption period. Check the console for the exact duration.

4. Pending delete period: After the redemption period, the domain name enters a pending delete phase where no operations are possible. The registry then deletes it, making it available for public registration.

Why did my domain name renewal price increase?

Domain name renewal prices are influenced by multiple factors. Possible reasons include:

1. Upstream cost adjustments: Domain registries (such as Verisign) raised base registration or renewal costs, causing global registrars to adjust prices accordingly.

2. Exchange rate fluctuations: Changes in international currency exchange rates affect local pricing for domain names denominated in foreign currencies.

3. Compliance and governance costs: Increased operational costs for domain real-name verification and security compliance requirements.

4. Market demand and registry pricing: Some TLD prices change due to market demand or registry pricing strategy adjustments.

5. Expired promotions: Previous new-customer discounts, annual renewal promotional prices, or promotional codes have expired, reverting to standard renewal pricing.

For current prices, refer to the Domain Prices page or the real-time pricing shown on the renewal page in the Alibaba Cloud console.