Domain Names:Domain name fees

Domain name type

Domain name prices depend on whether the domain name is classified as standard or premium.

• Standard domain names: Most domain names fall into this category. Their registration, renewal, transfer-in, and restoration prices are standard for their TLD. For current pricing, see Domain Prices.

• Premium domain names (also known as platinum domain names): These are domain names designated by the registry as high-value due to their length, brandability, or keywords. Their registration, renewal, transfer-in, and restoration fees are higher than standard domain names and are determined at the time of the transaction. Premium domain names are not eligible for promotional offers. The final price is displayed on the checkout page.

Domain name operations

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

• Transfer-in: As required by ICANN policy, transferring a domain name to Alibaba Cloud includes a one-year registration extension. Therefore, the transfer-in fee is typically the same as the standard one-year renewal fee for that TLD.

How domain name lifecycle affects fees

After a domain name expires, it enters a renewal grace period and then a redemption period. The costs to renew a domain name during these stages are different from a standard renewal fee. We strongly recommend renewing your domain name before it expires to avoid additional fees and potential service interruptions.

1. Active period: While a domain name is active, it functions normally. You can renew it at any time for the standard renewal price.

2. Renewal grace period: After a domain name expires, it enters a grace period (typically 30 days), during which DNS resolution is suspended. You can still renew the domain name at the standard renewal price.

   The length of the grace period varies by TLD. For example, it is 28 days for .hk domain names. Refer to the console for the exact renewal grace period for your domain name.

3. Redemption period: If the domain name is not renewed during the renewal grace period, it enters a redemption period (typically 14–30 days). To redeem the domain name during this time, you must pay a significantly higher restoration fee.

   The length of the redemption period varies by TLD. For example, .hk domain names do not have a redemption period. Refer to the console for the exact redemption period for your domain name.

4. Pending delete period: After the redemption period, the domain name enters a pending delete phase. During this time, no operations are possible. At the end of this phase, the registry deletes the domain name, and it becomes available for public registration.