.al domain expiry: what happens and how to avoid it
An expired domain is more than a forgotten invoice. Your website and email stop, and the name can end up with someone else. Here is how to protect it.
What domain expiry means
A .al domain is not bought forever. It is registered for a set term, from 1 to 10 years, and must be renewed when that term ends. The expiry date is the day the paid period runs out. If the renewal is not completed by then, the domain is expired.
You can see the expiry date in the client area and in a .al WHOIS lookup. It is worth checking at least once a year, especially if the domain is managed by an employee, an agency or someone who is no longer with the company.
What happens when a .al domain expires
The effects are immediate and reach everything that depends on the domain:
- Your website stops working immediately after expiry.
- Professional email on the domain stops too, so customer messages no longer reach you.
- Linked services such as forms, online orders or app logins that use the domain are interrupted.
After expiry, the domain enters a period in which recovery may still be possible. After that period the name is released and anyone can register it. The length and conditions of recovery depend on the registry rules and on the specific case, so do not rely on this period as a safety net.
How to renew your domain in time
We advise renewing at least 30 days before the expiry date. That leaves enough time if something goes wrong with the payment or the contact details. Renewal is charged at the same rate as registration, with no increase after the first year:
| Extension | Renewal / year |
|---|---|
| .al | €8.99 |
| .com.al | €9.99 |
| .net.al | €9.99 |
| .org.al | €9.99 |
Prices exclude VAT. The safest way never to lose the name is a multi-year renewal, up to 10 years at once. See renewing a .al domain and .al domain pricing for details.
Email reminders and auto-renewal
Our system sends automatic email reminders before expiry. Even so, ultimate responsibility for renewal rests with the registrant. To make sure the reminders work:
- Keep the registrant email up to date in the client area. Expiry notices and transfer confirmations are sent there.
- Do not use an address on the same domain as the contact. If the domain stops, so does that mailbox.
- Turn on auto-renewal and make sure your payment method is valid.
- Add the expiry date to your own calendar as an extra safeguard.
Already expired? Act immediately
If you find that your domain has expired, time is the most important factor. Recommended steps:
- Log in to the client area and check the domain status and any unpaid invoices.
- Open a support ticket as soon as possible and include the domain name.
- Wait for the team to explain the options in your case before changing DNS or hosting.
We cannot promise that every expired domain can be recovered, because that depends on its status at the registry. But the sooner you contact us, the better the chances.
Expiry and the one-year use rule
.al domains are also subject to a specific rule in the AKEP regulation: if the domain is not put into use within one year from registration or renewal, it may be released and registered by someone else. So renewing is not enough on its own; the domain also needs to be used.
Frequently asked questions
When does my website stop working after a .al domain expires?
Can I recover a .al domain that has expired?
How much does it cost to renew a .al domain?
For how many years can I renew my domain?
Are email reminders enough to keep my domain?
Do not lose your name
Renew early or for several years at once and forget about the expiry date.