Domain Renewal and Expiration Guide for Squarespace

Domain Renewal and Expiration Guide for Squarespace

By Michael Turner

January 16, 2025 at 07:19 AM

Domain Renewal and Expiration at Squarespace

Squarespace automatically renews domains to maintain your site's functionality. The renewal occurs at the end of each registration period, charging the payment method on file.

Billing Cycle and Notifications

  • Charges occur 15 days before the official renewal date
  • Email notifications are sent 15 days before billing
  • Standard renewal cost is $20 after the first year
  • Free domains registered before March 5, 2015, follow legacy rules

Payment Process

  • Automatic renewal is enabled by default
  • Payment information can be updated in the Billing panel
  • Multiple domains may share billing information
  • Failed payments trigger three charging attempts over 15 days

Domain Expiration Timeline

For Squarespace Domains LLC:

  • Domain expires if payment fails
  • 60-day grace period for reactivation
  • Domain released for public registration after grace period

For Tucows Domains:

  • 30-day grace period (45 days total from charge date)
  • Must contact Tucows directly for renewal after grace period
  • Custom renewal pricing may apply

Important Considerations

  • Domain billing is separate from website and other subscriptions
  • Third-party domains follow different renewal processes
  • Automatic renewal can be disabled in the Domains dashboard
  • Email services linked to expired domains will be interrupted

Legacy Free Domains (Pre-March 5, 2015)

Remain free with annual website billing plans unless:

  • Switching to monthly billing ($20/year)
  • Website expires beyond renewal period
  • Moving to a site with existing free domain
  • Changing to non-USD currency billing

Failed Payment Consequences

  • Domain enters "expired" status
  • 15-day active period after failed charge
  • Domain disconnects from site after expiration
  • Grace period begins for renewal opportunity

To maintain active domain status, keep payment information current and monitor renewal notifications. For expired domains, update billing information and reactivate through the Domains dashboard or contact support for assistance.

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