Technical Alert: .IO Domain Registration Requirements and Limitations

Technical Alert: .IO Domain Registration Requirements and Limitations

By Michael Turner

February 7, 2025 at 08:39 AM

Registering, transferring, and managing .io domains requires understanding several key features and limitations specific to this domain extension.

The .io extension is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) originally designated for the British Indian Ocean Territory, but now widely used by technology companies worldwide.

Key Features and Rules:

Domain Renewal

  • Automatic renewal attempt occurs 15 days before expiration
  • Multiple charge attempts up to 3 days before expiration
  • Domain locks if renewal fails

Grace Periods After Expiration:

  • Tucows registrar: 40-day grace period followed by 30-day redemption period
  • Key-Systems registrar: approximately 30-day renewal period

Important Restrictions:

  • No five-day cooling-off period
  • No refunds available for cancellations
  • Not eligible for free domain offers
  • Whois protection unavailable

Domain Transfer Information:

  • Transfers include one-year extension
  • You keep remaining time on current registration
  • Additional year added to registration period

Before Registration:

  • Verify domain name spelling
  • Confirm your intent to keep the domain
  • Check current pricing through domain search

Note: These rules apply only to .io domain registration and transfers. Different guidelines may apply when connecting existing .io domains from third-party providers.

Remember to maintain valid payment information to avoid domain expiration and potential loss of registration rights.

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