This is the "official" line on it, though I'm sure I've seen domains stay in the db longer.. from SitePoint.com.
Adam
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A domain name is registered for a fixed period of time.
If the time period elapses and the original registrant has not paid to renew the registration, the name is put 'on-hold'. The original registrant is then given up to 60 days to pay for the name's renewal.
If this grace period expires without payment from the registrant, they lose the right to renew the name. Instead, the name is placed on a six-day countdown, and is given the status of 'soon to drop'.
At precisely 6.30 AM (EST) or up to 15 minutes thereafter on the 6th day after the name becomes 'soon to drop', the name is made available for anyone to register again i.e. it is dropped.
Here is an example from 'WHOIS' of a 'soon to drop' name, Sinners.com:
---------------------------
[whois.crsnic.net]Whois Server Version 1.3Domain names in the .com, .net, and .org domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to
http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.
Domain Name: SINNERS.COM
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC.
Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Referral URL:
www.networksolutions.com
Name Server: NS1.WWIA.NET
Name Server: STAR.WWIA.COM
Updated Date: 30-jan-2001
The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .ORG, .EDU domains and
Registrars.
[whois.networksolutions.com]
Domain not found locally, but Registry points back to local DB.
Local whois DB must be out of date.
Whois Server Version 1.3
Domain names in the .com, .net, and .org domains can now be registered
with many different competing registrars. Go to
http://www.internic.net
for detailed information.
Domain Name: SINNERS.COM
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC.
Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Referral URL:
www.networksolutions.com
Name Server: NS1.WWIA.NET
Name Server: STAR.WWIA.COM
Updated Date: 30-jan-2001
>>> Last update of whois database: Sat, 3 Feb 2001 11:10:57 EST <<<
The Registry database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .ORG, .EDU domains and
Registrars.
The previous information has been obtained either directly from the
registrant or a registrar of the domain name other than Network Solutions.
Network Solutions, therefore, does not guarantee its accuracy or
completeness.
-------------------------
The giveaway line is 'Local whois DB must be out of date'. This indicates that the name is 'soon to drop'. Note also that the previous registrant's details are not output, because these have now been erased.
The other important line is the one that reads 'Updated Date: 30-jan-2001'. This shows exactly when the name will be made available again. Just add six days to this date, and bingo, you know exactly when the name will be dropped. In this case, Sinners.com dropped on Monday 5th February 2001 at 6.30 AM.
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