How DropTicker works
DropTicker compares domain zone data and checks domain registration status to identify and estimate upcoming drops.
Detecting domains leaving the zone
The daily process compares ICANN CZDS zone files. A name present in one daily zone and absent from the next is recorded as having left the zone. It may be entering deletion or may already have dropped.
Checking status with RDAP
DropTicker checks domains that leave the zone using RDAP, the registration data access protocol, to classify their lifecycle status. When RDAP no longer finds a domain after it has left the zone, it is treated as dropped.
Estimating drop dates
Drop dates are estimates based on the usual expiry, grace, redemption and pending-delete lifecycle. Registrar-controlled grace periods can vary; redemption is commonly 30 days and pending delete lasts about 5 days for .com.
Accuracy
Zone files are daily snapshots, RDAP status can change, and lifecycle timing varies. As a result, a domain’s displayed status or predicted drop date can be wrong. Verify important details with the registry or registrar.
Further reading
For each lifecycle stage in plain English, read how domain drops work and redemption vs pending delete. Terms such as RDAP and zone file are defined in the glossary.