What Happens When a Bluehost Domain Expires?
Bluehost is a major web hosting provider that also offers domain registration services. Bluehost is owned by Newfold Digital, which also owns the auction platforms NameJet and SnapNames. When a Bluehost domain expires, the expired inventory is sent exclusively to NameJet and SnapNames for auction.
Bluehost Expired Domain Timeline
| Days After Expiration | Phase | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0–30 | Grace Period | Owner can renew at standard price. Domain is parked. |
| ~Day 30+ | Pre-Release Auction | Domain listed on NameJet and SnapNames for auction. |
| ~Day 30–60 | Redemption Period | Domain can be recovered with redemption fee. |
| ~Day 60–75 | Pending Delete | Domain queued for deletion at the registry. |
| Day 75+ | Domain Drop | Domain becomes available for public registration. |
Bluehost Domain Grace Period
After a Bluehost domain expires, the registrant has a grace period of approximately 30 days to renew the domain at the standard renewal price. During this time, the domain is parked and the website and email stop functioning.
Where Does Bluehost Auction Expired Domains?
Bluehost sends its expired domain inventory to two auction platforms, both owned by its parent company Newfold Digital:
- NameJet (namejet.com) — The primary auction platform for Bluehost expired domains
- SnapNames (snapnames.com) — Bluehost domains are cross-listed here as well
NameJet offers pre-release domains before the redemption grace period ends, giving buyers early access to expired domains. Both platforms share inventory since they're owned by the same parent company.
Newfound Digital Family of Registrars
Newfold Digital (formerly Endurance International Group / Web.com) owns several registrars and hosting companies that all send their expired domain inventory to NameJet and SnapNames:
- Bluehost
- HostGator
- Network Solutions
- Domain.com
- Register.com
This makes NameJet the second-largest expired domain auction platform after GoDaddy Auctions.