For .at domains: after cancellation the domain is technically locked (a cool-down) and stops working. According to nic.at it only becomes available for a new registration after this technical lock of roughly eight weeks. There is no fixed second-by-second public drop.
Registry & basic rules
| Registry | nic.at |
|---|---|
| Extension | .at (ccTLD Austria) |
| Who can register | Natural and legal persons; no Austrian residence required. |
| Local presence | No strict local presence requirement; a reachable contact is needed. |
| Technical lock / cool-down | approx. 8 weeks |
| Re-release | After the technical lock (approx. 8 weeks) the domain becomes available for a new registration. |
| Fixed drop time | No fixed clock-time drop defined by nic.at. |
Deletion cycle in detail
After deletion the domain is locked and marked "pending delete" in WHOIS; it is not functional.
After the technical lock (approx. 8 weeks) the domain becomes available for a new registration.
Is drop-catching possible?
Classic drop-catching is less predictable here because of the long cool-down and the lack of a fixed drop time.
Backorder for .at
A backorder targets the re-release after the cool-down; success is not guaranteed. Basics: What is a backorder? · Domain catching.
Transfer & auth code
Transfer via auth code; see the glossary. See Glossary: auth code.
Specifics & risks
- Long technical lock (~8 weeks) instead of a short period.
- No fixed public drop time.
- A free name is not automatically free of third-party trademark/name rights.
Difference from .de
Unlike .de (a 30-day RGP that favours the former holder), .at is dominated by the ~8-week technical lock; after that the domain is free. For comparison: .de deletion cycle.
Next
All TLD guides · Glossary: registry · Redemption Grace Period
Frequently asked questions
How long until a deleted .at domain is free?
According to nic.at about eight weeks of technical lock, after which it can be registered again.
Sources
- nic.at – FAQ (cancellation/deletion) — accessed 2026-08-12