Scoop up the .CA you've always wanted.
If a domain you want is expiring soon, here’s all the info you’ll need to get it.
What is TBR?
To-Be-Released (TBR) is the process by which CIRA releases all deleted .CA domains back for general registration, often referred to as “the drop” in the domain industry.
How to get a domain in TBR
1. View the TBR list to find out which domains will be in the upcoming TBR sessions. If you’re wondering about a specific domain, it will appear on the TBR list between 32 and 78 days after the expiry date, if the current registrant does not redeem it (more details below).
2. Choose a registrar (aka “drop catcher”) that offers TBR as a service. Each registrar does TBR a bit differently and charges different prices.
3. Set up an account with the registrar and place an order (often referred to as a “backorder”) on your domain.
4. Your registrar will attempt to get the domain on your behalf during the TBR session. The session date and time is indicated on the TBR list for each domain.
5. Expect to receive the results from your registrar within 24 hours after the TBR session ends.
6. If successful, start using your .CA!
.CA TBR registrar/drop catcher list
The following companies provide the ability to register a .CA domain released through TBR.
.CA domain deletion timeline
1. Domain expires
Check the date for a domain here:
2. Auto-renew grace period
Registrars have up to 45 days to ask the current registrant if they want to renew. Some registrars skip this step.
3. Redemption grace period
Once the domain gets deleted, the registrant has 30 days to request that their registrar redeem the domain.
4. Domain is added to list
The domain name status will change to “pending delete” and will be added to the TBR list, which indicates the session date and time for each domain.
Domains deleted between Monday at 7:00 (UTC) and Wednesday at 19:00 (UTC) will be pushed into the next week’s TBR session. This means a domain will appear on the TBR list for 2.5 to 9.5 days.
CIRA’s list is updated daily. A list of domains for the two upcoming TBR sessions is on our website.
5. TBR session is held
CIRA releases domains through the TBR session every Wednesday starting at 19:00 (UTC).
It’s kind of like lining up to get the best tickets to a concert – first come, first served.
6. Domain is available
Domains that are not registered in a TBR session are available for general registration, usually within 30 minutes after the session ends.
TBR frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to buy a domain through TBR?
It varies. Some registrars simply charge for the price of a one-year registration for the domain if you are the winner in TBR. Others charge a flat fee to attempt to get it for you. When more than one backorder has been placed for the domain you want, most registrars have some model to resolve the conflicting requests, often based on a short auction.
You can shop around and find which registrar meets your needs.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative and are flexible on the exact domain name you want, consider buying an alternative domain name.
I accidentally let my domain expire. Should I get it back through TBR or wait?
If you actively used the domain before, you may not want to risk someone else scooping it up in TBR. It’s probably a good idea to place a backorder.
Remember, there is no guarantee that your registrar will get the domain for you in TBR, especially if it is a premium domain (e.g. a short keyword).
It’s best to not let your domain expire. Some tips for preventing this are to make note of the dates for any domains you have registered, make sure your contact information is up-to-date with your registrar, and that their emails are getting delivered to your inbox.
Should I contact CIRA or a registrar if I have questions about TBR?
We want you to succeed in getting the .CA domain you want; if you have questions about the process please contact us. If you have questions about registrar fees and processes, contact them directly.
What is the difference between a domain backorder and dropcatching?
Drop catching is the process for registering domains that are going to be in TBR. Orders placed for domains that are dropping are also referred to as backorders.
Some registrars offer the ability to place a backorder for any .CA domain, which means your backorder will apply when the domain expires (if ever).
How can I view the results of the latest TBR session?
We post results from the most recent TBR session, which includes each domain that was registered, by which registrar and a timestamp, as well as a brief summary of the session. Results are automatically updated each week in a beautiful JSON file.
Why is it called TBR?
Because we called it that years ago and we don’t feel like changing it.