Guide
How to check when a domain expires
To check when a domain expires, run a WHOIS or RDAP lookup for it and read the Registry Expiry Date, or open the domain in your registrar account. Then set reminders 60, 30 and 7 days before that date and confirm auto-renew has a working card.
Look it up
On a Mac or Linux terminal, whois example.com shows the Registry Expiry Date. Web lookups from your registrar or from ICANN's RDAP service show the same date.
Check the certificate too
Your HTTPS certificate has its own expiry date, often 90 days for free certificates. Click the padlock in your browser, or use openssl from a terminal, to see it.
What happens after expiry
Most registrars give a short grace period, then a redemption period with a much higher fee, and finally release the name for anyone to register. The safest time to act is before the first reminder.
Quick answers
Is the expiry date public?
Yes. It is part of the registry record anyone can look up.
Does auto-renew always work?
Only if the payment method and account email are current. Check both once a year.