Expiring Domain WhoIs Status is "Locked": Effect of locking on expiring domains?

[jim_genius5]

According to Whois the domain I want to buy is about to expire in five days. There is also a line that says "Status: Locked". If the owner does not renew the domain name, can I still register it? Is the "Locking" effect only there as long as the domain is working? When it's expired, will it be available regardless?

[edited by: Webwork at 1:00 pm (utc) on Mar. 29, 2009]
[edit reason] Per Charter please avoid service provider references whereever possible [/edit]

[Webwork]

The vast majority of domain names of any value whatsoever no longer "simply expire" but instead are sent to auction.

Locking typically means the domain cannot be transferred and would need to be unlocked by the registrant before it can be voluntarily transferred.

There's a slight - very slight - chance the domain will simply expire and you can then freely register it.

If your interest in the domain is very high I suggest you either contact the current registrant to inquire about buying the domain or contact the existing registrar to inquire how they handle expiring domains, i.e., do they "go to auction", etc.

P.S. Re: the edit. We tend to avoid references to domain services, such as WhoIs services, particularly ones that are heavily supported by advertising and affiliate links.