You cannot transfer a domain name to a new registrant within 60 days of making the initial registration. It is the first rule on domain transfers that has been set by ICANN.
Furthermore, if you’ve changed the contact information at any point, the domain will be locked for 60 days. And accordingly, you won’t be able to transfer it to another registrar. In this article, I will explain the reason why you need to wait for 60 days before transferring your domain name.
I will also give you clear instructions on how to properly initiate a domain transfer.
Why Wait 60 Days to Transfer a Domain?
This is indeed one of the ICANN rules regarding transferring domain names. This policy is put in place solely for the user’s and domain owner’s security. One of the major reasons is to prevent users from jumping from one registrant to another.
When you register a domain name with a registrar, you essentially enter into a contract with them for the ownership and management of that domain. The 60-day domain transfer lock is put in place to prevent unauthorized domain transfers and protect the original domain owner.
During this waiting period, any attempts to transfer the domain to a different registrar are put on hold. This gives the original domain owner time to review the transfer request and ensure that it is legitimate. It also gives the current registrar a chance to step in and prevent any fraudulent transfers.
Preventing Domain Hijacking
One of the main reasons for the 60-day domain transfer lock is to prevent domain hijacking. Domain hijacking occurs when a malicious individual or entity gains access to your domain name and transfers it to another registrar without your permission.
By implementing the 60-day transfer lock, registrars can verify that the transfer request is coming from the legitimate domain owner. This helps prevent unauthorized transfers and ensures that your domain remains secure.
Important Tips Before Transferring a Domain:
Another reason for the 60-day transfer lock is to provide stability and security to the domain registration system. Having a waiting period in place helps prevent frequent and hasty transfers of domains between registrars.
The first step when making a domain transfer is to contact the gaining registrar. In return, the registrar sends you an authorization form to verify and confirm. For the transfer to proceed, you must respond to confirm the authorization and the intent of the domain name transfer. But before you contact the new registrar, there are several things you ought to do.
Here are a few important things to know before transferring a domain name:
- Ensure your contact information is up to date. During the transfer period, the new and current registrars will contact you. Ensure they can reach out to you unproblematically.
- It is also wise to set up a different email than this email (@yourdomain.com). This is because you might lose access to it during the transfer period.
- Unlock your domain name. This can be done through the domain registrar’s control panel. It varies depending on your current registrar.
- Request an authorization code. This takes a few days to be processed. However, any domain registrar should be able to provide the code within up to 5 days after placing your request. This code will be required for the transfer.
The other step is to initiate the transfer with the new registrar. You will need to create an account with the new registrar. After that, place an order for the domain transfer along with putting in the EPP authorization code.
How Does Domain Transfer Work?
Image Credit: OpenProvider.com
The old registrar will contact you (via Email) to verify your authorization of the transfer. In case you are not the owner of the domain, they won’t be able to contact you. That is why correct information comes into place. Thereafter, you will be required to pay for the transfer. If you are lucky, you might get a free transfer for a new sign-up. But this is not the general case with every registrar out there.
Once the order has been placed with the new registrar, the domain should be automatically transferred within 5 days maximum. After that, your domain will be fully operating from the new provider you’ve just signed up with.
Conclusion:
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has put in place measures to ensure that the transfer is as transparent as possible. It is worth noting that a transfer is impossible to do if you’ve registered your domain within the past 60 days. Or you’ve just changed your contact information within 60 days.
That was it all about why you’ll have to wait 60 days before initiating a domain transfer. Just let me know if you’ve got any questions or concerns. I would love to help you further. And don’t forget to share this article with those who may find it useful.