Here’s what you need to know about ICANN’s new Transfer Policy

This Thursday, Dec. 1, ICANN’s Transfer Policy will experience some changes, mandating that all registrars adjust their own policies accordingly. This updated policy will mean that transferring domains and changing domain contact information will work a little differently.

Why have these changes been made?

The main goal of this policy is to keep domain names as safe as possible from domain hijackers. A common technique that hijackers use to get away with their crimes is to transfer the domain multiple times across several different registrars. This policy aims to combat that tactic by requiring domain transfers to be confirmed by both parties before they can go through, and placing brief holds on domains when their details change.

What changes are included in the new Transfer Policy?

The new transfer policy imposes a 60-day transfer lock on domains after certain changes are made. This includes transferring domains, adding or removing Whois Privacy or making changes to your domain contact details. Under this new policy, registrants on both sides of a domain transfer will also be notified of the change and must confirm it before the transfer can go through. You can read more about the policy on ICANN’s website.

How can I opt out of 60-day transfer locks?

There are a few ways you can avoid the 60-day transfer lock when transferring your domains or making changes to your contact details:

If you’re transferring a domain/having someone transfer to you

Only the person sending the domain can decide if they want to opt in or out of the transfer lock. So if you’re in the receiving end of the transaction, you’ll need to let the sending registrant know that you’d like to be opted out of the lock. An option will pop up during the transfer process asking if you’d like to keep the 60-day lock or opt out of it. Choose the opt out preference to avoid the lock period.

It’s important to note that you may still have to wait a certain number of days before you can transfer the domain in accordance with the receiving registrar’s policy.

If you’re changing your contact details

If you make a change to the first name, last name, organization, or email address on file for a certain domain, you’ll have to opt in or out of the transfer lock. You’ll see the option pop up in a window while you’re verifying the change. Select the opt out button to avoid having a 60-day transfer lock placed on the domain.

You can also go to your Account Settings and change your preferences to automatically opt out of the lock wherever possible.

Because this is an ICANN policy, Name.com is unfortunately unable to do anything if you forget to opt out and want to transfer your domain before the 60-day lock ends.

Check out this article for a more in-depth explanation of the Transfer Policy and how Name.com is implementing it, or take a look at our FAQ.