Domain authorization codes, which are required to transfer domains between domain name registrars, should be easier to obtain.
It’s been only a few months since domain authorization codes were instituted for popular domains like .com and .net. These codes, alternatively called domain keys, transfer codes, etc., are required to transfer domains between registrars.
Here’s how it works. Say you want to transfer domains between registrars, such as from GoDaddy to Moniker (as I did with 50 of my domains this weekend). Before submitting your domains to Moniker, you need to get domain-specific codes from GoDaddy and provide them to Moniker. This adds a layer of protection. If someone gained access to your e-mail account they could try to transfer your domains to another registrar, but they’d need access to your registrar account to get the authorization codes.
The problem is that registrars do their best to make it a hassle to get your authorization codes. At GoDaddy you must request that your authorization codes be e-mailed to you. You have to select each domain you want the code for, click the button to send the code, and then click a confirmation link. That’s not bad for one or two domains but is time consuming when transferring 50 domains.
Why doesn’t GoDaddy let you request authorization codes in bulk? I can unlock and lock domains in bulk, change nameservers in bulk, renew in bulk, and change contacts in bulk. But I can’t request authorization codes in bulk.
The answer is simple. If the hassle is too great then you won’t bother transferring your domains.
I’m not trying to pick on GoDaddy, it just so happens that was the registrar in this case. Other registrars are just as bad — if not worse. Some registrars even make it difficult to unlock a domain for transfer by requiring you send a long distance fax.
Making it difficult to cancel services isn’t just a stunt pulled in the domain industry. VoIP provider Vonage (NYSE: VG) got bad press for the same thing. If you wanted customer service you were encouraged (if not forced) to get it online, but if you wanted to cancel you had to call a special number and stay on hold for a long time.
It’s time for ICANN to hold registrars to a higher standard…and for ICANN to be given the power to enforce these standards with fines.
UPDATED 2-13-07 11:30am CST:
I received an e-mail from GoDaddy indicating that it is possible to get the authorization codes in bulk. I did give GoDaddy the benefit of the doubt on this one by contacting support prior to assuming you could not get codes in bulk (support responded that they had to be done individually, but I don’t think the support representative understood my question). That said, here’s how you can get your authorization codes in bulk:
“When in the Domain Control Center with the domains listed, you can select the Exportable Lists folder on the left. From here select the ‘Add New Export’ option and include ‘Authorization Codes’ as an option in order to have your domain list sent to you with each authorization code.”
adam says
Amen! Register.com is the worst! You have to call them for each code. . . . what if the domain owner was deaf? Anyway, once you call they nag you to reconsider. It’s a joke.
ICANN needs a policy that is uniform that clearly states how auth. codes are given out. They should demand that the registrars provide them easily within the users account . . . .but this won’t likely happen. The registrars will complain that it’s too much cost to implement .
Editor says
Part of the problem is that, even if ICANN could implement such a rule, it would be difficult to enforce. ICANN has few disciplinary actions it can take, short disaccrediting the registrar.
Alexander says
The new authorization code seems to be helping ‘bad’ registrars a lot. If the process is easy, they’ll go out of business soon.
I’m sure there’re domainers who lost their domains or pay a lot more money, due to the auth code problem. And, the extra TIME and hassle is another big burden.
Best to register your domains with a select few registrars you trust. Work with one or two that makes it easy for you to sell domains (easy to push or transfer domains to buyers). Keep those domains you don’t want to sell at one that places security as its top priority. As for other domains that maybe in trouble, good luck!
adam says
Editor.Great point but that sums up one of the main problems with ICANN as a whole. No enforcement or penalties and these businesses do whatever they want.
nevada says
Register.com is very bad about handing out codes, not to mention they’re 16 digits long. The crazy thing is that you first have to talk with a customer service rep, then they don’t have privileges to generate your code(s), so they send it to tier 2.. of which your total time on the phone is at least 7 minutes. 7 minutes to their 800 number. You’re leaving and your going to stick them with a toll-free bill as well. 🙂
Alexander says
If Register.com is the worst and the only one that requires domain owners to call and spend precious time with it, maybe everyone with a domain at Register.com should let them know that practice is BAD. Let’s see if Register.com listens or …