Reduced transfer lock timeframes are on the horizon.
ICANN is preparing to update its domain transfer policy and domain locking rules, and it wants your feedback.
The Transfer Working Group has submitted its final report to ICANN’s board, and the next step is for the board to consider the recommendations.
Between now and June 16, community members can submit feedback on the recommendations.
There’s a lot in the 163-page report. I think the most significant changes that will impact domain registrants are:
- A reduction in the initial lock period after registering a domain. Some registries previously placed a 60-day lock period before a domain could be transferred to another registrar. That will now be reduced to 30 days.
- The lock period after an inter-registrar transfer (moving from one registrar to another) will also be standardized at 30 days.
The report also addresses what happens when a registrant changes information, such as their email address or organization name. It proposes requiring the registrar to send notifications when this occurs.
Less clear in the recommendations is whether registrars are still permitted to add a transfer lock to domains after changes have been made. GoDaddy typically locks domains from transfer for 60 days after changes are made.
The working group scaled back many of its proposals. It previously considered removing the requirement that the losing registrar in a domain transfer notify the registrant ahead of the transfer being completed. Based on early feedback, it nixed that idea.
That’s proof that comments are taken into consideration. So if you have concerns about the final report, or perhaps want clarity, submit a comment.
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