In a significant policy update, ICANN is set to remove the longstanding 60-day domain transfer lock. The change, approved by the GNSO Council following an extensive review process, will replace the old rule with a mandatory 30-day lock for newly registered or transferred domains.
The move aims to streamline domain management for registrants who wish to consolidate their portfolios while still preserving essential fraud protection measures.
This decision comes after a detailed 163-page final report from the GNSO Transfer Policy Review Working Group, which outlined 47 recommendations to update various aspects of domain transfers. The policy shift reflects evolving industry practices and seeks to address concerns raised by both registrants and registrars over the years.
Key Changes in the New Policy
Removal of the 60-Day Lock
Under the current system, any change to registration details such as contact information or a domain transfer would trigger a 60-day period during which the domain cannot be moved to another registrar.
The updated policy will eliminate this rule, thereby giving domain owners more flexibility in managing their assets.
Introduction of a 30-Day Lock for New Registrations and Transfers
To balance the need for increased flexibility with essential fraud prevention, the new policy mandates a 30-day (720-hour) lock on domains that have just been registered or transferred.
This measure is designed to offer a brief cooling-off period while reducing the lengthy wait time that has long frustrated many domain investors.
Changes to Notification Requirements
The revised policy will also adjust how registrants are notified when their contact details change. Instead of requiring notifications for both gaining and losing registrants, the new approach simplifies the process by reducing redundancy.
This change comes as part of a broader update that will eventually see the rules on contact changes spun out into a separate Change of Registrant Data Policy.
Industry Reactions
Mixed Responses from Registrars and Investors
Many in the domain industry have welcomed the move, citing the benefits of greater portfolio management flexibility. Some registrars, such as Name.com, DreamHost, and WordPress.com, have implemented opt-out options for the 60-day transfer lock, while others, like NameCheap and its affiliate company Spaceship, continue to enforce stricter controls.
The new policy is expected to standardize practices across the board, although concerns remain about the potential for increased credit card fraud if the shorter lock period proves too brief for fraud detection measures.
Historical Context
For nearly two decades, the 60-day lock has served as an anti-fraud measure, protecting registrants from unauthorized transfers by giving them time to respond to potential security breaches.
Over time, however, this rule has become a source of frustration for those who seek a more agile approach to domain management. The update reflects a broader trend in the industry toward greater customer-centric policies.
Implications for Domain Registrants
Enhanced Flexibility and Streamlined Processes
The elimination of the lengthy transfer lock is likely to benefit domain investors and website owners alike. Registrants will find it easier to switch registrars and manage their domains without the delays imposed by the previous rule.
At the same time, the introduction of a 30-day lock for new domains aims to maintain a level of security that deters fraudulent activity.
Future Policy Adjustments
Industry experts anticipate that the new policy will be phased in over the next 18 months, giving registrars time to update their systems and practices.
If you’re a domain registrant, we at HostDean recommend checking with your current registrar for specific details on implementation and any potential effects on your domain portfolio.
Looking Ahead
This policy update marks one of the most notable changes in domain management in recent years. By reducing the transfer lock period, ICANN is addressing long-standing concerns while still keeping fraud prevention in focus.
As the new rules take effect, both registrants and registrars will need to adapt to the streamlined procedures, which are expected to improve overall satisfaction in domain handling and portfolio consolidation.
The domain and web hosting industry now watches closely as the final approval and implementation process unfolds, with many expecting that these changes could reshape how domain transfers are managed across the board.