ICANN Domain Transfer Policy Overview

ICANN Domain Transfer Policy Overview

ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) sets the rules that govern how domain transfers work for generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .net, .org, and newer extensions. Understanding these policies helps you know your rights as a domain owner.

Key ICANN Transfer Policy Rules

Registrars Must Allow Transfers

ICANN requires all accredited registrars to process legitimate transfer requests. A registrar cannot refuse to release a domain except under specific, permitted circumstances.

Permitted Reasons to Deny a Transfer

A registrar may deny an outgoing transfer only if:

• The domain is within 60 days of initial registration.
• The domain is within 60 days of a previous transfer.
• The domain is the subject of a UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute Resolution Policy) proceeding.
• The domain is in redemption grace period or pending delete status.
• The domain has a serverTransferProhibited status from the registry.
• There is evidence of fraud or identity theft.
• A court order restricts the transfer.
• The registrant has an outstanding payment dispute with the current registrar.

Five-Day Transfer Window

After a transfer is initiated, the losing registrar has five calendar days to either approve or deny the request. If neither action is taken, the transfer is automatically approved.

Registrant Notification

Both the losing and gaining registrars must notify the registrant when a transfer is requested. The registrant must have the opportunity to approve or reject the transfer.

One-Year Extension

A successful transfer adds one year to the domain’s registration period, with the total registration not exceeding ten years.

Registrant Rights

As a domain owner, you have the right to:

• Transfer your domain to any ICANN-accredited registrar.
• Receive notification of any transfer attempt.
• Approve or deny transfer requests.
• File a complaint with ICANN if a registrar improperly blocks a transfer.

Filing a Transfer Complaint

If you believe a registrar is improperly blocking your transfer, you can file a complaint through ICANN’s complaint portal. ICANN’s compliance team investigates registrar violations and can enforce corrective action.

Important Notes

• ICANN transfer policies apply primarily to gTLDs. Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) like .uk, .de, or .ca are governed by their respective national registries and may follow different rules.
• Policies are updated periodically. Check ICANN’s official website for the latest transfer policy documentation.