DomainNameWire News: Big changes are on the way for domain name transfers, and ICANN is inviting the global internet community to weigh in. Following the submission of the final report by the Transfer Working Group, ICANN’s Board is now reviewing a comprehensive proposal aimed at updating long-standing domain transfer and locking policies.
The public comment period is open until June 16, 2025, and community input could influence what ultimately gets adopted.
One of the most notable recommendations is a reduction in the domain transfer lock period. Historically, some registries imposed a 60-day lock after a domain was first registered, preventing transfers to another registrar. Under the new proposal, this period will be cut to 30 days, offering more flexibility to domain owners. Similarly, after an inter-registrar transfer, the domain will be locked for 30 days, creating a consistent rule across providers.
The report also emphasizes greater transparency during registrant data changes. If a domain owner updates their email address or organization name, registrars would be required to send a notification confirming the change. However, it’s still unclear whether registrars like GoDaddy, which currently imposes a 60-day lock following such changes, will continue to do so under the updated framework.
Interestingly, one earlier proposal — to eliminate the obligation for the losing registrar to notify registrants ahead of a transfer — was removed due to community feedback. This demonstrates that public comments do influence outcomes, making this an opportune time for stakeholders to voice their views.
With the final report spanning 163 pages, these policy shifts could significantly affect how domain owners manage their assets. ICANN encourages all interested parties to review the recommendations and submit feedback by June 16.
Would you like a simplified breakdown or timeline of the proposed policy changes?
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