What Is Inter-registrar transfer? Domain Glossary

Why it matters

This is the step that delivers a domain after most sales that do not use a push inside one registrar. The seller unlocks the domain and gives the buyer the authorization code. The buyer starts the transfer at the new registrar. Transfers usually finish in a few days, and they add one year to the registration for most extensions. Locks can block it, including the 60-day rule. Common mistake: using a transfer when a same-registrar push would be faster, or paying before the code is confirmed to work.

Source: icann.org

Related terms

Auth code (TAC): A secret code from the current registrar that proves you may move a domain to another registrar. ICANN's updated policy calls it a Transfer Authorization Code (TAC). Other names are EPP code and transfer key.
Registrar lock: A registrar lock is the EPP status clientTransferProhibited. It tells the registry to reject any request to move the domain to another registrar. The owner or registrar sets it to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Push: A push is a move of a domain between two accounts at the same registrar. The domain stays put at that registrar. Only the account that controls it changes.
60-day transfer lock: The 60-day transfer lock is a rule that blocks transfers to a new registrar for 60 days after a domain is first registered, transferred in, or after a change of registrant, unless the owner opts out.
Escrow: A neutral third party holds the buyer's payment until the domain is transferred and accepted. It protects the seller from non-payment and the buyer from losing money without receiving the name.

All 205 terms

Why it matters

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