A 60-day lock is applied to a domain name when it is newly registered, transferred to a different registrar, or when any updates are made to its WHOIS contact details. This policy, mandated by ICANN regulations, aims to prevent fraud and maintain stability in domain management. During this 60-day period, the domain cannot be transferred to another registrar. However, the specifics of this lock and whether you can opt out depend on the domain’s Top-Level Domain (TLD) and the policies of the registrar.
Events That Trigger a 60-Day Lock
The key events that initiate the 60-day lock include:
– New Domain Registration: When you register a domain for the first time, it automatically receives a 60-day lock.
– Domain Transfer: If a domain is transferred from one registrar to another, it will also be subject to a 60-day lock.
– Change of Registrant Information: Updating the registrant’s name, organization, or contact information in the WHOIS database triggers the 60-day transfer lock.
What the 60-Day Lock Prevents
– Inter-Registrar Transfers: This lock prohibits the domain from being transferred to a different registrar during the designated period.
Important Considerations
– ICANN Regulations: The 60-day lock is an ICANN requirement aimed at safeguarding domain owners and preventing unauthorized transfers.
– gTLDs vs. ccTLDs: This policy mainly affects generic top-level domains (gTLDs), like .com or .org. Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) might follow different, locally established policies.
– Opt-Out Options: Some registrars may offer the option to opt out of the 60-day lock, particularly for updates to registrant information. However, you must initiate the opt-out process before making any changes.
– Not for Hosting: It’s important to note that the 60-day transfer lock does not restrict you from migrating your website’s hosting services to a different provider.