A transfer lock (shown in WHOIS/RDAP as clientTransferProhibited) prevents a domain from being transferred to another registrar. Most registrars enable it by default as protection against unauthorized transfers.
Separately, ICANN policy restricts transfers in certain situations. For example, newly registered domains and domains recently transferred may not be transferable for 60 days, and registrars may apply a 60-day lock after a change of registrant (though registrants can often opt out of that one).
To transfer a domain, you typically unlock it at your current registrar, obtain the auth code, and start the transfer at the new registrar. Re-enable the lock once the transfer completes. For high-value names, consider a registry lock, which requires manual verification for changes.
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Related terms
- EPP / Auth code
- An auth code (EPP code) is a unique password for a domain that the current registrar provides, required to authorize a transfer to a new registrar.
- Domain privacy
- Domain privacy hides the registrant's personal contact details from public WHOIS/RDAP lookups by substituting proxy or redacted information.
- Premium domain
- A premium domain is one priced above standard rates, either by the registry for desirable names or by an owner selling it on the aftermarket.
- Reserved domain
- A reserved domain is a name a registry has withheld from public registration, such as two-letter codes, geographic names or names kept for itself.