Can I transfer a domain name immediately after buying it?
The 60-Day Transfer Lock
ICANN, the organization that oversees domain names, requires a 60-day lock on transfers after a domain is registered or transferred. This means if you just bought a domain, you must wait 60 days before you can transfer it to another registrar.
This rule applies to most generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .com, .net, and .org. Some country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) may have different rules, so check with the specific registry.
The lock is designed to prevent fraudulent transfers and give registrars time to process payments.
What You Can Do Instead
If you buy a domain from a marketplace, the seller may push it to your account at the same registrar. This is called an account transfer or push, and it can happen immediately.
A push does not involve changing registrars, so the 60-day lock does not apply. You can then manage the domain from your account.
If you need to move to a different registrar, you must wait out the 60 days. Plan accordingly if you want to consolidate domains.
- Ask the seller to push the domain to your account at the same registrar.
- Check if the domain is within the 60-day lock period.
- Wait 60 days before initiating a registrar transfer.
- Consider using the same registrar for buying and managing domains to avoid delays.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you can transfer immediately after purchase; the 60-day rule applies.
- Confusing a registrar transfer with an account push, which is immediate.
- Not checking the domain's transfer lock status before buying.