Many website owners face a situation where, right after registering a domain name, they try to transfer it to another registrar but receive a refusal. This often causes surprise and even distrust, since from the user’s perspective the domain is already paid for and formally belongs to them. In reality, this restriction is not an error or a limitation imposed by a specific company. It is built into the domain name management system itself and operates under clearly defined international rules.
How the Domain Name System Works
A domain name is not just an entry in a registrar’s database. It is part of the global DNS system, which is coordinated by international organizations and national domain registries. When a domain is registered, information about it is transmitted to the central registry of the relevant zone, such as .com, .net, or a national domain zone. From that moment, the domain is considered active and assigned to a specific owner through the chosen registrar.
What a Domain Transfer Is and Why It Is Needed
A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one registrar to another without changing the owner. It is usually required if the user wants to manage the domain with a different company, consolidate all domains under one account, or use a more convenient service. It is important to understand that a transfer does not mean purchasing the domain again or changing ownership rights, but only changing the company that technically services the domain.
The 60-Day Rule After Registration
The main reason why a domain transfer is not possible immediately after registration is the so-called 60-day rule. It is established by the international organization that regulates the domain system and applies to most international domain zones. According to this rule, during the first 60 days after registration, a domain cannot be transferred to another registrar.
Why This Restriction Exists
The primary purpose of this restriction is to protect domain owners from fraud. In the first days after registration, the risk of malicious activity is highest. For example, if access to an account were compromised, a domain could be quickly stolen through a transfer. The transfer lock creates an additional security period during which the owner can detect the issue and regain control.
Protection Against Errors and Technical Issues
Another reason is technical stability. After a domain is registered, information about it is synchronized across various servers and registries. This process may take some time. Prohibiting transfers during the first 60 days helps avoid situations where a domain is processed by multiple systems at the same time, which could lead to data errors or temporary website unavailability.
Does the Rule Apply to All Domains
Although the 60-day rule is a standard for many international zones, not all domains are subject to it in the same way. Some national domain zones have their own rules, which may be stricter or more flexible. However, in most popular zones used by website owners, the post-registration restriction is mandatory and does not depend on the registrar’s or the client’s preference.
Is It Possible to Bypass the Restriction
Users often wonder whether there are ways to bypass the transfer restriction. Under official rules, this is not possible. No registrar can legally perform a transfer before the установленный period expires. At the same time, it is important to distinguish between a transfer and an internal domain move within the same system, if such an option is provided by the service.
What to Do If You Need to Change Domain Settings
Even if a transfer is unavailable, the domain owner is not limited in managing the domain. During this period, it is possible to change DNS servers, connect hosting, set up email, and launch a website. In practice, the domain is fully functional, and the restriction applies only to changing the registrar.
When a Transfer Becomes Possible
After the 60-day period ends, the domain becomes available for transfer under the standard procedure. The owner can obtain an authorization code that confirms the right to transfer and initiate the move to another company. From that point on, no additional restrictions related specifically to the registration date apply.
Summary
The inability to transfer a domain immediately after registration is not a service drawback or a limitation for the client, but an important security element of the entire domain system. This rule protects owners from losing their domains, reduces the risk of fraud, and ensures the stability of DNS operations. Understanding this logic helps to plan domain management calmly and avoid false expectations at the start of a project.
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