This article describes the transfer lock on domains that applies for about 60 days after a new registration or a transfer to prevent abuse in domain trading. This lock affects .ch domains and well-known gTLDs such as .com, .net, .org, .info, and .biz. After a domain deletion, there is also a lock period that allows the previous owner to restore the domain. The length of these periods varies depending on the TLD, for example, 40 days for .ch and .eu, 30 days for .de, and about 8 weeks for .at. These periods are set by the registry and cannot be influenced.
Domain Transfer
Domain Transfer Lock
Lock Period After Domain Deletion
Different Regulations Depending on TLD
Domain Transfer
The form for the Domain Transfer can be found at this link.
Domain Transfer Lock
A transfer lock of about 60 days applies to .ch domains as well as well-known gTLDs such as:
- .com
- .net
- .org
- .info
- .biz
This lock occurs after a new registration and after every transfer. The periods are set by ICANN and are primarily a response to domain trading: the time span during which the domain cannot be resold is intended to reduce the abuse of domains as pure speculative objects. The period ensures that an owner remains bound to the domain for at least some time after purchasing it.
Lock Period After Domain Deletion
A different lock period of several days also applies after a domain deletion. During this period, the previous owner has the opportunity to have their domain restored by the provider if it was, for example, accidentally deleted or is still needed. A possible restoration is thus reserved for the last domain owner.
Different Regulations Depending on TLD
The use and extent of domain locks vary considerably overall; here are a few examples of the period after deletion:
- .ch 40 days
- .de 30 days
- .eu 40 days
- .at about 8 weeks
In some cases, the deletion date is displayed in the WHOIS information, for example with .ch domains. This allows calculating the possible date when a domain becomes available for new registration again. It should be noted that the full number of days must be waited and that the exact time of release cannot be determined. The period is managed by the registry in the background and cannot be influenced by us as the domain provider.
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