After a domain changes hands, many buyers are surprised to find that it cannot be moved to another registrar straight away. The domain works normally, but a transfer lock stops it leaving its current registrar for a period. For a newly bought domain, this is usually 60 days.
Why the 60-day lock exists
The lock comes from ICANN's transfer policy, which applies to domains registered with accredited registrars. When the registrant (the legal owner) changes, the registrar places a lock on the domain for around 60 days. The purpose is to protect both buyers and sellers from fraud, such as someone taking over an account and quickly moving a domain away.
The lock applies to moving a domain between registrars. It does not stop you using the domain, pointing it to your website, or setting up email on it.
What the lock means for you
If you buy a domain and want to move it to a different registrar in the first weeks, you may be blocked until the lock ends. This matters most if you plan to manage the domain through a specific registrar account from day one.
Option 1: Wait out the 60 days
The simplest approach is to leave the domain where it is and wait. Once the 60 days have passed, you can move it to any registrar you choose.
This costs nothing, but you need to plan for it. Set up the domain, point it to your site and email during the waiting period, and make a note of the date the lock ends.
Option 2: Register on the same registrar
The other approach is to register the domain on the same registrar it is already with. In practice, many of the domains we list are registered with registrars such as Namecheap or NameBright. If your account is set up with that same registrar, the domain can be registered to you there, rather than moved from one registrar to another.
Because the change happens within one registrar, you avoid the inter-registrar lock. Check with the registrar first, as policies can change and each one sets its own steps.
Which option to choose
Choose waiting if you are happy to keep the domain where it is for now, or if you have no immediate need to move it. Choose the same-registrar route if you want to manage the domain from a particular account straight away.
How this fits with the transfer
The lock is separate from the payment. Your money is held in escrow until the transfer is complete, as explained in our guide on how escrow protects your domain purchase. Once the domain is in your account, the lock applies to any further move between registrars.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 60-day transfer lock?
It is a short hold placed on a domain after its owner changes, which stops the domain being moved to another registrar for about 60 days. The domain still works normally during that time.
Does the lock stop me using my domain?
No. You can point the domain to a website, set up email and manage its records. The lock only affects moving the domain to a different registrar.
Why does ICANN have this rule?
It helps protect buyers and sellers from fraud, such as someone gaining access to an account and quickly moving a domain away.
Can I avoid the lock completely?
Not always. The most practical options are to wait for the lock to end or to register the domain with the same registrar. Ask your registrar which steps apply in your case.
Does the lock apply to every domain?
It applies in the situations covered by the policy, most often after a change of owner. Your registrar can tell you whether a specific domain is locked and when the lock ends.
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