If you would like to transfer a domain to Hostpoint or another registrar, you can usually do so without any delay. Lock periods may apply in some cases, however, for example if the domain has only recently been registered or transferred. During the lock period (e.g. 30 days), which begins immediately after registration, transfer or deletion of the domain, the domain may not be transferred or re-registered. The lock periods vary greatly depending on the top-level domain and are determined by the relevant registry.
Reason for lock periods
Lock periods are intended to prevent the unintentional loss and misuse of domain names. For example, if someone does not pay the invoice for a domain name on time, the domain would theoretically go back on sale immediately and could be registered by a third party. In addition, lock periods protect against accidental transfer of a domain name to another owner.
Types of lock periods
There are two types of lock periods:
- Transfer lock: This period begins immediately after a domain is registered or is transferred to a new registrar. The domain can only be transferred (again) after this period has ended and the lock has been lifted.
- Redemption period: This period begins immediately after a domain expires or is deleted. The domain can only be re-registered once the period has ended.
The two periods may be different as they can be set by each registry itself.
Examples of lock periods
For domain names, a distinction is made between country code (ccTLD) and generic (gTLD) top-level domains. Depending on the type of top-level domain, lock periods are also handled differently.
Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs)
Transfer locks are less common for country code top-level domains than for generic top-level domains. Redemption periods, on the other hand, are very common. For example, the redemption period is 40 days for .ch/.li domains (see Switch) and 30 days for .de domains (see DENIC). There is also a 60-day transfer lock for .ch/.li domains, but this can be lifted by contacting support.
Generic top-level domains (gTLDs)
Many well-known generic TLDs (e.g. .com, .biz, .info) managed by ICANN have lock periods. The redemption period is usually 30 days and the transfer lock 60 days. You can obtain detailed information about the lock period of the respective TLD directly from the relevant registry.
For support requests please use this form instead.
