Overview
There are several reasons a domain transfer may be blocked or delayed. This article explains the most common causes and what you can do to resolve them.
1. The 60-Day Transfer Lock (IRTP Lock)
When a domain is first registered or has its registrant contact information updated, ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) requires it to remain locked at its current registrar for 60 days. This is known as the IRTP (Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy) lock and is an industry-wide policy that applies to all domain registrars — not just Bragghost.
What triggers the 60-day lock:
- Registering a new domain
- Changing the registrant name, organization, or email address on an existing domain
Important things to know:
- The 60-day clock starts at the time of registration or contact change
- If you change your registrant contact information, the 60-day lock resets from the date of that change
- If you plan to update your contact information and transfer your domain, complete the transfer first — then update your contact details at the new registrar
- Renewing your domain does not restart or trigger the 60-day lock
What to do:
Wait until the 60-day period has passed. You can check your domain's transfer eligibility status by logging into your Bragghost Client Area. Once eligible, follow the steps in Obtaining Your Domain's Transfer (EPP) Code to initiate your transfer.
2. Domain Verification Hold
If you registered your domain but did not complete the ICANN-required email verification within 15 days, your domain may have been placed on a verification hold. A domain on verification hold cannot be transferred until the hold is resolved.
What to do:
Check your inbox for an email from contact@bragghost.com with the subject line 'RAA Verification' and click the verification link. Also check your spam and promotions folders. If you need assistance locating or resending the verification email, please contact our support team.
3. Expired Domain
A domain that has expired cannot be transferred. You must first restore or renew your domain before a transfer can be initiated. There are different stages of domain expiry:
- Grace Period — Your domain has recently expired but can still be renewed through your Bragghost Client Area. This is the simplest and most affordable option. See How To Renew Domain(s) for steps.
- Redemption Period — Your domain has passed the grace period. Recovery is still possible but requires paying both the standard renewal fee and an additional redemption fee. You can initiate this manually through your Bragghost Client Area.
- Fully Expired/Deleted — Your domain has been released back to the public and is no longer registered to your account. If the domain is still available you may be able to re-register it, though availability is not guaranteed.
What to do:
Log into your Bragghost Client Area and check your domain's status. Renew or restore the domain as soon as possible, then initiate the transfer once it is active again.
4. Outstanding Balance
An unpaid invoice on your account may be affecting your domain and preventing a transfer from proceeding.
What to do:
Log into your Bragghost Client Area to view and pay any outstanding invoices. Once your account is in good standing your transfer should be able to proceed.
5. Ready to Transfer?
If none of the above situations apply to your domain and you are ready to transfer, follow the steps in Obtaining Your Domain's Transfer (EPP) Code to unlock your domain and get your EPP authorization code.
One thing to note — if your domain is close to its expiration date, initiate the transfer as soon as possible. Once a transfer is in pending status your domain will remain protected from expiring while the transfer completes.
Still Having Trouble?
If you have reviewed the above and are still unable to transfer your domain, please contact our support team and we will be happy to assist.
