Why Can't I Transfer My Domain? The 60-Day Lock Explained
If you try to transfer a domain and receive an error saying it cannot be transferred, the most likely cause is the 60-day transfer lock — an ICANN policy that applies to all domain registrars worldwide.
What Is the 60-Day Lock?
When a domain is newly registered or when the registrant's contact details have been recently updated, ICANN requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period before the domain can be transferred to another registrar.
This is not something Hostking controls. It is an internet standard that applies to every domain registrar globally.
What Does the Lock Affect?
- You cannot transfer a domain away from its current registrar during the 60-day period
- Your website and email continue to work normally — the lock only affects transfers
- You can still renew, update DNS records and manage the domain as usual
When Does the 60 Days Start?
- New domains: from the date you first registered the domain
- Existing domains: from the date you last changed the registrant contact information (owner name, organisation or email address)
How Do I Know When the Lock Expires?
- Log into my.hostking.host
- Go to Domains → My Domains
- Click the domain name to see its registration date
Add 60 days to the registration or last-updated date to find the unlock date. You can also check using a WHOIS lookup at who.is.
What If I Need to Transfer Urgently?
Unfortunately there is no way to bypass or shorten the 60-day lock — it is enforced at registry level, not by Hostking. Contact our support team if you need to confirm the exact unlock date for your domain.
Need Help?
Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.