ssamriga said:
well I think that names can not be transferred even 5 days before renewal, at least Moniker has such a policy...
Hi,
Yes they can be transferred.
Moniker is in violation of ICANN's rules.
Patrick
ssamriga said:
well I think that names can not be transferred even 5 days before renewal, at least Moniker has such a policy...
For your reference:
The Registrar of Record
may deny a transfer request only in the following specific instances:
1. Evidence of fraud
2. UDRP action
3. Court order by a court of competent jurisdiction
4. Reasonable dispute over the identity of the Registered Name Holder or Administrative Contact
5. No payment for previous registration period (including credit card charge-backs) if the domain name is past its expiration date or for previous or current registration periods if the domain name has not yet expired. In all such cases, however, the domain name must be put into "Registrar Hold" status by the Registrar of Record prior to the denial of transfer.
6. Express written objection to the transfer from the Transfer Contact. (e.g. - email, fax, paper document or other processes by which the Transfer Contact has expressly and voluntarily objected through opt-in means)
7. A domain name was already in โlock statusโ provided that the Registrar provides a readily accessible and reasonable means for the Registered Name Holder to remove the lock status.
8. A domain name is in the first 60 days of an initial registration period.
9. A domain name is within 60 days (or a lesser period to be determined) after being transferred (apart from being transferred back to the original Registrar in cases where both Registrars so agree and/or where a decision in the dispute resolution process so directs).
Instances when the requested change of Registrar may not be denied include, but are not limited to:
* Nonpayment for a pending or future registration period
* No response from the Registered Name Holder or Administrative Contact.
* Domain name in Registrar Lock Status, unless the Registered Name Holder is provided with the reasonable opportunity and ability to unlock the domain name prior to the Transfer Request.
*
Domain name registration period time constraints, other than during the first 60 days of initial registration or during the first 60 days after a registrar transfer.
* General payment defaults between Registrar and business partners / affiliates in cases where the Registered Name Holder for the domain in question has paid for the registration.
Source:
http://www.icann.org/transfers/
Also see the new ICANN update from April 03, 2009
Registrar Advisory Concerning the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy
http://www.icann.org/announcements/advisory-03apr08.htm
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In summary, a Registrar cannot block a domain transfer based on the number of days remaining.
Moniker's 5 day rule is supposed to be a security thing. But they are in violation as they do not provide any way to remove the lock.
Remember # 7 above:
"...
provided that the Registrar provides a readily accessible and reasonable means for the Registered Name Holder to remove the lock status."
You also cannot get the Auth Code which is another violation.
Auth Codes MUST be given upon request.
Even if you ask them to unlock the domain, they will try to deny the transfer...you really would have to push the issue.
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Also see:
http://domainnamewire.com/2008/04/29/godaddy-allows-transfers-after-whois-changes/
Patrick
