1. Overview
This Transfer Policy explains how domain name transfers are handled at Atom, in accordance with ICANN’s Transfer Policy, the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA), and applicable registry rules.
Transfers may occur between registrars (“Registrar Transfers”) or between Atom accounts (“Account Transfers” / “Registrant Changes”).
By requesting a transfer to or from Atom, you agree to this policy.
2. Types of Transfers
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Registrar Transfer (Between Registrars)
You may transfer your domain registration to Atom from another registrar or away from Atom to another registrar, provided the domain is eligible under ICANN rules.
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Account Transfer (Between Atom Accounts)
You may transfer a domain between Atom accounts, subject to identity verification and compliance with our Change of Registrant process.
3. Authorization
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Authorization Requirement
All transfers require express authorization from the current Registered Name Holder or their designated agent. Atom treats the Registrant Contact listed in RDDS/RDAP as the authorized party for outgoing transfers.
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Transfer Authorization Code (TAC)
A TAC is required for most TLDs.
- TACs are unique, securely stored, and valid for up to 14 days.
- The TAC must not be shared or reused.
- Once the TAC is used or expires, a new one must be generated.
- Atom will never ask you to provide a TAC by email or phone.
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Designated Agent Appointment
By using Atom’s platform, you appoint Atom as your Designated Agent to approve Change of Registrant requests and, if requested, to opt out of the 60-day inter-registrar lock after a registrant change.
4. When Transfers May Be Denied
Atom may deny or delay a transfer request for reasons allowed by ICANN, including:
- Evidence of fraud.
- UDRP, URS, or court order preventing transfer.
- Domain is within 60 days of registration, prior transfer, or restoration.
- Non-payment for the current registration period.
- Domain is in redemption or post-expiration hold.
- Domain is locked or on hold by the registry or registrar.
- Dispute over the identity of the registrant or their agent.
- Explicit objection from the registrant.
- Gaining or losing registrar refuses the transfer per ICANN policy.
Atom will not deny a transfer solely for unpaid future renewals or non-ICANN-compliant reasons.
5. Transfer-In to Atom
- How to Transfer In
To transfer a domain to Atom, initiate the process through your Atom account and provide the valid TAC from your current registrar. The domain must be unlocked at the losing registrar.
- Transfer Fee and Renewal
Most transfers include a one-year renewal added to the domain’s existing expiration date, unless the domain was recently renewed at the current registrar (per registry policy).
- Verification and Processing Time
You will receive confirmation emails to verify the transfer. Once approved, the transfer typically completes within 5–7 calendar days.
- Transfer Completion
Atom becomes the Registrar of Record only after confirmation from the registry. You will receive a Transfer Accepted email once completed.
6. Transfer-Out from Atom
- Unlocking and TAC Retrieval
Before transferring a domain away from Atom, you must unlock it and obtain the TAC through your Atom account. TACs automatically expire after 14 days but can be regenerated at any time.
- Transfer-Out Notification
When a transfer request is received by the registry, Atom will email the registrant. If no objection is received within five (5) calendar days, the transfer will proceed automatically unless a valid denial condition applies.
- 60-Day Transfer Lock
Domains are locked for 60 days after registration, transfer, or registrant change unless you opt out at the time of change. You may request early removal of this lock by contacting support@atom.com for verification.
7. Account Transfers (Within Atom)
Domains can be moved between Atom accounts or registrants after verification. Atom may place a temporary hold on the domain during processing to maintain account and data integrity.
If both parties agree, Atom (as Designated Agent) may approve the registrant change immediately without additional email confirmations.
8. Disputes and Appeals
- Transfer Disputes
Transfer disputes are handled under the ICANN Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy (TDRP).
- Appeal a Denied Transfer
If you believe your transfer was denied in error, contact support@atom.com with your domain name, registrar details, and supporting evidence. Atom will review and respond with next steps.
9. TAC Security
- TACs are encrypted at rest and never visible in full through the user interface.
- TACs are auto-expired or invalidated upon successful transfer or user regeneration.
- Access to TAC requires secure account login and, where applicable, two-factor authentication.
10. Important Notes
- Transfers do not reset domain age or original creation date.
- The exact expiration date after transfer may vary depending on registry rules.
- Registrant contact information cannot be modified while a transfer is pending.
- Atom disclaims warranties regarding DNS continuity or registry-controlled timing during transfer.
11. Contact
For assistance:
