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ICANN Updates gTLD Transfer Policy from 4 August 2026

On 4 August 2026, Realtime Register will implement changes to align with ICANN's updated Transfer Policy. The revised policy reflects ICANN's Registration Data Policy and changes how transfer authorisation is handled for gTLD domain transfers. 

For most partners, no action will be required. However, if you use custom integrations, registration profiles, or customer communications related to domain transfers, it is worth reviewing them before the changes take effect. 


What is changing?

Under the updated policy, the Registered Name Holder (registrant) becomes the primary contact for transfer authorisation. 

This means that: 

  • Transfer authorisation is now based on the registrant rather than the Admin Contact
  • WDRP (Whois Data Reminder Policy) notifications will be sent to the registrant
  • Admin Contact details will no longer be used for transfer approval or WDRP communications

These changes apply to all ICANN gTLDs. 


What Realtime Register is updating

To support the new policy, we will update our platform on 4 August 2026, including: 

  • Domain Manager transfer workflows
  • Registration profile settings
  • Preferred FOA contact handling
  • WDRP contact handling
  • API documentation
  • Knowledge Base articles
  • Transfer and WDRP email template documentation

These updates ensure our platform remains fully aligned with the latest ICANN requirements.  


Is any action required?

For most partners, your existing transfer process will continue to work as expected. 

If you use API integrations, automated transfer workflows, registration profiles, or customer facing instructions that refer to Admin Contact approval or Admin Contact based WDRP notifications, we recommend reviewing them before 4 August 2026.  

Where applicable, update your configurations and communications to reference the Registered Name Holder (registrant) instead. 

If you have any questions about the upcoming changes or would like guidance on your current setup, our support team is ready to assist.