How to Transfer a Domain Name from an Agency to a Client (Step-by-Step)

Short summary

ICANN policy changes (2024-2026) determine legal domain ownership by the Organization field, not contract terms—critical for agencies managing client domains. EPP codes are being replaced with Transfer Authorization Codes (TAC); inter-registrar transfers take 5-7 days or less with manual approval. Best practice: clients register and own domains directly, then grant agencies delegated access to avoid liability.

• •ICANN's Organization field determines legal ownership, regardless of contracts—agencies that register domains under their own name become the legal owner
• •EPP codes are being replaced with Transfer Authorization Codes (TAC), which expire in as little as 14 days; transfers complete in 5-7 days or faster with manual approval
• •Operational best practice: have clients own and register domains directly, then delegate agency access; this eliminates legal exposure and transfer friction

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