To Fix Domain Name Authorization Codes — It’s Time
Domain authorization codes, which are required to transfer domains between domain name registrars, ought to be easier to obtain.
It’s been only a few months since domain authorization codes were instituted for popular domains like .com and .net. These codes, alternatively called domain keys, transfer codes, etc., are required to transfer domains between registrars.
Here’s how it works. Say you want to transfer domains between registrars, such as from GoDaddy to Moniker (as I did with 50 of my domains this weekend). Ahead of submitting your domains to Moniker, you need to get domain-specific codes from GoDaddy and provide them to Moniker. This adds a layer of protection. If someone gained access to your e-mail account they could try to transfer your domains to another registrar, but they’d need access to your registrar account to get the authorization codes.
The problem is that registrars do their best to make it a hassle to get your authorization codes. At GoDaddy you must request that your authorization codes be e-mailed to you. You have to select each domain you want the code for, click the button to send the code, and then click a confirmation link. That’s not bad for one or two domains but is time consuming when transferring 50 domains.
Why doesn’t GoDaddy let you request authorization codes in bulk? I can unlock and lock domains in bulk, change nameservers in bulk, renew in bulk, and change contacts in bulk. But I can’t request authorization codes in bulk.
The answer is simple. If the hassle is too great then you won’t bother transferring your domains.
I’m not trying to pick on GoDaddy, it just so happens that was the registrar in this case. Other registrars are just as bad — if not worse. Some registrars even make it difficult to unlock a domain for transfer by requiring you send a long distance fax.
Making it difficult to cancel services isn’t just a stunt pulled in the domain industry. VoIP provider Vonage (NYSE: VG) got bad press for the same thing. If you wanted client service you were encouraged (if not forced) to get it online, but if you wanted to cancel you had to call a special number and stay on hold for a long time.
It’s time for ICANN to hold registrars to a higher standard…and for ICANN to be given the power to enforce these standards with fines.
UPDATED 2-13-07 11:30am CST:
I received an e-mail from GoDaddy indicating that it is possible to get the authorization codes in bulk. I did give GoDaddy the benefit of the doubt on this one by contacting support prior to assuming you could not get codes in bulk (support responded that they had to be done individually, but I don’t think the support representative understood my question). That stated, here’s how you can get your authorization codes in bulk:
“When in the Domain Control Center with the domains listed, you can select the Exportable Lists folder on the left. From here select the ‘Add Fresh Export’ option and include ‘Authorization Codes’ as an option in order to have your domain list sent to you with each authorization code.”
