Escrow, auth codes, and transfer timelines explained
Why process protects both sides
Premium domain transfers involve high value and a simple object. That mix attracts fraud if the flow is not structured. Escrow and registrar controls exist to lower risk. Buyers should fund escrow before the transfer begins. Sellers should transfer only after funds are secured. Each step has a standard order that speeds close and reduces disputes.
The escrow sequence
Pick a recognized provider or a registrar with built in escrow. Agree on who pays fees and on the inspection period length, if any. The usual order is: sign a short agreement if required, open the escrow transaction, buyer funds escrow, seller initiates push or transfer, buyer confirms receipt and control, escrow releases funds. Each stage should have a date attached so the process does not drift.
Push vs transfer
If both parties use the same registrar, a push moves the domain between accounts inside the same platform. It is faster and avoids registry level locks. If the buyer wants the asset at a different registrar, a transfer uses an auth code and can take days. Both paths are normal. The decision depends on the registrar you prefer to use long term and any time pressure tied to a launch.
Auth codes and locks
Auth codes are unique strings that authorize a transfer between registrars. The seller provides the code once escrow is funded. The domain must be unlocked for the transfer to proceed. Some registrars apply a 60 day lock after certain changes. Ask the seller if any such locks apply before you propose a close date. If a lock exists, you can still close and keep the domain at the current registrar until the window clears.
DNS control and verification
Control matters more than who sees a domain in an account list. After a push or a transfer, verify that you can set DNS records. A quick test is to add a TXT record or to point the domain to a temporary page and confirm resolution. Only after control is verified should escrow release funds. This step protects the buyer from partial transfers or from names stuck in a holding state.
Documentation and receipts
Keep a record of the transaction ID, the escrow receipts, and any registrar emails. Store a copy of the signed agreement if you used one. Add the renewal date to your calendar with a reminder 30 days in advance. Update your asset register so finance and legal have visibility. Premium domains are long lived assets. Documentation helps the next person who will manage them.
Common delays and how to avoid them
Funding delays, missing 2FA codes, incorrect email addresses, and registrar specific quirks create most slowdowns. Before you start, verify the buyer and seller emails, confirm phone numbers on file, and test 2FA on both registrar accounts. If a wire is required for escrow, reserve a time window with your bank and confirm routing over a verified call back.
Security hygiene during a transfer
Use dedicated email accounts for registrar access or enable advanced security on your primary accounts. Change passwords after the transfer closes. Remove delegated access that is no longer needed. On the seller side, clear saved payment methods if the account will no longer be used. On the buyer side, restrict DNS change rights to a small set of admins.
Where MICHAEL.SHOW fits
This site offers MICHAEL.SHOW for acquisition. Transfers follow a standard escrow and registrar flow.
Acquire MICHAEL.SHOW
Start here: Buy MICHAEL.SHOW. Include your preferred registrar and timing. Expect a straightforward process and clear confirmations at each step.
Registrar nuances
Each registrar packages steps differently. Some place pushes under account change, others under domain share. Some hide auth codes inside security tabs. Before you propose a timeline, log in to your registrar and walk through the steps for a test domain. If you plan to receive a push, confirm that your account can accept incoming assets and that your contact details are up to date.
Registry transfer rules
Certain registries impose locks after transfers or ownership changes. The common 60 day window can be waived in some cases, but not all. If you need the domain at a specific registrar for DNS or portfolio reasons, ask early about any registry constraints. A clean plan is to accept a push, point DNS, and schedule a registrar to registrar transfer after locks expire.
International buyers and sellers
Time zones and banking windows add complexity. Build an extra day into timelines to allow for wire confirmations and for 2FA across borders. If your bank requires in person approvals for certain wire sizes, schedule that visit in advance. For escrow platforms, confirm that both parties can complete KYC steps with their local documents to avoid last minute surprises.
Post transfer monitoring
After the domain lands, monitor DNS for unexpected changes. Some registrars set default parking pages or inject DNS records. Replace defaults with your intended records and verify SSL issuance. Add the domain to uptime monitoring and keep alerts quiet but visible. The first days after a transfer are when mistakes are easiest to fix.
Edge cases and remedies
If a seller cannot find the auth code, ask them to confirm the domain is unlocked and that privacy settings are not obscuring controls. If a push fails, verify the recipient account ID and email. If a registrar rate limits transfers, stagger attempts or contact support for a manual override. Keep all communication inside the escrow platform where possible so records are complete.
Documentation checklists
- Transaction IDs for escrow and registrar events.
- Screenshots of push or transfer confirmations.
- Emails that confirm unlocks and code issuance.
- Final DNS change logs and SSL activation.
- Renewal calendar entries and contact updates.
Keeping checklists short and consistent prevents drift when team members change.