Purchasing an ICANN-Accredited Registrar
An ICANN-accredited registrar is purchased when ownership of the entire corporate entity is transferred. In this scenario, the registrar corporation/entity continues to exist but has new owners. This transaction is distinct from an assignment of a registrar accreditation agreement. More information about RAA assignments is available on the Transferring (Assigning) an ICANN Accreditation page.
When an ICANN-accredited registrar is purchased, the acquired registrar must provide ICANN with the following:
- Notice of the purchase or acquisition (within 30 days if the registrar is accredited under the 2009 Registrar Accreditation Agreement; within 7 days if the registrar is accredited under the 2013 Registrar Accreditation Agreement);
- A statement affirming that the acquired registrar continues to meet the ICANN-adopted specification or policy on accreditation criteria then in effect, and is in compliance with its obligations under the RAA;
- A copy of the Purchase Agreement (confidential terms of the purchase may be redacted, but proof of the transaction or shares is required);
- A document certifying ownership transfer of the accredited registrar entity to the new owner, signed by both parties;
- If the registrar is accredited under the 2013 RAA
- An updated Registrar Information Specification [XLSX, 137 KB], including a certificate of good standing,
- List of officers and directors
If the registrar is accredited under the 2009 RAA
- A Primary Contact Update Form [PDF, 184 KB] (if applicable).
- Registrar Contact Update Form [PDF, 212 KB] (if applicable)
The acquired registrar should send this information to ICANN by emailing registrarupdates@icann.org
The acquired registrar needs to verify that all of its contact data is up to date. If there are any questions about these requirements or the process, please contact registrarupdates@icann.org.