Customize transfer confirmation e-mails template (FOA)

Question

How to customize the transfer confirmation e-mails to end users (FOA)?

Answer

NB: Please, note that, as a result of GDPR, many registries and registrars do no longer show e-mail addresses in the whois since the 25th of May 2018. For domains without (valid) e-mail address for registrant or administrative contact, the transfer confirmation e-mail (FOA) for an incoming transfer is not sent. The FOA for an outgoing transfer is always sent.

For a more visual explanation and deeper info about e-mail customization or "white labeling", refer to this blog post.

Any transfer of a generic top level domain (gTLD) needs to be approved by the domain owner or administrative contact via a link that he receives by e-mail. This e-mail is called "Form of Authorization", in short FOA. The FOA is pre-defined by ICANN, but allows for a bit of customization and personalization (white labeling). This is done via the reseller control panel, page Account > Settings > FOA branding. The following elements can be customized:

• Subject of the e-mail. Can be written in your own language, make it less formal, or any other change. You can add the domain name in it by using the variable %%domain%%. An example might be:
  Important: approve the transfer of %%domain%%
• From address. Use your support department's e-mail address here, for example. Any valid e-mail address is allowed.
• URL to terms and conditions. If you want to link to your own terms and conditions, you can provide the URL.
• Confirmation link. In the e-mail, a link is included that the end user can click to confirm the transfer. 
• Reseller name. If you do not want to use your own reseller name, provide here another name.

You can review the changes immediately in the example e-mails below the form. If everything is according to your wishes, press the Save button. Your customers will now receive the personalized white label e-mails.