Domain Transfers: Step by Step Guide

Before You Start a Transfer

Transferring a domain moves its registration from your current registrar to a new one, without changing the domain name itself or affecting its existing website or email, provided the transfer is completed correctly. If you have not yet read How to Register a New Domain Name, it covers the process for registering a brand new domain rather than transferring an existing one.

Requirements Before Transferring

A domain generally needs to have been registered for at least sixty days before it becomes eligible for transfer, and any transfer lock or privacy protection blocking transfers must be disabled at your current registrar first. You will also need an authorization code, sometimes called an EPP code, from your current registrar, which confirms you have permission to move the domain.

Getting Your Authorization Code

Log into your account at your current registrar and look for a domain management or transfer section. The authorization code is typically generated on request and sent to the email address on file for that domain. If you cannot access this email or your registrar account, contact your current registrar directly to resolve access before proceeding.

Starting the Transfer

Once you have your authorization code and any transfer locks disabled, initiate the transfer request through your new registrar, entering the authorization code when prompted. You will typically receive a confirmation email, either at your domain's registered contact address or your account email, which you must approve to proceed.

What Happens During the Transfer Window

Most domain transfers complete within five to seven days, though this can vary. During this window, avoid making changes to your domain's settings at either registrar, since conflicting changes can complicate or delay the transfer. Your existing website and email should continue functioning normally throughout this period, provided DNS settings are not altered during the transfer.

After the Transfer Completes

Once the transfer completes, your domain's registration moves fully to the new registrar, and you can manage its settings, including DNS and renewal, from your new account going forward. Confirm your website and email are still functioning correctly, and update your auto-renewal preferences if needed. See Auto-Renewal: How It Works and How to Manage It for guidance on this.

Common Transfer Issues

If a transfer is rejected or delayed, this is most often caused by an incorrect authorization code, a transfer lock that was not actually disabled, or WHOIS contact information that was recently changed, since many registrars impose a waiting period after contact changes before allowing a transfer.