How to Transfer a Domain to Another Registrar

Why Transfer Your Domain?

There are several good reasons to move your domain to a different registrar:

• Better pricing: Another registrar offers lower renewal rates
• Consolidation: Bringing all domains under one account
• Better features: Superior DNS management, security, or interface
• Customer service issues: Escaping poor support
• Company acquisition: Moving to new ownership

Important: Domain transfers should not cause any downtime for your website or email if done correctly.

Before You Start: Requirements & Restrictions

Domain Must Meet These Requirements:

1. At least 60 days old

   • ICANN requires domains to be registered 60+ days before transfer
   • This prevents rapid flipping and fraud

2. Not transferred in last 60 days

   • Can't transfer a domain that was just transferred
   • Must wait 60 days between transfers

3. Not within 30 days of expiration

   • Some registrars won't accept nearly-expired domains
   • Renew first if close to expiration

4. Not on registry hold

   • Domain must be in "active" status
   • Check for any holds or locks

5. Access to admin email

   • Transfer approval is sent to admin contact email
   • Make sure you can receive emails at that address

What You'll Need:

• Authorization/EPP Code from current registrar
• Admin email access for approval
• Payment method at new registrar (transfer usually includes 1-year renewal)
• DNS backup if you want to preserve settings

Step 1: Prepare at Current Registrar

Unlock Your Domain

Most domains are "locked" to prevent unauthorized transfers. You need to unlock it:

1. Log into your current registrar
2. Go to domain management
3. Find "Domain Lock," "Transfer Lock," or "Registrar Lock"
4. Turn OFF the lock

Location by registrar:

• Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Domain tab → Domain Lock
• GoDaddy: My Products → Domains → Domain Settings → Domain Lock
• Google Domains: My domains → Manage → Registration settings

Get Authorization Code (EPP Code)

The authorization code proves you're the legitimate owner.

How to get it:

1. In domain settings, look for "Authorization Code," "EPP Code," or "Transfer Code"
2. Click to request or reveal the code
3. Code may be displayed immediately or emailed to admin contact
4. Code is typically valid for 5-14 days

Tip: Copy the code exactly—it's case-sensitive and includes special characters.

Consider Disabling WHOIS Privacy Temporarily

Some transfers require WHOIS privacy to be disabled:

1. Go to privacy settings
2. Temporarily disable privacy protection
3. Ensure admin email is accessible
4. Re-enable after transfer completes

Note: Many modern transfers work fine with privacy enabled. Try first, disable only if transfer fails.

Step 2: Initiate Transfer at New Registrar

Create Account (If Needed)

Sign up at your new registrar. Use a strong password and enable 2FA immediately.

Start the Transfer

1. Go to "Transfer" or "Transfer Domain" section
2. Enter your domain name
3. Enter the authorization code you obtained
4. Review and pay transfer fee

Transfer Pricing: Most transfers cost $8-15 and include a 1-year extension of your registration. You're essentially paying for renewal at the new registrar.

What Happens After Initiation:

1. New registrar requests transfer from registry
2. Current registrar is notified
3. Approval emails sent to admin contact
4. You approve the transfer
5. Transfer processes (5-7 days typically)

Step 3: Approve the Transfer

Check Your Email

After initiating, look for emails from:

• Your new registrar
• Your current registrar
• Registry for your TLD

Types of Approval Needed:

From New Registrar: Confirmation that you want to proceed.

From Current Registrar: Some registrars send emails with options to:

• Approve (speeds up transfer)
• Reject (cancels transfer)
• Do nothing (transfer proceeds after waiting period)

Important: Click approve links to speed up the transfer. Without approval, transfers can take the full 5-7 days.

At Current Registrar:

Some registrars also require approval in your account:

1. Log into current registrar
2. Check for pending transfer notices
3. Approve the outgoing transfer

Step 4: Wait for Transfer to Complete

Typical Timeline:

• Day 1: Transfer initiated
• Day 1-2: Approval emails sent
• Day 2-3: Approvals processed
• Day 5-7: Transfer completes

Some transfers complete faster:

• Both registrars are efficient
• All approvals done quickly
• No issues with authorization code

What to Watch For:

Transfer Status: Check transfer status at your new registrar. Common statuses:

• Pending
• Awaiting approval
• Processing
• Complete

Email Updates: Both registrars will email you at key steps.

Step 5: Post-Transfer Checklist

Immediately After Transfer:

• Verify domain appears in new registrar account
• Check expiration date (should be extended by 1 year)
• Re-enable WHOIS privacy if you disabled it
• Enable domain lock
• Enable 2FA on new registrar account
• Set up auto-renewal

Check DNS Settings:

If using registrar DNS: Your DNS records may need to be recreated at the new registrar. Before transferring, document:

• A records
• CNAME records
• MX records
• TXT records

If using external DNS (Cloudflare, etc.): No changes needed—nameservers remain pointed externally.

Verify Website and Email:

After transfer, confirm everything still works:

• Website loads correctly
• Email sends and receives
• SSL certificate still valid

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Domain is locked"

Problem: Transfer fails because domain is locked Solution: Unlock at current registrar, wait 15 minutes, try again

"Invalid authorization code"

Problem: EPP code rejected Solution:

• Request a new code (they expire)
• Check for typos
• Ensure no extra spaces copied

"Transfer rejected"

Problem: Current registrar rejected the transfer Solution:

• Check admin email for rejection notice
• May need to approve in current registrar dashboard
• Contact support if unclear

"60-day lock"

Problem: Domain was recently registered or transferred Solution: Wait until 60-day period passes

"Domain status prohibits transfer"

Problem: Domain has a hold or special status Solution:

• Check for pending payment issues
• Resolve any disputes
• Contact current registrar support

Special Cases

Transferring .io Domains

.io domains have some unique characteristics:

• May take longer (up to 10 days)
• Authorization codes work differently
• Some registrars handle .io transfers better than others

Transferring Country Code Domains

Some ccTLDs (.uk, .de, .eu, etc.) have special requirements:

• May require local presence
• Different transfer processes
• Contact new registrar for TLD-specific guidance

Transferring Premium Domains

Premium domains sometimes:

• Have higher transfer fees
• Require additional verification
• May be subject to different policies

Cost Considerations

What You'll Pay:

Item	Typical Cost
Transfer fee	$8-15 (includes 1-year renewal)
Current registrar	Usually nothing to release
Lost renewal time	Days may be lost if you just renewed

No Hidden Fees:

A legitimate transfer should not involve:

• Extra fees to "release" the domain
• Payment to current registrar
• Expedited transfer fees (scam alert!)

Tips for Smooth Transfers

1. Start early: Don't wait until renewal date
2. Document DNS: Screenshot current settings
3. Use a strong code: When transferring valuable domains
4. Check spam folders: Approval emails sometimes get filtered
5. Be patient: 5-7 days is normal
6. Keep access to old registrar until transfer completes