Why Transfer a Domain?
There are plenty of good reasons to move a domain name from one registrar to another: lower renewal pricing, better customer support, consolidating multiple domains under one account, or dissatisfaction with your current provider. The good news is that domain transfers are a standardized process governed by ICANN, so it's the same basic steps regardless of which registrars are involved.
This guide walks you through every step so your transfer goes smoothly and your website stays online throughout.
Before You Start: Key Requirements
Not every domain can be transferred at any time. Check the following first:
- 60-day lock: Newly registered or recently transferred domains are locked for 60 days by ICANN policy. You must wait out this period before initiating another transfer.
- Domain must be unlocked: Your current registrar places a "registrar lock" on domains to prevent unauthorized transfers. You need to unlock it manually.
- WHOIS email must be accessible: You'll receive confirmation emails at the address on file for the domain. If that address is outdated, update it first.
- Domain must have at least 15 days before expiry: Cutting it close risks complications. Renew first if needed.
Step-by-Step Domain Transfer Process
Step 1: Unlock the Domain at Your Current Registrar
Log in to your current registrar's dashboard, find the domain you want to transfer, and look for a "Registrar Lock" or "Transfer Lock" setting. Turn it off. This may take a few minutes to propagate.
Step 2: Disable WHOIS Privacy (Temporarily)
Some registrars mask your contact information with a privacy proxy. Temporarily disable this so the transfer authorization email reaches your actual address.
Step 3: Request Your EPP / Authorization Code
Your current registrar will provide an EPP code (also called an Auth Code or Transfer Code). This is a unique string that proves you're authorized to transfer the domain. You'll find it in your registrar's control panel or can request it via support. It's usually emailed to the WHOIS contact address.
Step 4: Initiate the Transfer at Your New Registrar
- Go to your new registrar's website and find the "Transfer Domain" option.
- Enter your domain name and click Continue.
- Paste in the EPP code when prompted.
- Review the transfer details — note that most registrars add one year to your registration as part of the transfer fee.
- Complete payment to initiate the transfer.
Step 5: Approve the Transfer
You'll receive an email at your WHOIS address asking you to approve the transfer. Click the confirmation link. If you don't approve or deny, the transfer will auto-complete after 5 days by default under ICANN rules.
Step 6: Wait for Completion
Transfers typically complete within 5–7 days, though many modern registrars complete them faster. Your website and email will continue functioning throughout the process — DNS settings are not affected by the transfer itself.
What Happens to Your DNS Settings?
This is a common concern. The domain transfer moves management of the domain, not your DNS records. Your website and email will keep working, provided you don't change your nameservers at the new registrar. Once the transfer is complete:
- If you want to keep using your old host, simply leave the nameservers as they were.
- If you're also moving your hosting, update the nameservers after the transfer completes.
Re-enable Privacy Protection
After the transfer completes, log in to your new registrar and re-enable WHOIS privacy to protect your personal contact details from public exposure.
Summary Checklist
- ✅ Confirm domain is eligible (not in 60-day lock, not expiring soon)
- ✅ Unlock the domain at current registrar
- ✅ Temporarily disable WHOIS privacy
- ✅ Obtain EPP/Auth code
- ✅ Initiate transfer at new registrar and pay
- ✅ Approve transfer via confirmation email
- ✅ Re-enable WHOIS privacy after transfer completes
Follow these steps and your domain will move cleanly to its new home without any interruption to your website or email services.