When Should You Transfer a Domain?

A domain transfer moves your domain registration from one registrar to another. Common reasons to transfer include:

  • Consolidating multiple domains under a single registrar for easier management
  • Finding better renewal pricing elsewhere
  • Switching to a registrar with better support or features
  • Moving your domain alongside a website migration to a new host

The process is standardized across the industry and generally takes 5–7 days to complete. Your website and email remain active throughout the transfer.

Prerequisites Before You Start

Before initiating a transfer, check these requirements:

  • 60-day lock period: ICANN rules prohibit transferring a domain within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. If your domain was recently registered, you'll need to wait.
  • Domain must be unlocked: Registrars apply a "transfer lock" to prevent unauthorized transfers. You need to disable this in your current registrar's control panel before initiating the transfer.
  • Registrant email must be accessible: The transfer process requires you to confirm via email using the address on the domain's WHOIS record. Make sure you have access to that email address.
  • No pending disputes or expired status: Domains that are expired, in redemption period, or involved in a dispute cannot be transferred. Renew an expired domain first.
  • Have your EPP/Auth code ready: This is a unique authorization code (also called a transfer code or EPP code) that your current registrar provides. You'll need it to initiate the transfer at the new registrar.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Prepare at Your Current Registrar

  1. Log in to your current registrar's control panel
  2. Disable the domain transfer lock (usually found under domain settings or security)
  3. Disable WHOIS privacy temporarily if required β€” some registrars need the actual registrant email to be exposed for the transfer confirmation to go through
  4. Request your EPP/authorization code β€” this is usually available immediately in the control panel or sent to your registrant email on request
  5. Note your domain's expiration date β€” you don't want to initiate a transfer with less than 2 weeks remaining before expiry

Step 2: Initiate at the New Registrar

  1. Log in to (or create an account at) the registrar you're transferring to
  2. Use their domain transfer tool β€” typically found under "Transfer a Domain" in the account menu
  3. Enter the domain name and your EPP code
  4. Complete any identity verification required by the new registrar
  5. Pay the transfer fee β€” most registrars charge one year's renewal fee for the transfer, which extends your registration by one year from the current expiration date

Step 3: Confirm the Transfer

  1. You'll receive a confirmation email at the registrant email address on the WHOIS record
  2. Click the link in that email to approve the transfer
  3. Your current registrar may also send an email asking you to confirm or deny the transfer β€” approve it
  4. The transfer typically completes within 5–7 days once both sides confirm

Will My Website Go Down?

No β€” your DNS records (which point your domain to your website and email server) are preserved during the transfer. Your website and email continue to function normally throughout the process. The transfer only moves the registration administrative control from one registrar to another.

The only exception: if you're also changing DNS servers as part of a broader website migration, that change takes effect independently and may cause a brief propagation delay of 1–24 hours.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

  • EPP code rejection: If the EPP code doesn't work, request a fresh one β€” they sometimes expire after 24–72 hours. Make sure you're using it immediately after receiving it.
  • Confirmation email not received: Check your spam folder. If the registrant email is behind WHOIS privacy, you may need to temporarily disable it so the confirmation can reach you.
  • Transfer denied by current registrar: Registrars are required to process transfers within 5 business days. If yours is delaying or refusing without cause, you can escalate through ICANN's dispute process.
  • Domain expires during transfer: Avoid starting a transfer with less than 15 days until expiry. If the domain expires mid-transfer, the transfer may fail and you could enter a grace period with additional recovery fees.

After the Transfer

Once the transfer completes:

  • Re-enable transfer lock at the new registrar to protect against unauthorized future transfers
  • Re-enable WHOIS privacy protection if you disabled it
  • Verify your DNS records are intact and your website and email are functioning correctly
  • Set up auto-renewal at the new registrar so you don't accidentally lose the domain at expiry