How to Transfer a Domain Name
Transferring a domain from one registrar to another is straightforward but has specific steps that must be followed in the right order. Here is the complete process.
Before you start: transfer requirements
- The domain must be at least 60 days old since it was first registered or last transferred
- The domain must not be within 60 days of expiry (some registrars require 30+ days remaining)
- The domain must not be locked with a "transfer lock" or "registrar lock"
- You must have access to the registrant email address on file
Unlock the domain at your current registrar
Log in to your current registrar's control panel and find the domain's settings. Look for a "Transfer lock" or "Registrar lock" option and disable it. This tells the registry you authorize transfer.
Disable WHOIS privacy temporarily (if needed)
Some registrars require WHOIS privacy to be disabled before generating a transfer auth code, as the auth code may be sent to the email address in the public WHOIS record. Check your registrar's requirements.
Get the authorization code (auth/EPP code)
Request an authorization code (also called an EPP code or transfer code) from your current registrar. This is a security code that proves you are the domain owner. It is usually delivered by email within minutes to a few hours.
Initiate the transfer at the new registrar
Go to your new registrar and start a domain transfer (usually under "Transfer a domain"). Enter your domain name and the auth code. Pay the transfer fee (typically includes 1 year of renewal, extending your expiry date).
Approve the transfer
You will receive an email at the registrant email address asking you to approve or cancel the transfer. Approve it. Without approval, the transfer will complete automatically after 5 days (for .com domains), but approving it speeds up the process.
Wait for the transfer to complete
Transfer typically completes within 5-7 days (often faster once approved). During this time, the domain continues to resolve normally. Once complete, your new registrar controls the domain.
Update DNS if needed and re-enable privacy
After transfer, verify DNS settings are correct at the new registrar. If you disabled WHOIS privacy, re-enable it. Set up auto-renew at the new registrar.
Common issues
The transfer was rejected — why?
The most common reasons: the domain is still locked, the auth code is incorrect or expired (request a fresh one), the domain is within 60 days of registration or last transfer, or the registrant email address is wrong. Contact your current registrar to resolve.
Will my website go down during the transfer?
It should not. DNS continues to resolve normally during the transfer process. However, if you change nameservers at the new registrar before the transfer completes, you may experience disruption. Wait until the transfer is complete before changing DNS settings.
Does a transfer extend my expiry date?
Yes. Domain transfers include one year of renewal, which is added to your existing expiry date (not starting from the transfer date). You effectively pay for 1 additional year as part of the transfer fee.
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