Domain Transfer Guide: Move Domains Between Registrars

## Domain Transfer Guide: Move Domains Between Registrars Transferring a domain from one registrar to another is a routine procedure — but it requires careful sequencing. Get any step wrong and the transfer can fail, leaving your domain in limbo for days. This guide walks you through the complete process with all the details that matter. Domain Registration Checklist ### Why Transfer a Domain? Common reasons to transfer: - **Better pricing**: Your current registrar's renewal fees have become uncompetitive - **Consolidation**: You want all domains at one registrar for easier management - **Better features**: You need API access, better DNS management, or DNSSEC support - **Poor support experience**: Your current registrar hasn't responded to a support ticket in days - **Registrar going out of business**: Proactively transfer before the company closes ### Understanding the 60-Day Lock Rule ICANN's Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy mandates a 60-day lock period for newly registered or recently transferred domains. During this window, you cannot transfer the domain to another registrar. The 60-day clock resets when: - A domain is first registered - A domain is transferred to a new registrar - The registrant name (owner) changes This rule exists to prevent hijacking — an attacker who compromises your account can't immediately transfer the domain away if a 60-day lock applies. **Important**: The 60-day lock only applies to inter-registrar transfers. You can still change DNS records, enable/disable locks, and manage other settings during this period. ### Step-by-Step Transfer Process #### 1. Verify Transfer Eligibility Before starting: - Domain is **more than 60 days old** and more than 60 days since last transfer - Domain is **not expired** (expired domains require redemption before transfer) - Domain **status is not locked** for any legal or dispute reason (check WHOIS status codes — "serverTransferProhibited" blocks transfers) #### 2. Disable WHOIS Privacy Temporarily Some registrars require the WHOIS contact email to be visible and accurate for the transfer authorization email to be sent to the right address. If you have WHOIS privacy enabled, you may need to temporarily disable it — or verify that your registrar's privacy proxy forwards authorization emails. Check your registrar's documentation. Many modern registrars forward transfer authorization emails through their privacy proxy without requiring you to disable privacy. #### 3. Unlock the Domain The domain lock (Registrar Lock, status code "clientTransferProhibited") prevents unauthorized transfers. You must disable it before initiating a transfer. To unlock: 1. Log in to your current registrar's control panel 2. Navigate to the domain management page 3. Find the "Lock" or "Transfer Lock" setting 4. Disable it The status code change propagates through the DNS system — allow 30-60 minutes before proceeding. #### 4. Obtain the EPP/Auth Code The EPP authorization code (also called Auth-Code, AuthInfo code, or transfer key) is a security string that proves you authorized the transfer. It's usually 8-16 characters, alphanumeric, and case-sensitive. Where to find it: - Domain management panel → "Transfer" or "EPP Code" section - Your registrar may email it to the registrant contact address - Some registrars require a support ticket to request it Note: EPP codes expire. Most registrars set expiration at 7-30 days. Request it only when you're ready to use it. #### 5. Initiate the Transfer at the Gaining Registrar Go to your new registrar's website: 1. Find the "Transfer domain" option 2. Enter your domain name 3. Enter the EPP authorization code when prompted 4. Pay the transfer fee (many registrars include a free year of registration with the transfer) 5. Confirm registrant contact details The gaining registrar will verify the EPP code against the losing registrar's database. #### 6. Approve the Transfer Authorization Email Both ICANN policy and most registrars require explicit approval from the registrant. You'll receive an email at the registrant contact address with a link to approve or reject the transfer. **Approve within the deadline** — typically 5-7 days. If you miss the window, the transfer is rejected and you must start over. If you enabled WHOIS privacy, ensure the privacy proxy is forwarding emails, or temporarily disable privacy to receive the authorization email directly. #### 7. Wait for Transfer Completion Once approved, the transfer typically completes within **5 business days** (ICANN maximum). Most modern registrar pairs complete in 24-48 hours. During this window: - Keep the domain unlocked at the losing registrar - Keep WHOIS privacy configured to receive any follow-up emails - Don't make registrant contact changes (can reset the transfer clock) #### 8. Verify Completion and Re-Enable Security When the transfer completes: 1. Log in to the gaining registrar and verify the domain appears 2. Enable domain lock at the new registrar 3. Verify DNS records transferred correctly (or reconfigure them) 4. Re-enable WHOIS privacy if you disabled it 5. Set up auto-renewal at the new registrar ### Transfer Fees Transfer fees vary: - **ICANN gTLDs**: Most gaining registrars include a free 1-year registration extension with the transfer (ICANN policy for gTLDs requires this) - **.com, .net, .org**: Gaining registrar typically charges the standard renewal price (~$9-20) which includes a 1-year extension - **Some ccTLDs**: May charge transfer fees; vary by registry policy - **Losing registrar fees**: Most charge nothing to transfer away; some legacy registrars still charge. If your registrar charges a transfer-out fee, that's a reason to transfer. ### Common Transfer Failures and Fixes **"Domain is locked" error** - Fix: Disable the Registrar Lock at your current registrar, wait 30-60 minutes, retry **"Invalid auth code" error** - Fix: Request a fresh EPP code — the old one expired or was incorrectly copied (codes are case-sensitive) **Authorization email never arrives** - Fix: Check spam folder; verify the registrant email in WHOIS is correct; temporarily disable WHOIS privacy; contact your current registrar **"Transfer prohibited" status code in WHOIS** - Status codes like "serverTransferProhibited" or "clientHold" block transfers. Contact your current registrar to resolve the status before initiating a transfer. **Transfer rejected without notice** - The losing registrar may have auto-rejected the transfer. Some registrars have aggressive anti-transfer policies. Contact their support. ### Domain Transfer vs. DNS Transfer Beginners often confuse two different things: - **Domain transfer**: Moving the domain registration record from one registrar to another. Takes 5 days, requires EPP code. - **DNS nameserver change**: Pointing your domain's DNS to a different provider (e.g., using Cloudflare for DNS while keeping registration at Namecheap). Takes 24-48 hours, no EPP code required. You can change DNS providers without transferring the domain. Many users keep their domain at a registrar they're comfortable with while using Cloudflare or another provider for DNS. ### Bulk Transfers Transferring a large portfolio? Most registrars offer bulk transfer tools: - Upload a CSV with domain names and EPP codes - The registrar processes them in batches - Monitor status per-domain in the bulk transfer dashboard Prepare all EPP codes before initiating — they expire, and staggered requests mean some codes will expire while others are still being processed. ### Summary Domain transfers follow a consistent sequence: verify eligibility → unlock → get EPP code → initiate at new registrar → approve authorization email → wait 5 days → re-enable security. The most common failures are forgetting to unlock the domain, letting the EPP code expire, and missing the authorization email. Follow this guide in order and your transfer will complete without issues. Choosing a Domain Registrar: What to Look For domain-lock-protection