How do I transfer a domain to another registrar?
Step-by-Step Process
First, ensure your domain is at least 60 days old and not in a transfer lock period. Log in to your current registrar, unlock the domain, and disable WHOIS privacy if enabled. Then request the authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar; it's usually sent to your admin email.
Next, go to the new registrar and initiate the transfer. You'll need to provide the authorization code and pay for at least one year of registration. The new registrar will send a confirmation email to the domain's admin contact. Approve it to proceed.
The transfer can take 5-7 days, but sometimes completes faster. During this time, your site and email should remain functional if DNS settings are unchanged. Once complete, your domain will be managed by the new registrar.
- Unlock domain and get auth code from current registrar.
- Initiate transfer at new registrar and pay fees.
- Approve transfer confirmation email.
- Wait for completion (usually 5-7 days).
- Verify DNS settings are correct at new registrar.
Things to Watch
Make sure your domain doesn't expire during the transfer, as this can complicate the process. Also, if you have a website or email on the domain, keep the DNS settings the same to avoid downtime. Some registrars offer a 'transfer lock' that you must disable.
After transfer, update your billing and contact information at the new registrar. You may also want to enable auto-renew to avoid future expiration issues.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to unlock the domain, causing the transfer to fail.
- Not approving the confirmation email within the required timeframe, which cancels the transfer.
- Transferring too soon after registration (within 60 days), which is not allowed by ICANN rules.
