How to Transfer a Domain Name to a New Registrar

Why Transfer a Domain Name?

Transferring a domain name to a new registrar can save you money, give you better management tools, or consolidate your domains under one account. Common reasons include:

Whatever your reason, the transfer process is straightforward when you follow the right steps.

Before You Start: Requirements

Your domain must meet specific requirements to be eligible for transfer:

Unlock the domain: The domain must be unlocked at your current registrar. Locked domains cannot be transferred.

Get the authorization code: Also called an EPP code or transfer code. This is a unique string of characters that authorizes the transfer. Request it from your current registrar.

Disable privacy protection: Turn off WHOIS privacy before initiating the transfer. Some registrars block transfers when privacy is enabled.

Check the 60-day rule: ICANN rules prohibit transferring a domain within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.

Verify contact information: The email address associated with your domain registration must be current. Transfer approval emails go to this address.

Ensure the domain is active: Expired domains or domains in redemption status cannot be transferred.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Prepare the Domain at Your Current Registrar

Step 2: Initiate the Transfer at the New Registrar

Step 3: Approve the Transfer

You will receive an email from the new registrar asking you to confirm or approve the transfer. Click the approval link promptly. Some registrars also send a confirmation request from the losing registrar.

If you do not take action, the transfer will typically complete automatically after 5–7 days.

Step 4: Wait for Completion

Domain transfers typically take 5–7 days to complete, though some can process in as little as 24 hours. During this time:

Step 5: Verify and Configure

Once the transfer completes:

Common Transfer Problems

Authorization code expired: EPP codes expire after a few days. Request a new one.

Domain locked: Return to your old registrar and unlock the domain.

Privacy enabled: Disable WHOIS privacy before initiating the transfer.

60-day lock period: You must wait 60 days after registration or a previous transfer.

Wrong contact email: Update your registrant email address before transferring.

Pending disputes: Domains involved in legal disputes or UDRP proceedings cannot be transferred.

Tips for a Smooth Transfer