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One of the first steps in creating a great website is choosing the right domain name. Popular domain names get snapped up quickly. So, if you’ve already thought of a name you like, use our domain name search tool to check that it’s not already taken, or try to buy it from its current owner.
However, simply finding an available name is not enough, as you must also register the domain name with a registrar. In some cases, the registrar may also be your web hosting provider, but this is not compulsory – you may also choose to host your website with one provider and register your domain name with another.
What is domain transfer?
Domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one registrar to another. To be eligible for a domain transfer, you must have been with your current registrar for at least 60 days, as ICANN stipulates a 60-day lock period for changing registrars in the case of international domain extensions (e.g. .com, .net, .org). Different rules may apply to other extensions; for example, there is no such restriction during a .hu domain transfer.
There are several reasons why you might want to transfer your domain. Perhaps your current registrar has suddenly raised its prices, or your website is taking longer to load. Or maybe you’ve found a better deal elsewhere and would prefer to manage several domains under a single registrar.
Whatever the reason, we’ll take care of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transferring your domain.
Steps for domain transfer
- Update your contact details (email address, telephone number)
- Please check that the email address provided for the domain name is working
- Unlock your domain name
- Request the authorisation (EPP or Auth) code
- Make sure that your domain name can be transferred and that there are no restrictions on it
- Sign up for a new account with the new provider and request a transfer
- Enter the authorisation (EPP or Auth) code you obtained earlier
- If necessary, please confirm the email to authorise the domain transfer.
- Cancel your domain name with your previous provider (if this isn’t done automatically)
Make sure your domain is eligible for transfer
According to ICANN’s rules, if you created or transferred your domain name within the last 60 days, you are not eligible to transfer it. Before making the switch, check to ensure you don’t waste your time.
Update your ownership details
Both your current registrar and your new provider will need to contact you during the transfer process, so please ensure your contact details are up to date. Log in to your current registrar’s control panel and check your account details. Make sure your name, telephone number and physical address are correct. Any missing information may cause the transfer to take longer or result in it being rejected.
Unlock your domain
Look for the “unlock domain” option in your registrar’s control panel. Every provider is different, but you’ll probably find it in the “Domain” or “Security” section of the main account screen. Domains are locked by default to prevent accidental changes or deletions. Depending on your current provider, you may be able to unlock your domain with a single click, or you may need to request that the manual lock be removed directly from the registrar. Once your domain has been unlocked, you can transfer the domain to another registrar.
EPP code
To transfer a domain, you will need an authorisation code (also known as an Auth code, Auth-Info code, EPP code or AuthInfo code). This code protects your domain from being transferred by an unauthorised party. It also acts as a bridge between your old registrar and your new provider, and must be provided within five days of the request, usually by email. Some registrars allow codes to be generated automatically directly from their control panel.
Enable domain transfer.
Once you have entered the authorisation code, both your old and new registrars will contact you. They will ask you to confirm your contact details and formally approve the transfer. Make sure that the contact details you have provided to both registrars are correct, and be prepared to answer any questions regarding the person leaving their current service provider.
Domain name transfer: FAQs and troubleshooting
How long does it take to transfer a domain?
The domain transfer process usually takes five to seven days, but it may take longer if your details are out of date or if your identity cannot be verified.
Is domain transfer free?
Generally speaking, no, although this also depends on the domain extension and any specific promotions. There are some extensions (e.g. .at) where switching registrars is free as standard, whilst in other cases this is only available as part of a promotion.
I don’t know who my DNS registrar is. What should I do?
Search for your domain name using the ICANN search tool. You will find the registrar’s name under the ‘Registrar Information’ section.
I’ve just bought a domain. Why can’t I transfer it to another registrar?
Your registrar has placed a 60-day transfer lock on your domain name. Furthermore, if you have recently carried out a transfer, you will not be able to change registrars for the next 60 days.
My domain name registrar has rejected my application. Why? What should I do?
There may be several reasons why your application was rejected.
There may be a discrepancy between your details and those of the domain owner. Alternatively, they may be unable to verify that you are the owner. Please ensure your contact details are up to date, and be sure to send them whatever they require from you (ID card, proof of domain purchase, etc.).
It may be that the domain name owner has lodged an objection to the transfer. If you are not the domain name owner, please be sure to contact them to resolve the issue.
If you owe fees to your DNS registrar from previous domain purchases, your domain name may have been placed on hold. Please ensure you settle any outstanding balance.
The domain name may still be set to ‘Locked’ on the portal. Please ensure that this setting is set to ‘Unlocked’.
Alternatively, you may be subject to a 60-day registration transfer lock; in this case, you will need to wait 60 days before the transfer can take place.
What if my domain has expired? Can I still transfer it to another registrar?
Yes. Even if your domain has recently expired, you can still transfer it to another registrar. You’ll need to complete the renewal with your current registrar and then initiate the transfer.
Make sure that your domain name has not been deleted by your current registrar and that it is still within the redemption grace period (up to sixty days after expiry). If more than 60 days have passed, your expired domain may become available for public purchase.
Will transferring my domain harm my website’s SEO?
Generally speaking, no. Provided the domain transfer goes smoothly, the switch shouldn’t harm your SEO. Just make sure the details you provide for the transfer are up to date.