Domain Transfer and Escrow: Complete Guide to Safe Domain Transactions

Introduction

Buying or selling a domain involves more than just exchanging money - you need to safely transfer ownership while protecting both parties from fraud. Understanding domain transfers and escrow services is essential for anyone involved in domain transactions.

Every year, thousands of domain buyers lose money to scams, and sellers lose domains to fraudulent buyers. Using proper transfer procedures and escrow services protects everyone involved.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about domain transfers: how they work, step-by-step instructions, escrow services, common scams to avoid, and troubleshooting transfer issues.

How Domain Transfers Work

Basic Concepts

What is a Domain Transfer?

Definition:
The process of moving a domain from one registrar to another
OR changing the registrant (owner) at the same registrar

Two Types:
1. Registrar Transfer: Domain moves to new registrar
2. Ownership Change: Same registrar, different owner

Both may occur in domain sales

Key Players:

Registrant: Current domain owner
Registrar: Company where domain is registered
  (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.)
Registry: Organization managing TLD
  (.com = Verisign, .io = Internet Computer Bureau, etc.)
Escrow: Third-party holding funds/domain during transaction

Transfer Timeline:

Typical domain sale with transfer:

Day 1: Agreement reached
Day 1-2: Escrow initiated, buyer pays
Day 2-3: Seller unlocks domain, provides auth code
Day 3-4: Buyer initiates transfer OR domain pushed
Day 4-9: Transfer processing (5-7 days typical)
Day 10: Transfer complete, escrow releases funds

Total: 7-14 days for complete transaction

Transfer Requirements

Prerequisites for Transfer:

Domain Must:
□ Be unlocked at current registrar
□ Have valid WHOIS contact information
□ Not be within 60 days of registration
□ Not be within 60 days of previous transfer
□ Not have active UDRP dispute
□ Authorization code (EPP/auth code) available

Buyer Must:
□ Have account at receiving registrar
□ Have payment method for transfer fee
□ Confirm transfer via email

Seller Must:
□ Provide authorization code
□ Unlock domain
□ Disable WHOIS privacy (temporarily)
□ Approve transfer (at some registrars)

60-Day Lock Rule:

ICANN Rule:
Domains cannot be transferred for 60 days after:
- Initial registration
- Previous transfer between registrars
- Registrant contact change (at some registrars)

Purpose: Prevent rapid transfers used in fraud

Impact on Sales:
- Check domain transfer eligibility before listing
- Inform buyers if domain locked
- Plan timing accordingly

Types of Domain Transfers

1. Registrar to Registrar Transfer

When Used:

Buyer wants domain at their registrar
Most common in domain sales

Process:

Step 1: Seller Preparation
- Log into current registrar
- Unlock domain
- Disable WHOIS privacy
- Generate/retrieve authorization code (EPP code)
- Provide code to buyer

Step 2: Buyer Initiation
- Log into their registrar
- Start transfer process
- Enter domain name
- Enter authorization code
- Pay transfer fee ($8-$15 typical)

Step 3: Confirmation Emails
- Email sent to admin contact (usually seller)
- Seller must approve (or don't reject)
- Some registrars auto-approve after 5 days

Step 4: Processing
- Transfer processes (5-7 days)
- Domain moves to new registrar
- Adds 1 year to expiration (usually)

Step 5: Completion
- Buyer receives domain at their registrar
- Seller no longer has access
- Transaction complete

Common Issues:

Transfer Fails Because:
✗ Domain locked
✗ Wrong authorization code
✗ Seller rejected transfer
✗ Invalid WHOIS email
✗ Within 60-day lock period
✗ Registrant verification pending

2. Domain Push (Same Registrar)

When Used:

Buyer and seller both use same registrar
Faster than registrar transfer
Often used in quick sales

Process:

Step 1: Verify Same Registrar
- Both parties confirm they use same registrar
- Example: Both at GoDaddy

Step 2: Seller Initiates Push
- Log into registrar account
- Find "account change" or "push domain" option
- Enter buyer's account email/username
- Confirm push

Step 3: Buyer Accepts
- Buyer receives email notification
- Logs into account
- Accepts incoming domain
- Domain appears in account

Step 4: Immediate Transfer
- Completes instantly (vs. 5-7 days)
- No transfer fee
- No 1-year extension
- Clean and fast

Timing: Minutes to hours (vs. days for transfer)

Advantages:

✓ Much faster (instant vs. 5-7 days)
✓ No transfer fee
✓ Simpler process
✓ Less chance of error
✓ Immediate completion

Disadvantage:
✗ Requires both parties at same registrar
✗ No automatic 1-year renewal add-on

3. Change of Registrant (Ownership Change)

When Used:

Keeping domain at same registrar
Changing owner information only
Sometimes required before push

Process:

Step 1: Update Registrant Info
- Log into registrar
- Change registrant name, email, org
- Save changes

Step 2: Verification (ICANN requirement)
- Email sent to NEW registrant email
- Must verify within 15 days
- Click verification link

Step 3: Lock Period
- May trigger 60-day transfer lock
- Prevents immediate transfer out
- Check registrar policy

Step 4: Complete
- Ownership updated in WHOIS
- New owner has control

Escrow Services

Why Use Escrow

Protection for Both Parties:

For Buyers:
✓ Don't pay until domain received
✓ Verified seller ownership
✓ Professional mediation if issues
✓ Funds held securely
✓ Prevent scams

For Sellers:
✓ Verified buyer payment
✓ Funds committed before transfer starts
✓ Protected from chargebacks
✓ Professional handling
✓ Proof of transfer

When Escrow is Essential:

Always use escrow for:
- Transactions $1,000+
- Unknown/untrusted parties
- International transactions
- High-value domains
- First-time buyers/sellers

Can skip for:
- Trusted marketplace platforms (Dan.com, Sedo)
- Very low value (<$200) with PayPal protection
- Personal friends/known parties

Escrow.com (Industry Standard)

Overview:

Company: Escrow.com (since 1999)
Transactions: Millions completed
Focus: Domains, vehicles, general merchandise
Trust: Industry gold standard

How It Works:

Step 1: Create Transaction
- Seller or buyer creates transaction at Escrow.com
- Enter domain name, price, terms
- Invite other party

Step 2: Both Parties Agree
- Review transaction details
- Agree to terms
- Proceed to next step

Step 3: Buyer Pays Escrow
- Buyer sends payment to Escrow.com
- Payment methods:
  - Wire transfer (preferred for large amounts)
  - ACH/eCheck (US only, 3-5 day hold)
  - Credit card (fees apply)
  - PayPal (fees apply)

Step 4: Seller Transfers Domain
- Escrow notifies seller of payment
- Seller initiates domain transfer
- Provides auth code
- Buyer accepts transfer

Step 5: Buyer Inspection Period
- Buyer verifies domain received
- Inspection period (typically 1-3 days)
- Buyer accepts or disputes

Step 6: Escrow Releases Funds
- After buyer acceptance
- Funds sent to seller
- Transaction complete

Timeline: 7-14 days total

Fees:

Escrow.com Fee Structure:

Buyer pays (typical):
Transaction Amount → Fee
$0-$5,000: 3.25%
$5,000-$25,000: $162.50 + 0.26%
$25,000+: Custom pricing

Minimum: $25

Example:
$10,000 transaction:
Fee: $162.50 + ($5,000 × 0.26%) = $175.50
Buyer pays: $10,175.50
Seller receives: $10,000

Who Pays:
- Usually buyer pays escrow fee
- Can split fee (negotiate)
- Seller can offer to pay (rare)

Pros & Cons:

Advantages:
✓ Industry standard (trusted)
✓ Professional process
✓ Dispute resolution
✓ International support
✓ Domain expertise
✓ Integration with platforms

Disadvantages:
✗ Fees (3.25%+)
✗ Takes 7-14 days
✗ Some payment methods have holds
✗ Can be slow for simple transactions

Dan.com (Integrated Marketplace)

Overview:

Company: Dan.com domain marketplace
Escrow: Built-in to platform
Fee: 9% commission (includes escrow)

How It Works:

Step 1: Domain Listed on Dan.com
- Seller lists domain
- Sets price (Buy Now or Make Offer)
- Free to list

Step 2: Buyer Purchases
- Buyer clicks Buy Now or offer accepted
- Pays Dan.com directly
- Multiple payment methods

Step 3: Automatic Escrow
- Dan.com holds payment
- Notifies seller
- Transfer instructions provided

Step 4: Transfer Process
- Seller provides auth code
- Or domain pushed (if possible)
- Dan.com monitors transfer

Step 5: Completion
- Transfer confirmed
- Dan.com releases payment to seller
- Minus 9% commission

Timeline: 5-10 days

Pros & Cons:

Advantages:
✓ All-in-one platform
✓ Modern interface
✓ Fast transfers
✓ Payment plans for buyers
✓ Automated process

Disadvantages:
✗ 9% fee (higher than pure escrow)
✗ Only for domains listed on Dan.com
✗ Less customization than Escrow.com

Sedo.com

Overview:

Company: Sedo (domain marketplace)
Escrow: Integrated transfer service
Fee: 10-20% commission

Features:

Transfer Process:
- Automated workflow
- Email notifications
- Tracking dashboard
- Multi-language support
- International payments

Fees:
Seller pays commission:
- 10% for domains over $10,000
- 15% for domains $1,000-$10,000
- 20% for domains under $1,000

Minimum: $60

Afternic / GoDaddy

Fast Transfer:

Service: Afternic Fast Transfer
Speed: 24-48 hours (vs. 5-7 days)
Network: GoDaddy registrar network

How:
- Works with GoDaddy-owned registrars
- Automated push between accounts
- Much faster than traditional transfer

Fees:
- 15-20% commission
- Included in sale

Best for:
- Quick sales
- Buyers at GoDaddy ecosystem
- Sellers wanting speed

Step-by-Step Transfer Guide

For Sellers

Preparation Checklist:

Before Initiating Sale:

□ Verify you own domain (login and confirm)
□ Check domain not locked (60-day rule)
□ Ensure WHOIS email is current and accessible
□ Unlock domain at registrar
□ Disable WHOIS privacy
□ Generate authorization code
□ Have registrar account access ready
□ Confirm domain renewal not due soon
□ Screenshot current WHOIS (proof of ownership)
□ Review any registrar transfer restrictions

Transfer Process:

Step 1: Receive Payment
- Use escrow service
- Verify funds secured
- Never transfer before payment secured

Step 2: Unlock Domain
- Log into registrar
- Find domain settings
- Disable "Registrar Lock" or "Transfer Lock"
- Save changes

Step 3: Disable Privacy
- Turn off WHOIS privacy/protection
- Makes admin email visible
- Required for transfer

Step 4: Get Authorization Code
- Also called: EPP code, auth code, transfer code
- Usually in domain settings
- "Transfer" or "Authorization Code" section
- Copy entire code

Step 5: Provide Code to Buyer
- Send via escrow service (preferred)
- Or directly if trusted
- Include unlock confirmation

Step 6: Monitor Transfer
- Watch for approval emails
- Approve transfer if required
- Don't reject or ignore emails

Step 7: Confirm Completion
- Verify domain left your account
- Notify escrow service
- Receive payment release

Common Seller Mistakes:

✗ Transferring domain before payment secured
✗ Forgetting to unlock domain
✗ Not disabling WHOIS privacy
✗ Providing wrong authorization code
✗ Rejecting transfer approval email
✗ Letting domain expire during transfer
✗ Not responding to registrar emails

For Buyers

Due Diligence:

Before Purchasing:

□ Verify seller owns domain (WHOIS lookup)
□ Check domain history (Wayback Machine)
□ Confirm domain age (WHOIS creation date)
□ Search for UDRP disputes (WIPO database)
□ Check trademark conflicts (USPTO)
□ Verify domain not on blacklists
□ Review backlinks if buying for SEO (Ahrefs)
□ Confirm domain not within 60-day lock
□ Test domain resolves properly
□ Screenshot everything for records

Purchase Process:

Step 1: Agree on Terms
- Price
- Payment method
- Transfer timeline
- Escrow service
- Any additional terms

Step 2: Set Up Escrow
- Create transaction at Escrow.com or platform
- Verify all details correct
- Both parties agree

Step 3: Send Payment
- Pay escrow service
- Use secure payment method
- Keep confirmation

Step 4: Receive Transfer Details
- Get authorization code from seller
- Confirm domain unlocked
- Verify WHOIS privacy disabled

Step 5: Initiate Transfer
- Log into your registrar
- Start transfer process
- Enter domain name
- Enter authorization code
- Pay transfer fee ($8-$15)

Step 6: Confirm Transfer Request
- Check email (admin contact)
- Approve transfer if required
- Respond promptly

Step 7: Wait for Completion
- Transfer processes (5-7 days typically)
- Monitor status in registrar account
- Check for any error messages

Step 8: Verify Receipt
- Confirm domain in your account
- Check WHOIS shows you as owner
- Test domain access (DNS settings)
- Notify escrow to release funds

Common Buyer Mistakes:

✗ Paying seller directly (no escrow)
✗ Not verifying ownership before paying
✗ Starting transfer before payment secured
✗ Using wrong email for transfer confirmation
✗ Not responding to transfer approval emails
✗ Forgetting to pay registrar transfer fee
✗ Not checking domain actually received

Common Scams & How to Avoid

Scam 1: Fake Domain Ownership

How It Works:

Scammer:
1. Finds domain for sale
2. Doesn't own it
3. Lists it for sale (lower price)
4. Takes buyer's payment
5. Disappears
6. Buyer gets nothing

Protection:

Always:
□ Verify seller name matches WHOIS registrant
□ Ask seller to add specific text to WHOIS temporarily
□ Use escrow service
□ Don't pay directly
□ Check seller reputation/history

Red Flags:
✗ Price too good to be true
✗ Seller can't demonstrate ownership
✗ Refuses escrow
✗ Pressures quick payment
✗ Email doesn't match WHOIS

Scam 2: Fake Escrow Sites

How It Works:

Scammer:
1. Creates fake escrow website
2. Looks like Escrow.com (slight spelling variation)
3. Buyer sends money to fake site
4. Scammer takes money
5. No domain transfer happens

Protection:

Verify:
□ Exact URL: Escrow.com (not Escr0w.com or Esrow.com)
□ SSL certificate valid
□ Contact escrow company directly to verify
□ Don't click links in emails (type URL)

Only Use:
✓ Escrow.com
✓ Dan.com
✓ Sedo.com
✓ Major marketplace platforms
✗ Unknown "escrow" services

Scam 3: Chargeback Fraud

How It Works:

Scammer (Buyer):
1. Pays via reversible method (PayPal, credit card)
2. Receives domain transfer
3. Files chargeback claiming fraud
4. Gets money back
5. Keeps domain

Seller loses both domain and money

Protection:

For Sellers:
✓ Use Escrow.com (no chargebacks)
✓ Never accept PayPal for expensive domains
✓ Wire transfer or crypto for large amounts
✓ Document everything
✓ Use trusted platforms

High Risk:
✗ PayPal (90-day chargeback window)
✗ Credit cards (60-120 day window)
✗ Unknown buyers

Lower Risk:
✓ Escrow.com
✓ Wire transfer (hard to reverse)
✓ Cryptocurrency (irreversible)

Scam 4: Domain Hijacking During Transfer

How It Works:

Scammer:
1. Gains access to seller's email
2. Intercepts transfer approval email
3. Redirects domain to their account
4. Seller loses domain and money

Protection:

For Sellers:
□ Use strong, unique passwords
□ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
□ Use registrar's security features
□ Don't use public WiFi for transfers
□ Verify transfer destination account
□ Lock domain immediately after sale

For Buyers:
□ Verify domain arrives at your account
□ Check WHOIS shows you as owner
□ Enable registrar lock immediately
□ Enable 2FA on registrar account

Scam 5: Fake Transfer Confirmation

How It Works:

Scammer:
1. Sends fake "transfer complete" email
2. Looks like registrar notification
3. Tricks buyer into releasing escrow
4. Domain never actually transferred

Protection:

Always:
□ Log into your registrar account directly
□ Verify domain appears there
□ Check WHOIS independently
□ Don't trust emails alone
□ Test DNS access
□ Only release escrow after confirmation

Never:
✗ Release escrow based on email alone
✗ Trust screenshots (easily faked)
✗ Skip verification steps

Troubleshooting Transfer Issues

Transfer Pending/Stuck

Possible Causes:

1. Domain Still Locked
   - Solution: Unlock at current registrar

2. Wrong Authorization Code
   - Solution: Get new code from seller

3. WHOIS Privacy Enabled
   - Solution: Disable privacy protection

4. Waiting for Approval Email Response
   - Solution: Check email, approve transfer

5. Within 60-Day Lock Period
   - Solution: Wait until lock expires

6. Transfer Not Paid
   - Solution: Pay transfer fee at receiving registrar

7. Invalid WHOIS Contact Email
   - Solution: Update WHOIS, retry transfer

How to Check Status:

At Gaining Registrar (Buyer):
- Log into account
- Check "pending transfers" section
- Look for status messages
- Contact support if unclear

At Losing Registrar (Seller):
- Check "pending actions"
- Look for approval requests
- Verify domain unlocked

Transfer Rejected/Failed

Common Reasons:

Rejected by Seller:
- Accidentally clicked "reject" in email
- Didn't recognize transfer request
- Changed mind about sale

Solution:
- Contact seller
- Have them approve or re-initiate
- Use escrow dispute if fraud

Failed by Registrar:
- Domain locked
- Invalid auth code
- WHOIS issues
- 60-day lock

Solution:
- Fix underlying issue
- Wait 24 hours
- Retry transfer
- Contact registrar support

Lost Authorization Code

How to Retrieve:

At Most Registrars:

Step 1: Log into account
Step 2: Find domain
Step 3: Look for:
- "Transfer"
- "Authorization Info"
- "EPP Code"
- "Transfer Code"
Step 4: Click "Send Code" or "Reveal Code"
Step 5: Check email or view on screen

If Can't Find:
- Contact registrar support
- Verify domain ownership
- They'll provide code

Domain Expired During Transfer

Problem:

Domain expired while transfer in progress
Transfer will fail
Domain may enter redemption

Prevention:

□ Check expiration date before selling
□ Renew if expiring within 30 days
□ Don't start transfer if expiring soon
□ Add cost of renewal to sale price

If It Happens:

1. Renew domain immediately
2. Wait for domain to re-activate (24-48 hours)
3. Restart transfer process
4. May need new authorization code

Advanced Topics

International Transfers

Considerations:

Payments:
- Currency conversion fees
- International wire transfer fees
- Payment method availability by country

Legal:
- Different laws by country
- Tax implications
- Import/export regulations (some countries)

Escrow:
- Escrow.com supports international
- Currency conversion available
- Longer processing times possible

Communication:
- Language barriers
- Time zones (response delays)
- Different business practices

Bulk Domain Transfers

When Transferring Multiple Domains:

Strategies:

1. Spreadsheet Organization
   - List all domains
   - Track auth codes
   - Monitor status
   - Deadlines

2. Stagger Transfers
   - Don't transfer 100 domains at once
   - 10-20 per day maximum
   - Registrars may flag bulk transfers

3. Use APIs
   - Some registrars offer APIs
   - Automate parts of process
   - Require technical knowledge

4. Hire Professional
   - Domain brokers
   - Escrow services
   - Worth it for 50+ domains

Transfer Locks After Purchase

Immediately After Receiving Domain:

Security Checklist:

□ Enable registrar transfer lock
□ Enable two-factor authentication
□ Change registrar account password
□ Update WHOIS privacy (enable)
□ Set auto-renew
□ Add payment method for renewals
□ Configure DNS if needed
□ Set calendar reminder for renewal
□ Document authorization code (secure location)

Prevent:
- Hijacking attempts
- Unauthorized transfers
- Domain expiration

Best Practices

For Both Buyers & Sellers

Communication:

✓ Be responsive (reply within 24 hours)
✓ Be professional
✓ Document all agreements in writing
✓ Use escrow messaging when possible
✓ Keep all emails/records
✓ Be patient (transfers take time)

✗ Rush the process
✗ Skip verification steps
✗ Make verbal agreements only
✗ Delete communication records

Documentation:

Save:
□ All emails
□ Payment confirmations
□ Escrow transaction details
□ Screenshots of WHOIS
□ Transfer confirmation
□ Authorization codes (sellers)

Purpose:
- Proof of transaction
- Dispute resolution
- Tax records
- Future reference

Timeline:

Realistic Expectations:

Fast (1-3 days):
- Domain push (same registrar)
- Dan.com Fast Transfer
- Simple transactions

Normal (7-14 days):
- Standard registrar transfer
- Escrow.com transactions
- International transfers

Slow (14-30 days):
- Complex transactions
- Multiple domains
- Issues/disputes
- New registrant verification

Conclusion

Safe domain transfers require understanding the process, using escrow services for protection, and following best practices. While transfers can seem complex, following the step-by-step procedures ensures smooth transactions.

Key Takeaways:

For Sellers:

• Always use escrow for transactions $1,000+
• Unlock domain and disable privacy before transfer
• Provide accurate authorization code
• Never transfer domain before payment secured
• Approve transfer requests promptly

For Buyers:

• Verify seller ownership before paying
• Use escrow.com or trusted platform
• Never pay directly via PayPal/Venmo for expensive domains
• Verify domain received before releasing escrow
• Secure domain immediately after transfer

Escrow Service Selection:

$0-$500: PayPal (with protection) acceptable
$500-$2,000: Dan.com or Sedo (if listed there)
$2,000-$100,000+: Escrow.com (industry standard)
$100,000+: Escrow.com with lawyer review

Always use escrow for:
- Unknown parties
- International transactions
- High-value domains
- First-time transactions

Transfer Timeline:

Same Registrar Push: 1-24 hours
Standard Transfer: 5-7 days
With Escrow: 7-14 days total
International: 10-20 days

Red Flags:

⚠️ Stop Transaction If:
- Seller refuses escrow
- Price seems too good to be true
- Seller can't prove ownership
- Pressured to pay quickly
- Asked to use unknown escrow service
- Seller wants payment to personal account
- Communication is unprofessional

Safe domain transfers protect both parties and ensure smooth ownership changes. When in doubt, use Escrow.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a domain transfer take?

Standard registrar-to-registrar transfer: 5-7 days. Same-registrar push: 1-24 hours. With escrow (Escrow.com): 7-14 days total. International transfers: 10-20 days. Dan.com Fast Transfer: 1-3 days. The 60-day lock rule may prevent immediate transfers for new domains.

Is Escrow.com safe for domain transactions?

Yes, Escrow.com is the industry standard for domain transactions since 1999. They've facilitated millions of transactions, offer buyer/seller protection, and provide dispute resolution. Fees are 3.25% for transactions under $5,000. Always verify the exact URL (Escrow.com) to avoid fake sites.

Can I get scammed even with escrow?

Escrow dramatically reduces risk but verify: (1) You're using real Escrow.com (not fake site), (2) Domain actually transfers to your account (don't trust emails), (3) You verify ownership via WHOIS before releasing funds. Never release escrow based on email confirmation alone - login to registrar and confirm.

What's an authorization code and where do I find it?

Authorization code (also called EPP code, auth code, transfer code) is required to transfer a domain between registrars. Find it: login to registrar → select domain → look for "Transfer" or "Authorization Code" section → generate/reveal code. Valid for 30 days typically. Provide to buyer to initiate transfer.

Should buyer or seller pay escrow fees?

Typically buyer pays escrow fees (3.25%+ for Escrow.com). This is industry standard. However, it's negotiable - parties can split fees or seller can pay as incentive. On marketplaces (Dan.com, Sedo), seller pays commission (9-20%) which includes escrow. Always clarify before transaction who pays what fees.

Meta Description: Complete guide to safe domain transfers and escrow services. Learn step-by-step transfer process, how to use Escrow.com, avoid scams, and troubleshoot transfer issues.

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