Domain Transfer Guide: Complete Process Walkthrough 2025

Category: Domain Management & Technical Tags: domain transfer, registrar transfer, domain migration, authorization code, EPP code Status: DRAFT

Understanding Domain Transfers

What is a Domain Transfer?

Domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one registrar to another while maintaining ownership.

What transfers:

• Domain registration
• Renewal responsibility
• Management control
• DNS control (optional)

What stays the same:

• Domain ownership (you still own it)
• Domain name itself
• Expiration date (usually extends +1 year)
• Website and email (if DNS configured correctly)

What does NOT transfer automatically:

• Website hosting (separate service)
• Email hosting (separate service)
• DNS records (must be manually recreated)
• Add-on services (privacy protection, SSL, etc.)

Why Transfer Domains?

Common reasons:

1. Better pricing

• Current registrar: $15/year renewal
• Target registrar: $8/year renewal
• Savings: $7/year × 100 domains = $700/year

2. Better features

• Free WHOIS privacy
• Better DNS management
• Superior customer support
• Included SSL certificates
• Email forwarding

3. Portfolio consolidation

• Domains spread across 5 registrars
• Hard to manage
• Transfer all to one registrar
• Easier renewals, better discounts

4. Poor customer service

• Current registrar unresponsive
• Need reliable support
• Critical for business domains

5. Selling/buying domains

• Purchased domain at another registrar
• Transfer to your preferred registrar
• Consolidate portfolio

6. Security concerns

• Registrar hacked or unreliable
• Move to more secure registrar
• Protect valuable assets

When You CANNOT Transfer

Transfer restrictions:

1. Domain registered <60 days ago

• ICANN rule: Cannot transfer within 60 days of registration
• Must wait full 60 days
• Prevents rapid transfers (fraud protection)

2. Domain transferred <60 days ago

• Same 60-day lock applies to transfers
• If you just transferred in, wait 60 days to transfer out

3. Domain in Redemption Period

• Domain expired and in redemption
• Must restore first, then wait 60 days

4. Domain locked

• Registry lock (uncommon)
• Registrar lock (must unlock first)
• Legal hold

5. UDRP or legal dispute

• Domain in UDRP proceedings
• Court-ordered freeze
• Cannot transfer until resolved

6. Unpaid registrar fees

• Outstanding balance at current registrar
• Must pay before transfer approved

7. Some ccTLDs have special rules

• .uk: Different transfer process
• .au: Requires Australian presence
• .eu: EU residency required
• Check TLD-specific rules

Transfer Process Step-by-Step

Phase 1: Preparation (1-2 days before)

Step 1: Verify transfer eligibility

Check domain age:

WHOIS lookup: example.com
Created: 2024-01-15
Today: 2024-03-30
Age: 74 days ✓ (can transfer)

vs.

Created: 2024-03-01
Today: 2024-03-30
Age: 29 days ✗ (must wait 31 more days)

Step 2: Back up current DNS records

Critical: Write down all DNS records before transfer

How to find DNS records:

1. Log into current registrar
2. Find DNS management or nameservers section
3. Note ALL records:
   • A records (IP addresses)
   • CNAME records (aliases)
   • MX records (email)
   • TXT records (verification, SPF, DKIM)
   • NS records (nameservers)

Example DNS backup:

Domain: example.com

A Records:
@ (root) → 192.168.1.100
www → 192.168.1.100
blog → 192.168.1.101

MX Records:
@ → mail.example.com (Priority: 10)
@ → mail2.example.com (Priority: 20)

CNAME Records:
shop → myshopify.com
mail → ghs.googlehosted.com

TXT Records:
@ → "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"
@ → "google-site-verification=abc123..."

Nameservers:
ns1.currentregistrar.com
ns2.currentregistrar.com

Save this in: Spreadsheet, document, screenshot

Why critical: DNS often resets during transfer, breaking website/email

Step 3: Remove transfer lock

At current registrar:

1. Log into account
2. Go to domain management
3. Find "Domain Lock" or "Transfer Lock"
4. Disable/unlock

Status before: 🔒 Locked (cannot transfer) Status after: 🔓 Unlocked (ready to transfer)

Step 4: Obtain authorization code (EPP code)

What is it: Secret code proving you own domain and authorize transfer

Also called:

• Authorization code
• EPP code
• Auth code
• Transfer code
• Transfer key

How to get it:

1. Log into current registrar
2. Find domain management
3. Look for "Get Authorization Code" or "EPP Code"
4. Click to generate/reveal code
5. Code usually emailed to you

Example EPP code:

ABCD1234efgh5678IJKL9012mnop
(case-sensitive, alphanumeric, 8-32 characters typically)

Important:

• Keep secure (anyone with code can transfer domain)
• Valid for 30-60 days typically
• Can regenerate if lost
• Different code per domain

Not all TLDs use EPP codes:

• .uk domains: Use IPS tag system instead
• .au domains: Different process
• Most gTLDs (.com, .net, .org, etc.): Use EPP codes

Step 5: Update admin email if needed

Transfer confirmations sent to admin email in WHOIS:

1. Check current admin email in WHOIS
2. If old/inaccessible, update to working email
3. Wait 24 hours for update to propagate
4. Verify you can receive email at that address

Why important: You must click approval link in email to complete transfer

Step 6: Check registrar account status

At current registrar:

• No unpaid invoices
• No disputes or holds
• Contact info current
• Account in good standing

Pay any outstanding fees before transferring.

Phase 2: Initiate Transfer (Day 1)

Step 7: Start transfer at NEW registrar

Process at gaining registrar (where you're transferring TO):

1. Create account (if new)
   • Sign up at new registrar
   • Verify email
   • Set up payment method
2. Find "Transfer Domain" option
   • Usually in menu or homepage
   • Click "Transfer" or "Transfer In"
3. Enter domain name

   Domain to transfer: example.com
   Click "Search" or "Check"
   

4. Enter authorization code

   Authorization Code: ABCD1234efgh5678IJKL9012mnop
   

5. Verify domain info
   • Current registrar shown
   • Owner info displayed
   • Verify it's correct domain
6. Add any extras (optional)
   • WHOIS privacy (+$10/year)
   • Premium DNS
   • Email forwarding
   • SSL certificate
7. Complete payment
   • Transfer fee: $8-15 typically
   • Includes +1 year registration
   • Pay with credit card/PayPal

Example costs:

Namecheap transfer:
- Transfer fee: $9.18 (includes +1 year)
- WHOIS privacy: Free
- Total: $9.18

GoDaddy transfer:
- Transfer fee: $9.99 (includes +1 year)
- WHOIS privacy: $9.99/year (optional)
- Total: $9.99-$19.98

Step 8: Submit transfer request

Click "Submit Transfer" or "Initiate Transfer"

You'll see:

Transfer initiated for example.com
Status: Pending approval
Next steps: Check your email for approval link
Estimated completion: 5-7 days

Phase 3: Approval (Days 2-3)

Step 9: Approve at gaining registrar

Email from NEW registrar:

Subject: Action Required: Transfer Approval for example.com

You initiated a transfer for example.com.

To complete the transfer, please click the link below within 5 days:
[Approve Transfer]

If you did not initiate this transfer, click here to cancel.

Action: Click "Approve Transfer" link

Step 10: Approve or wait for auto-approval at losing registrar

Email from CURRENT registrar (losing):

Subject: Transfer Request for example.com

A transfer request has been initiated for your domain example.com
to [New Registrar].

Options:
1. Approve transfer immediately: [Approve Now]
2. Reject transfer: [Cancel Transfer]
3. Take no action: Auto-approves in 5 days

This transfer will:
- Move domain to [New Registrar]
- Add 1 year to expiration
- Cancel any add-on services

If you initiated this transfer, no action needed (auto-approves).

Options:

A) Approve immediately (recommended)

• Click "Approve Now" link
• Transfer completes within hours
• Fastest method

B) Wait for auto-approval

• Do nothing
• Auto-approves after 5 days
• Transfer completes on day 5-6
• Default option

C) Cancel

• Click "Cancel Transfer"
• Stops transfer
• Use only if unauthorized transfer

Step 11: Wait for processing

Timeline:

• Immediate approval: 4-24 hours to complete
• Auto-approval: 5-7 days to complete
• Registry processes: 1-2 days
• DNS propagation: 24-48 hours for DNS changes

Status updates: Check transfer status at new registrar:

Day 1: Transfer initiated
Day 2: Awaiting approval
Day 3: Approval received
Day 4: Processing transfer
Day 5: Transfer complete ✓

Phase 4: Completion (Days 5-7)

Step 12: Verify transfer completion

Confirmation email from NEW registrar:

Subject: Transfer Complete for example.com

Congratulations! example.com has successfully transferred to
[New Registrar].

Your domain details:
- Expiration: 2025-04-15 (+1 year added)
- Status: Active
- Next renewal: 2025-04-15

Next steps:
- Configure DNS settings
- Enable domain lock
- Set up WHOIS privacy (if desired)

Verify in new account:

1. Log into new registrar
2. Check domain list
3. Verify example.com appears
4. Check expiration date (should be +1 year from before)

Step 13: Reconfigure DNS

Critical step: Restore DNS records backed up in Step 2

Option A: Use new registrar's nameservers

1. Access DNS management at new registrar
2. Manually recreate ALL DNS records from backup
3. A records, MX records, CNAME, TXT, etc.
4. Save changes
5. Wait 24-48 hours for propagation

Option B: Keep existing nameservers

• If using third-party DNS (Cloudflare, Route53, etc.)
• DNS records stay intact
• No reconfiguration needed
• Just verify nameservers didn't change

Step 14: Test website and email

Test website:

Visit: https://example.com
Expected: Site loads normally
If not: DNS not configured correctly, check records

Test email:

Send email to: test@example.com
Expected: Email delivers normally
If not: MX records incorrect, check DNS

Common issues after transfer:

• Website shows "parked domain" page → DNS not configured
• Email bounces → MX records missing
• Subdomain broken → CNAME record missing
• Wait 24-48 hours for full DNS propagation

Step 15: Enable security features

At new registrar:

• Enable domain lock (prevent unauthorized transfers)
• Enable two-factor authentication on account
• Set up auto-renewal
• Enable WHOIS privacy (if desired)
• Update contact information if needed

Step 16: Cancel old registrar account (optional)

If all domains transferred:

• Cancel account at old registrar
• Request refund of unused services (if applicable)
• Remove payment methods
• Delete account

Registrar-Specific Transfer Guides

Transferring TO Namecheap

Why Namecheap:

• Free WHOIS privacy
• Cheap renewals ($8.88/year .com)
• Good customer support
• Easy interface

Process:

1. Go to namecheap.com
2. Click "Transfer" in top menu
3. Enter domain + auth code
4. Complete checkout ($9.18 for .com transfer)
5. Approve emails
6. Wait 5-7 days

Namecheap-specific tips:

• Enables WHOIS privacy by default (free)
• PremiumDNS available (+$4.88/year)
• Can bulk transfer up to 50 domains at once
• Customer support via chat (24/7)

Transferring TO Google Domains (now Squarespace)

Note: Google Domains sold to Squarespace in 2023

Why Google Domains/Squarespace:

• Simple, clean interface
• Free privacy protection
• Free email forwarding
• Integrated with Google Workspace

Process:

1. Go to domains.google.com (redirects to Squarespace)
2. Search for domain transfer
3. Enter domain
4. Provide auth code
5. Complete $12 payment
6. Approve transfer
7. Wait 5-7 days

Transferring TO Cloudflare

Why Cloudflare:

• At-cost pricing ($8.57/year for .com)
• No markup on renewals
• Free DNS management
• Integrated CDN

Process:

1. Go to cloudflare.com
2. Add site / Transfer domain
3. Enter domain + auth code
4. Pay at-cost transfer fee
5. Approve emails
6. Wait 5-7 days

Cloudflare-specific:

• Cheapest renewals (at-cost, no markup)
• Must use Cloudflare nameservers
• Integrated with Cloudflare CDN
• No WHOIS privacy (uses proxy instead)

Transferring FROM GoDaddy

GoDaddy-specific issues:

• Makes transfer intentionally harder (wants to keep domains)
• Hides authorization code
• May call to "verify" transfer (retention attempt)
• Offers discounts to stay

How to transfer OUT from GoDaddy:

1. Log into GoDaddy account
2. Find domain, click "Manage"
3. Unlock domain:
   • Settings → Domain Settings
   • Find "Domain Lock"
   • Turn OFF
4. Get authorization code:
   • Settings → Transfer domain away from GoDaddy
   • Click "Get Authorization Code"
   • Code emailed to admin email
5. Decline retention offers:
   • GoDaddy may show popup: "Wait! Save 30% if you stay!"
   • Decline
   • Continue transfer
6. Initiate at new registrar (standard process)
7. Approve emails (both registrars)
8. Expect phone call (GoDaddy retention team)
   • May call to "verify" transfer
   • Be firm: "I'm transferring, please process it"
   • Don't accept "discount to stay" unless you want to stay
9. Wait 5-7 days

Transferring TO GoDaddy

Why transfer TO GoDaddy:

• Afternic network integration
• Fast Transfer service
• Large registrar (trust factor)
• 24/7 phone support

Process:

1. Go to godaddy.com
2. Search "Domain Transfer"
3. Enter domain + auth code
4. Pay $9.99 transfer fee
5. Approve emails
6. Wait 5-7 days

GoDaddy-specific:

• Automatically lists on Afternic (can opt out)
• Domain privacy costs extra ($9.99/year)
• Renewals expensive ($17.99/year .com)
• Upsells aggressive (decline extras)

Transfer Cost Comparison

Typical Transfer Costs

Transfer fees by registrar (.com domain):

Registrar	Transfer Fee	Renewal After	Privacy	Total Year 1
Cloudflare	$8.57	$8.57	Proxy	$8.57
Namecheap	$9.18	$8.88	Free	$9.18
Google Domains	$12.00	$12.00	Free	$12.00
Dynadot	$8.99	$8.99	$2.99	$11.98
GoDaddy	$9.99	$17.99	$9.99	$19.98
Name.com	$9.99	$12.99	$5.99	$15.98

Cheapest options:

1. Cloudflare: $8.57 (at-cost pricing)
2. Namecheap: $9.18 (free privacy)
3. Dynadot: $8.99 (privacy +$2.99)

Most expensive:

1. GoDaddy: $19.98 (with privacy)
2. Name.com: $15.98 (with privacy)

Best value for portfolios:

• Cloudflare: Cheapest renewals long-term
• Namecheap: Free privacy, good features

Common Transfer Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: Authorization Code Incorrect

Error message:

Invalid authorization code. Please verify and try again.

Causes:

• Typo in code (case-sensitive)
• Expired code (generated >60 days ago)
• Wrong domain
• Code already used

Solutions:

1. Regenerate code at current registrar
2. Copy-paste (don't manually type)
3. Verify exact domain (example.com vs www.example.com)
4. Check expiration (generate new if old)
5. No spaces (trim whitespace)

Example issue:

Actual code: ABCD1234efgh5678
Typed code:  ABCD 1234efgh5678 (space added)
Result: Error

Fix: Copy-paste exact code without modifications

Problem 2: Domain Still Locked

Error message:

Transfer cannot proceed. Domain is locked at registrar.

Causes:

• Forgot to unlock domain
• Registrar lock delay (up to 24 hours)
• Registry lock (rare)

Solutions:

1. Verify unlock status at current registrar
2. Wait 24 hours after unlocking
3. Check registry lock (contact registrar)
4. Try again after verifying unlocked

Problem 3: Transfer Request Never Arrives

Symptom: No transfer approval email received

Causes:

• Email in spam folder
• Wrong admin email in WHOIS
• Email blocked by provider
• Transfer not actually initiated

Solutions:

1. Check spam folder (most common)
2. Verify admin email in WHOIS lookup
3. Update email at current registrar (wait 24h)
4. Whitelist registrar email addresses
5. Try different email provider (not work email if blocked)
6. Contact new registrar support (resend email)

Problem 4: Old Registrar Won't Approve

Symptom: Transfer stuck at "Pending approval" for 5+ days

Causes:

• Unpaid fees at old registrar
• Account in dispute
• Technical issue
• Registrar delay tactics

Solutions:

1. Pay outstanding fees (check account)
2. Contact old registrar (demand approval)
3. File ICANN complaint (if unreasonable delay)
4. Wait for auto-approval (5 days)

ICANN rules: Registrars cannot unreasonably deny transfers

File complaint: complaints@icann.org

Problem 5: Website/Email Breaks After Transfer

Symptom: Website shows error, email bounces

Cause: DNS records not recreated at new registrar

Solution:

1. Check DNS records at new registrar
2. Recreate all records from backup (Step 2)
3. Verify nameservers are correct
4. Wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation

Quick fix: If you backed up DNS records, manually recreate at new registrar:

• All A records
• All MX records
• All CNAME records
• All TXT records
• Nameservers (if needed)

Transfer Checklist

Before initiating:

• Domain >60 days old
• Not transferred in last 60 days
• DNS records backed up
• Domain unlocked
• Authorization code obtained
• Admin email accessible
• No unpaid fees at current registrar

During transfer:

• Transfer initiated at new registrar
• Authorization code entered correctly
• Payment completed
• Approval emails checked (check spam!)
• Both registrar emails approved
• Transfer status monitored

After transfer:

• Transfer completion confirmed
• DNS records recreated
• Website tested and working
• Email tested and working
• Domain lock enabled
• Auto-renewal enabled
• WHOIS privacy enabled (if desired)
• Old registrar account cancelled (optional)

Conclusion: Smooth Transfers Made Simple

Domain transfers seem complex but follow a predictable process. With proper preparation - especially backing up DNS records and obtaining authorization codes - transfers complete smoothly in 5-7 days.

Key principles:

Prepare thoroughly:

• Back up DNS records (most critical)
• Unlock domain
• Get authorization code
• Verify admin email

Follow the process:

1. Prepare (unlock, get code, backup DNS)
2. Initiate at new registrar
3. Approve emails from both registrars
4. Wait 5-7 days
5. Reconfigure DNS
6. Test thoroughly

Choose the right registrar:

• Cheapest: Cloudflare ($8.57)
• Best features: Namecheap (free privacy, good interface)
• Simplest: Google Domains/Squarespace
• Best for selling: GoDaddy (Afternic integration)

Avoid common mistakes:

• Forgetting to back up DNS (website breaks)
• Not unlocking domain (transfer fails)
• Typos in auth code (transfer errors)
• Wrong admin email (never receive approvals)

When to transfer:

• Better pricing elsewhere
• Better features needed
• Consolidating portfolio
• Current registrar unreliable
• Buying/selling domain

When NOT to transfer:

• Domain <60 days old (can't)
• In legal dispute (can't)
• Current registrar satisfactory
• Transfer cost exceeds benefit
• Too much hassle (only 1-2 domains)

Action plan:

If transferring single domain:

1. Spend 15 minutes backing up DNS
2. Get authorization code
3. Initiate transfer at new registrar ($8-12)
4. Approve emails
5. Recreate DNS after transfer
6. Total time: 1-2 hours + 5-7 day wait

If transferring portfolio (100 domains):

1. Choose target registrar
2. Use bulk transfer tool
3. Get all authorization codes
4. Initiate bulk transfer
5. Cost savings: $7/domain × 100 = $700/year

Transfers are one-time effort with long-term benefits. The hour you spend transferring can save hundreds of dollars and provide better service for years to come.