Domain Transfer Process Guide: Moving Domains Safely 2025

Transferring a domain from one registrar to another is one of the most important—and potentially nerve-wracking—processes in domain ownership. Whether you're consolidating your portfolio, switching to a better registrar, or buying a domain from another owner, understanding the transfer process is essential.

A smooth domain transfer takes 5-7 days and involves minimal downtime. A botched transfer can result in lost domains, broken websites, missed emails, and weeks of frustration. The difference comes down to preparation and following the correct process.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about domain transfers: the complete step-by-step process, common pitfalls, troubleshooting, and best practices for transferring domains safely between registrars or between owners.

Understanding Domain Transfers

What Is a Domain Transfer?

Definition: A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one registrar to another, or from one owner to another, while maintaining continuous ownership and functionality.

Two Types of Transfers:

1. Registrar Transfer (Inter-Registrar Transfer)

• Moving domain between registrars
• Same owner, different company managing it
• Example: Moving from GoDaddy to Namecheap
• Most common type

2. Owner Transfer (Change of Registrant)

• Changing who owns the domain
• Can be at same registrar or different
• Example: Selling domain to another person
• Requires both parties' involvement

What Transfers: ✅ Domain ownership ✅ Domain name and registration ✅ Remaining registration time (+1 year usually)

What Does NOT Transfer Automatically: ❌ DNS settings (unless you maintain them) ❌ Email hosting (separate service) ❌ Website hosting (separate service) ❌ WHOIS privacy (must re-enable) ❌ Domain forwarding settings

Why Transfer Domains?

Common Reasons:

Better Pricing:

• Renewal costs vary widely
• Some registrars charge 2-3x others
• Transfer can save $5-$20 per domain annually
• Portfolio of 100 domains = $500-$2,000 savings/year

Better Features:

• Free WHOIS privacy
• Better DNS management
• Easier bulk management
• Superior customer support
• More reliable infrastructure

Portfolio Consolidation:

• Manage all domains in one place
• Easier tracking and renewals
• Bulk operation capabilities
• Simplified accounting

Buying/Selling:

• Purchased domain from another owner
• Transfer ownership as part of sale
• Via escrow or direct transfer

Registrar Issues:

• Poor customer service
• Unreliable service
• Company going out of business
• Security concerns

Security:

• Moving away from compromised account
• Better security features elsewhere
• Two-factor authentication support
• Domain locking capabilities

Transfer Requirements and Restrictions

Eligibility Requirements:

Domain Must Be: ✅ At least 60 days old (since initial registration) ✅ At least 60 days since last transfer ✅ Unlocked (not in "locked" status) ✅ Not expired or within 7 days of expiration ✅ EPP/Authorization code available ✅ Administrative email accessible

Cannot Transfer If: ❌ Domain registered less than 60 days ago (ICANN rule) ❌ Transferred within last 60 days ❌ Domain status is "clientTransferProhibited" ❌ UDRP or legal dispute in progress ❌ Domain is expired ❌ Certain TLDs don't allow transfers (.au, .uk variants)

60-Day Lock Rule:

ICANN requires 60-day waiting period:

• After initial registration
• After previous transfer
• After ownership change

No exceptions - even if both parties agree, ICANN rules prevent it

Purpose: Prevent domain theft and fraudulent transfers

Transfer Timeline

Typical Domain Transfer Timeline:

Day 1:

• Unlock domain at current registrar
• Get authorization code
• Initiate transfer at new registrar
• Pay transfer fee (includes +1 year)

Day 1-2:

• Current registrar sends confirmation email
• Must approve or wait for auto-approval

Day 2-5:

• Transfer processing
• WHOIS updates
• Backend registry updates

Day 5-7:

• Transfer completes
• Domain appears at new registrar
• +1 year added to expiration

Total Time: 5-7 days typically

Can be faster:

• If current registrar immediately approves
• Some TLDs transfer faster
• Can complete in 24-48 hours

Can be slower:

• If waiting for auto-approval (5 days)
• If there are issues
• If registrar delays
• Up to 10-14 days possible

Registrar Transfer Process (Step-by-Step)

Preparation Phase

Step 1: Choose New Registrar

Popular Registrars (2025):

Budget-Friendly:

• Porkbun - Great pricing, free WHOIS privacy, excellent support
• Namecheap - Competitive pricing, good features, reliable

Feature-Rich:

• Cloudflare Registrar - At-cost pricing (no markup), excellent DNS
• Name.com - Good balance of price and features
• Hover - Simple, clean, good for non-technical users

Avoid:

• Registrars with hidden fees
• Those with terrible support
• Scammy upselling practices
• Extremely cheap unknowns (often unreliable)

Compare:

• Renewal prices (.com, .net, etc.)
• WHOIS privacy cost (free is best)
• Bulk management tools
• API availability (if needed)
• Support quality
• User interface

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Step 2: Verify Domain Eligibility

Check at current registrar:

1. Log into account
2. Go to domain management
3. Check domain age (must be 60+ days)
4. Check last transfer date (must be 60+ days ago)
5. Verify domain status (should be "OK" or "Active")

If ineligible:

• Wait until 60-day period expires
• Note calendar date when eligible
• Prepare in advance, transfer when allowed

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Step 3: Update and Verify Contact Information

Critical:

1. Log into current registrar
2. Go to domain contact information
3. Verify admin email is accessible
4. Update if needed
5. Test receiving emails at that address

Why this matters:

• Transfer confirmation sent to admin email
• If you can't access it, transfer will fail
• Update 24-48 hours before transfer (allow time to update WHOIS)

For privacy-protected domains:

• Ensure proxy email forwards to you
• Or temporarily disable privacy
• Verify you receive forwarded emails

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Step 4: Backup DNS Settings

Before transfer:

1. Document current DNS settings
2. Take screenshots or export
3. Record nameservers
4. Note any special records (MX, TXT, etc.)

Methods:

• Manual screenshots
• DNS export (if registrar offers)
• Use DNS lookup tools (dig, nslookup)
• Copy to text file

Why: DNS may reset during transfer, you'll need to recreate

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Step 5: Backup Website and Email

If domain has active website: ✅ Backup website files ✅ Backup database ✅ Document hosting settings ✅ Have FTP/control panel access ready

If domain has email: ✅ Backup emails ✅ Document email settings (IMAP, SMTP) ✅ Note MX records ✅ Prepare to reconfigure if needed

Best practice: Assume DNS will break temporarily, be prepared to restore

Unlock and Authorize

Step 6: Unlock Domain

At current registrar:

GoDaddy:

1. Log into account
2. My Products → Domains
3. Click domain name
4. Find "Domain Settings" or "Additional Settings"
5. Look for "Lock" toggle
6. Turn OFF the lock
7. Confirm

Namecheap:

1. Domain List
2. Click "Manage" next to domain
3. Find "Registrar Lock" section
4. Turn OFF
5. Confirm

General Process:

• Find domain management
• Look for "Lock," "Domain Lock," "Transfer Lock," or "Registrar Lock"
• Disable/turn off
• Status should change to "Unlocked" or "OK"

Verification:

• Check WHOIS (who.is)
• Status should NOT include "clientTransferProhibited"
• May take a few hours to update

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Step 7: Get Authorization Code (EPP Code)

What it is:

• Unique code for this domain
• Proves you have authority to transfer
• Like a password for transferring
• Usually 10-30 characters, alphanumeric

How to get it:

GoDaddy:

1. Domain settings
2. Find "Authorization Code" or "EPP Code"
3. Click "Send by Email" or "Get Code"
4. Code sent to admin email or displayed

Namecheap:

1. Domain Management
2. Find "Auth Code" section
3. Click to view or email
4. Code displayed or emailed

General:

• Look for "Authorization Code," "EPP Code," "Transfer Code," or "Auth Code"
• Either displayed directly or emailed
• Copy and save securely
• Valid for 30 days typically

Security:

• Keep code confidential
• Anyone with code can initiate transfer
• Don't share publicly
• Delete after successful transfer

Initiate Transfer at New Registrar

Step 8: Start Transfer Process

At new registrar:

Namecheap Example:

1. Log into Namecheap
2. Click "Transfer" in top menu
3. Enter domain name
4. Click "Check"
5. Add to cart
6. Proceed to checkout

General Process:

1. Find "Transfer Domain" option
2. Enter domain name
3. System checks if transferable
4. Add to cart
5. Enter authorization code
6. Proceed to payment

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Step 9: Enter Authorization Code and Pay

During checkout:

1. Enter EPP/Authorization code when prompted
2. Review transfer details
3. Note: Transfer includes +1 year extension
4. Pay transfer fee ($8-15 typically for .com)
5. Confirm purchase

Transfer Fee:

• Always includes +1 year extension
• So transfer cost = renewal cost essentially
• Not an extra expense
• Example: Transfer $10 = $10 for transfer + 1 year extension

What you're paying for:

• Transfer process
• One additional year added to expiration
• New registrar services

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Step 10: Confirm at Current Registrar

Within minutes to hours:

• Email sent to admin email by current registrar
• Subject: "Domain Transfer Request" or similar
• Contains approval/cancellation links

Options:

Option A: Approve Immediately (Fastest)

• Click "Approve Transfer" in email
• Confirm approval
• Transfer completes in 24-48 hours

Option B: Do Nothing (Wait for Auto-Approval)

• If you don't respond
• Transfer auto-approves after 5 days
• Transfer completes after waiting period
• Slower but no action required

Option C: Reject/Cancel

• Click "Reject" or "Cancel Transfer"
• Transfer fails and domain stays at current registrar
• Only do this if transfer was unauthorized/mistake

Recommendation:

• Approve immediately if you initiated transfer
• Saves 5 days waiting
• Transfer completes faster

Spam folder check:

• Transfer emails sometimes go to spam
• Check spam folder if not in inbox
• Whitelist current registrar's emails

Monitor and Complete

Step 11: Monitor Transfer Status

At new registrar:

• Log into account
• Check "Transfers" or "Pending Transfers" section
• View status: Pending, Awaiting Approval, Processing, Complete

At current registrar:

• Domain should show "Transfer Pending" or similar
• Management may be limited during transfer

Status Updates:

• Email notifications from both registrars
• Status page updates
• Typical updates: Initiated → Awaiting Approval → Processing → Complete

Timeline:

• Immediate approval: 1-2 days
• Auto-approval: 5-7 days
• Be patient, process takes time

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Step 12: Transfer Completes

Confirmation:

• Email from new registrar: "Transfer Successful"
• Domain appears in new registrar account
• WHOIS updated to new registrar
• +1 year added to expiration date

Immediate Actions:

Verify Ownership:

1. Log into new registrar
2. Confirm domain listed
3. Check expiration date (should be +1 year from before)

Restore DNS Settings:

1. Go to DNS management at new registrar
2. Re-enter DNS records from backup
3. Restore nameservers if needed
4. Test website and email

Re-Enable Privacy:

1. Enable WHOIS privacy at new registrar
2. Verify in WHOIS (24-48 hours to update)

Lock Domain:

1. Re-lock domain to prevent unauthorized transfers
2. Better security

Test Everything:

1. Visit website (confirm it loads)
2. Send test email (confirm it works)
3. Check DNS propagation (whatsmydns.net)
4. Verify all subdomains work

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Step 13: Verify and Cleanup

24-48 Hours After Transfer:

WHOIS Check:

• Verify new registrar listed
• Confirm privacy enabled if desired
• Check expiration date (+1 year)

DNS Verification:

• Website loading correctly?
• Email working?
• All subdomains functional?
• No broken links?

Old Registrar:

• Domain should be removed from account
• Confirm no auto-renewal charges coming
• Update payment methods if needed
• Remove saved payment info if leaving completely

Documentation:

• Update domain inventory/spreadsheet
• Note new registrar
• Update expiration dates
• File transfer confirmation emails

Owner Transfer Process

Selling a Domain

When you're the seller:

Step 1: Agree on Terms

• Price
• Payment method
• Transfer timeline
• Escrow or direct

Step 2: Use Escrow (Recommended)

Why escrow:

• Protects both parties
• Buyer deposits funds with Escrow.com
• You transfer domain
• Buyer verifies receipt
• Escrow releases payment to you
• Standard for domain sales

Process:

1. Create Escrow.com transaction
2. Buyer deposits funds
3. Escrow notifies you
4. You initiate transfer to buyer
5. Buyer confirms receipt
6. Escrow releases payment

Cost:

• 2-3% typically
• Usually buyer pays
• Worth it for security

---

Step 3: Transfer to Buyer

Two methods:

Method A: Push (Same Registrar)

• If buyer has account at your registrar
• Fastest method (instant to 24 hours)
• No transfer fee, no +1 year
• Just changes ownership

Process:

1. Go to domain management
2. Find "Push" or "Change Ownership"
3. Enter buyer's account details (username, email)
4. Initiate push
5. Buyer accepts
6. Ownership changes

Method B: Transfer (Different Registrar)

• Buyer wants domain at their registrar
• Follow registrar transfer process above
• You unlock and provide auth code
• Buyer initiates transfer at their end
• You approve
• Transfer completes

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Step 4: Confirm with Buyer

• Buyer verifies they received domain
• Buyer confirms to escrow
• You receive payment
• Transaction complete

Buying a Domain

When you're the buyer:

Step 1: Negotiate Purchase

• Agree on price
• Verify domain is transferable (60+ days old)
• Confirm seller owns domain (WHOIS check)

Step 2: Set Up Escrow

• Use Escrow.com (industry standard)
• Seller creates transaction or you create
• Review terms
• Deposit funds

Step 3: Wait for Seller to Initiate

• Seller unlocks domain
• Seller provides auth code (to you or to escrow)
• Seller initiates transfer or push

Step 4: Complete Transfer

• If push: Accept in your account
• If transfer: Initiate at your registrar with auth code
• Domain transfers to you

Step 5: Verify and Release Payment

• Confirm domain in your account
• Verify you have full control
• Test changing DNS
• Notify escrow to release payment
• Seller gets paid, transaction complete

Timeline:

• Escrow setup: 1 day
• Transfer process: 1-7 days
• Total: 2-10 days typical

Common Transfer Issues and Solutions

Problem: Transfer Rejected

Possible Causes:

• Domain still locked
• Incorrect auth code
• Domain not eligible (60-day rule)
• Email not confirmed

Solutions:

1. Verify domain unlocked
2. Get new auth code
3. Check domain age/transfer date
4. Approve transfer email
5. Contact current registrar support

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Problem: No Transfer Email Received

Possible Causes:

• Email in spam folder
• Wrong admin email
• Email server blocking
• Delay in sending

Solutions:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Verify admin email at current registrar
3. Wait 24 hours
4. Request resend from registrar
5. Update admin email and retry

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Problem: DNS Breaks During Transfer

Cause:

• DNS settings not maintained
• Nameservers changed during transfer

Solutions:

1. Re-enter DNS records at new registrar
2. Point nameservers back to hosting
3. Wait for DNS propagation (24-48 hours)
4. Use DNS tools to verify (whatsmydns.net)

Prevention:

• Backup DNS settings before transfer
• Set up DNS at new registrar before transfer completes
• Use external DNS (Cloudflare) to avoid issues

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Problem: Transfer Stuck/Not Completing

Possible Causes:

• Waiting for auto-approval (5 days)
• Issue at registrar
• Domain status problem

Solutions:

1. Check transfer status at both registrars
2. Approve transfer email if haven't
3. Contact new registrar support
4. Verify no holds or locks on domain
5. Wait full 7 days before worrying

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Problem: Transfer Fails

Cause:

• Authorization code incorrect
• Domain locked during transfer
• WHOIS verification failed
• System error

Solutions:

1. Get new authorization code
2. Verify domain unlocked
3. Update WHOIS contact info
4. Retry transfer
5. Contact registrar support

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Problem: Lost Website/Email After Transfer

Cause:

• DNS not configured at new registrar
• Nameservers changed

Solutions:

1. Add all DNS records at new registrar
2. Point nameservers to hosting
3. Restore MX records for email
4. Wait for propagation
5. Verify settings with hosting provider

Prevention:

• Set up DNS at new registrar before transfer
• Keep nameservers pointing to hosting
• Don't change DNS during transfer

Best Practices

Before Transfer

Preparation Checklist:

✅ Verify eligibility (60+ days old) ✅ Update contact email (accessible) ✅ Backup DNS settings (screenshot or export) ✅ Backup website/email (if active) ✅ Unlock domain ✅ Get authorization code ✅ Disable auto-renewal at old registrar (optional) ✅ Choose reliable new registrar ✅ Have payment ready

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During Transfer

Do: ✅ Approve transfer email immediately ✅ Monitor status daily ✅ Keep both registrar accounts accessible ✅ Save all confirmation emails ✅ Be patient (5-7 days normal)

Don't: ❌ Change DNS during transfer ❌ Let domain expire during transfer ❌ Panic if takes a few days ❌ Initiate multiple transfers (causes issues) ❌ Delete domain at old registrar

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After Transfer

Post-Transfer Checklist:

✅ Verify domain in new account ✅ Check expiration date (+1 year added) ✅ Restore DNS settings ✅ Re-enable WHOIS privacy ✅ Lock domain (prevent unauthorized transfers) ✅ Test website and email ✅ Update domain inventory ✅ Set renewal reminders ✅ Enable 2FA on new registrar ✅ Remove domain from old registrar (should auto-remove)

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Security Best Practices

Protect During Transfer:

Before:

• Use strong password at both registrars
• Enable 2FA if available
• Keep auth code confidential
• Only share with trusted parties (buyer, escrow)

During:

• Monitor email for suspicious activity
• Verify all transfer emails legitimate
• Don't click links in unexpected emails
• Contact registrar directly if unsure

After:

• Lock domain immediately
• Enable registrar transfer lock if available
• Update passwords
• Review account access logs

Bulk Transfer Strategy

Transferring Multiple Domains:

Approach:

Phase 1: Test Transfer (1 domain)

• Transfer one low-value domain first
• Ensure process works
• Verify new registrar satisfactory
• Learn the process

Phase 2: Batch Transfers (5-10 at a time)

• Don't transfer all at once
• Stagger transfers over weeks
• Monitor each batch
• Reduce risk of issues

Phase 3: Remaining Domains

• Once confident in process
• Transfer remainder
• Keep critical domains for last (until proven reliable)

Why stagger:

• Avoid overwhelming yourself
• Identify issues early
• Minimize risk
• Easier to troubleshoot few at a time

Bulk Tools:

• Some registrars offer bulk transfer tools
• Upload CSV of domains
• Bulk auth code generation
• Batch processing

Cost Savings:

• Some registrars offer bulk transfer discounts
• 10+ domains may get discount
• Negotiate for 50+ domains
• Can save 10-30%

Special Transfer Scenarios

Transferring After Purchase

Domain bought through marketplace:

Afternic/Sedo Sales:

• Transfer often automatic
• Handled by marketplace
• Just provide receiving registrar info
• Fast Transfer system (24-48 hours)

Private Sales with Escrow:

• Follow escrow process
• Seller initiates transfer
• You approve
• Escrow releases payment

Dan.com Sales:

• Automatic transfer system
• Fast (24-72 hours often)
• Integrated process
• Low friction

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Emergency Transfers

Need to transfer urgently:

Account Compromise:

• Change password immediately
• Lock domain
• Contact registrar security
• May need to delay transfer until secure
• Or emergency transfer away from compromised registrar

Registrar Going Out of Business:

• Transfer ASAP
• Registrar may waive 60-day rules in this case
• ICANN may allow emergency transfers
• Act quickly

Legal Disputes:

• May need court order
• Consult attorney
• Document everything
• Follow legal process

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Transferring Premium/High-Value Domains

Extra precautions for $10K+ domains:

Before:

• Use registrar with excellent security
• Enable all security features
• Use 2FA
• Verify registrar financially stable

During:

• Monitor closely
• Respond immediately to emails
• Don't leave unattended
• Contact registrar support proactively

After:

• Lock immediately
• Enable transfer lock
• Enable registry lock (for ultra-premium)
• Consider premium security services

Registry Lock:

• Extra security layer
• Prevents all changes (DNS, transfer, deletion)
• Requires manual process to unlock
• Costs $100-$1,000/year
• Worth it for $100K+ domains

Conclusion

Domain transfers, while sometimes intimidating, are straightforward when you follow the correct process. Whether moving between registrars for better service or transferring ownership as part of a sale, preparation and patience are key.

Key Takeaways:

1. Verify eligibility first - 60-day rule is strict, no exceptions

2. Backup everything - DNS, website, email before starting

3. Get auth code - Keep it secure, required for transfer

4. Approve transfer email - Don't wait for auto-approval if you can help it

5. Be patient - 5-7 days is normal, not instant

6. Use escrow for sales - Protects both buyer and seller

7. Test first - Transfer one domain before bulk transfers

8. Restore settings after - DNS, privacy, locks all need reconfiguring

9. Monitor closely - Check status daily during transfer

10. Lock after transfer - Prevent unauthorized future transfers

Action Steps:

Planning a Transfer:

• Review this guide fully
• Prepare checklist
• Backup DNS settings
• Schedule for low-traffic period if website is active

During Transfer:

• Follow steps methodically
• Don't skip verification steps
• Keep confirmation emails
• Monitor status actively

After Transfer:

• Verify everything works
• Restore all settings
• Update documentation
• Lock domain for security

Domain transfers are a normal part of domain management. With proper preparation and following this guide, your transfers will be smooth, successful, and stress-free.

Now go transfer those domains with confidence.