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Domain Management

Domain Transfer Checklist: What You Need Before Starting (2025)

Complete checklist for domain transfers. Learn what you need before transferring domains between registrars, including EPP codes, unlock requirements, and timing considerations.

8 min
Published 2025-05-28
Updated 2025-11-15
By DomainDetails Team

Quick Answer

Before transferring a domain, you need: domain unlocked at current registrar, EPP/authorization code, domain at least 60 days old, valid contact email access, no recent transfers (60-day lock), and current payment status. Additionally, disable WHOIS privacy temporarily, verify contact information is accurate, backup DNS records, and ensure the domain isn't expiring within 15 days.

Table of Contents

Why Preparation Matters

Transferring a domain between registrars involves multiple parties and systems. Proper preparation ensures a smooth, uninterrupted transfer.

What Can Go Wrong Without Preparation

Common transfer failures:

Email downtime

  • Forgot to backup MX records
  • Email stops working during transfer
  • Lost customer communications

Website outage

  • DNS records not documented
  • Site goes offline during transfer
  • Lost traffic and revenue

Transfer rejection

  • Missing authorization code
  • Domain locked
  • WHOIS privacy blocking emails
  • Wasted time and frustration

Extended delays

  • Incomplete information
  • Multiple back-and-forth with support
  • Transfer taking weeks instead of days

Complete transfer failure

  • Domain blocked from transfer
  • Lose transfer fee
  • Stuck with current registrar

Benefits of Proper Preparation

With a complete checklist:

Smooth transition - No surprises or blockers ✓ Minimal downtime - Website and email continue working ✓ Fast processing - Transfer completes in 5-7 days ✓ No data loss - All DNS records preserved ✓ Stress-free - Confidence in the process ✓ Cost savings - Avoid redemption fees or mistakes

Time investment:

  • Checklist preparation: 15-30 minutes
  • Peace of mind: Priceless

Essential Requirements Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have everything needed before initiating a domain transfer.

Core Requirements

☐ Domain is at least 60 days old

  • Count from original registration date
  • Check WHOIS for creation date
  • Cannot transfer sooner (ICANN policy)

☐ No transfer in last 60 days

  • Domains locked for 60 days after transfer
  • Check WHOIS for last updated date
  • Wait if recently transferred

☐ Domain not expiring within 15 days

  • Verify expiration date
  • Renew if needed before transfer
  • Most registrars won't accept expiring domains

☐ Domain unlocked

  • Check status at current registrar
  • Unlock in domain settings
  • May take a few minutes to process

☐ EPP/Authorization code obtained

  • Request from current registrar
  • Unique code for your domain
  • Usually 8-32 characters
  • Case-sensitive

☐ Access to admin/registrant email

  • Must receive and respond to approval emails
  • Check contact email in WHOIS
  • Update if necessary
  • Ensure inbox not full

☐ Current payment status

  • No outstanding invoices at current registrar
  • Auto-renewal disabled or managed
  • Billing up to date

☐ WHOIS privacy temporarily disabled (if applicable)

  • May block transfer approval emails
  • Disable for duration of transfer
  • Re-enable after completion

☐ Valid WHOIS contact information

  • Name, email, address current
  • Can verify identity if needed
  • ICANN requires accuracy

☐ No domain locks or holds

  • Check EPP status codes
  • Remove clientTransferProhibited
  • Clear any administrative holds

Documentation Requirements

☐ DNS records backed up

  • Screenshot all DNS settings
  • Document A, CNAME, MX, TXT records
  • Note nameservers
  • Save configuration file if possible

☐ Current registrar account info saved

  • Username/email
  • Account number
  • Support contact info
  • Keep accessible during transfer

☐ New registrar account created

  • Sign up at destination registrar
  • Payment method added
  • Account verified
  • Ready to initiate transfer

Technical Requirements

Ensure your domain meets all technical criteria for transfer.

Domain Status Check

Verify EPP status codes:

Required status:

  • ok - Domain ready for operations
  • clientUpdateProhibited - Acceptable (protects changes)

Must remove before transfer:

  • clientTransferProhibited - Transfer locked
  • serverTransferProhibited - Registry lock
  • pendingDelete - Being deleted
  • redemptionPeriod - Expired and in redemption

How to check status:

# Command line
whois yourdomain.com | grep Status

# Online tools
- whois.domaintools.com
- icann.org/resources/pages/epp-status-codes

Common statuses and actions:

Status Meaning Action Required
ok Ready None - proceed
clientTransferProhibited Locked Unlock at registrar
clientHold Suspended Resolve issues
pendingTransfer Transfer in progress Wait or cancel

EPP/Authorization Code

What it is:

  • Unique password for your domain
  • Required to authorize transfer
  • Prevents unauthorized transfers
  • Generated by current registrar

How to obtain:

Step 1: Log into current registrar

  • Access domain management
  • Find your domain

Step 2: Locate EPP code option

  • May be called:
    • "Authorization Code"
    • "Auth Code"
    • "EPP Code"
    • "Transfer Code"
    • "Domain Secret"

Step 3: Request/reveal code

  • Click "Get Auth Code" or "Show Code"
  • Some registrars email it to admin contact
  • Others display immediately

Step 4: Save securely

  • Copy entire code (case-sensitive)
  • Store in password manager
  • Keep accessible for transfer process

Code characteristics:

  • Length: 8-32 characters typically
  • Contains: Letters, numbers, sometimes symbols
  • Case-sensitive: "AbC123" ≠ "abc123"
  • Validity: Usually no expiration, but can be regenerated

Example EPP codes:

Ht9$kL2@pQw8
X9zK4mN7cV2b
aB3dE5fG7hJ9k

Domain Lock Status

Why domains are locked:

  • Prevent unauthorized transfers
  • Default security measure
  • Must be manually unlocked

How to unlock:

At most registrars:

  1. Log into registrar account
  2. Go to domain management
  3. Select the domain
  4. Find "Transfer Lock" or "Domain Lock"
  5. Toggle to "Unlocked" or "Disabled"
  6. Save changes
  7. Wait 5-15 minutes for update

Verification:

whois yourdomain.com | grep -i transfer

Should NOT show: clientTransferProhibited

Important notes:

  • Only unlock when ready to transfer
  • Re-lock immediately if not transferring
  • Security risk while unlocked
  • Some registrars auto-lock after period

Account and Access Requirements

Ensure you have proper access to all necessary accounts and communications.

Current Registrar Access

Required:

☐ Active account login

  • Username/email on file
  • Current password
  • 2FA access if enabled

☐ Account in good standing

  • No outstanding balances
  • No disputes or issues
  • No suspension or holds

☐ Authorization permissions

  • Admin or account owner access
  • Authority to transfer domain
  • Not limited/restricted account

Actions if access lost:

Forgot password:

  1. Use "Forgot Password" feature
  2. Reset via email
  3. Contact support if email changed
  4. Provide identity verification

Account locked:

  1. Contact registrar support immediately
  2. Verify identity (government ID, billing info)
  3. Resolve any payment issues
  4. Request unlock

Account email changed:

  1. Contact support with old and new email
  2. Provide identity verification
  3. Update to accessible email
  4. Verify change confirmation

Email Access

Critical email accounts:

☐ Registrant contact email

  • Ownership verification
  • Transfer approval messages
  • ICANN communications

☐ Administrative contact email

  • Transfer authorization
  • Admin approval notices

☐ Domain admin email (if different)

  • Some registrars send to domain-specific contact
  • Check WHOIS for listed email

Email verification steps:

  1. Check WHOIS for contact emails
whois yourdomain.com | grep -i email
  1. Verify access to each email address
  • Log in successfully
  • Check inbox not full
  • Spam filters allow registrar emails
  • Add registrar to safe senders
  1. Update if necessary
  • Change contact email at current registrar
  • Wait 24 hours for update
  • Verify new email in WHOIS
  1. Monitor during transfer
  • Check daily for transfer emails
  • Respond within timeframes (typically 5 days)
  • Don't let emails go to spam

New Registrar Account

☐ Account created at destination registrar

  • Before initiating transfer
  • Email verified
  • Profile completed

☐ Payment method added

  • Credit card or PayPal
  • Verified and working
  • Sufficient funds/credit

Two-factor authentication set up (recommended)

  • Enhanced security
  • Protects during vulnerable transfer period

☐ Contact information matches

  • Same name as WHOIS registrant
  • Helps prevent transfer rejections
  • Makes approval smoother

Timing Considerations

When you transfer matters almost as much as how you transfer.

60-Day Rule

ICANN mandates two 60-day transfer locks:

After initial registration:

  • Domain locked from transfer for 60 days
  • Prevents quick-flip fraud
  • No exceptions
  • Wait until day 61

After previous transfer:

  • Another 60-day lock after successful transfer
  • Cannot transfer again during this period
  • Protects against transfer hijacking

How to check if eligible:

whois yourdomain.com | grep "Creation Date"
whois yourdomain.com | grep "Updated Date"

# If either is within last 60 days = cannot transfer yet

Calculate eligibility:

Registration: 2024-11-01
Today: 2025-01-22
Days since registration: 82 days
Eligible? YES (>60 days)

Expiration Timing

Best practices:

☐ At least 15 days until expiration

  • Most registrars require this buffer
  • Allows time for delays
  • Prevents complications

☐ Ideally 30+ days remaining

  • More comfortable margin
  • Room for unexpected delays
  • Less stress

If expiring soon:

  1. Renew first at current registrar
  2. Wait for renewal to process
  3. Then initiate transfer
  4. Transfer will add another year (typically)

Don't let domain expire during transfer:

  • Transfer will fail
  • Domain enters grace period or redemption
  • Expensive recovery fees
  • Potential loss of domain

Best Transfer Windows

Recommended times to transfer:

Monday-Wednesday mornings

  • Support fully staffed
  • Can resolve issues quickly
  • Avoid weekend delays

Mid-month

  • Avoid month-end renewal rushes
  • Less processing backlog
  • Faster handling

Off-peak periods

  • Avoid holidays
  • Avoid December (year-end rush)
  • Better support availability

Avoid:

  • Fridays (weekend delay risk)
  • Late nights (no support)
  • Holiday weeks
  • Month-end/month-start

Auto-Renewal Considerations

Before transfer:

☐ Check auto-renewal status at current registrar

  • Determine if it will renew soon
  • Decide whether to disable

Options:

Disable auto-renewal if:

  • Transferring within renewal period
  • Don't want to pay current registrar
  • Will pay at new registrar instead

Keep auto-renewal if:

  • Transfer might fail or delay
  • Protection against expiration
  • Can request refund if renews during transfer

After transfer:

  • Re-enable at new registrar
  • Verify payment method
  • Set reminders for next renewal

DNS and Email Preparation

Prevent downtime by properly preparing DNS and email configurations.

DNS Record Documentation

☐ Screenshot all DNS records

Document each record type:

A Records (website IP addresses)

@ → 93.184.216.34
www → 93.184.216.34

CNAME Records (aliases)

blog → yourdomain.com
shop → shopify.com

MX Records (email servers)

Priority 10: mail.yourdomain.com
Priority 20: mail2.yourdomain.com

TXT Records (verification, SPF, DKIM)

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
google-site-verification=abc123...

NS Records (nameservers)

ns1.currenthost.com
ns2.currenthost.com

Other records:

  • AAAA (IPv6)
  • SRV (services)
  • CAA (certificate authority)

Export if possible:

  • Some registrars allow DNS export
  • Save as text or CSV file
  • Keep multiple backups

Nameserver Strategy

Choose approach before transfer:

Option 1: Keep same nameservers

  • Advantage: Zero DNS downtime
  • Process: Don't change nameservers during transfer
  • After transfer: Update DNS at nameserver provider if needed

Option 2: Change to new registrar's nameservers

  • Timing: Before or after transfer, NOT during
  • Advantage: Consolidated management
  • Downtime: 24-48 hours for propagation

Option 3: Use third-party DNS

  • Best option: Move to Cloudflare/Route53 before transfer
  • Advantage: Independent of registrars
  • Process: Change nameservers before transfer, no further changes needed

Recommendation:

Least risky:

  1. Before transfer: Move to third-party DNS (Cloudflare)
  2. During transfer: No DNS changes
  3. After transfer: All working normally

Email Continuity Plan

☐ Verify MX records documented

☐ Test email before transfer

  • Send and receive test emails
  • Confirm working properly
  • Note any issues to address

☐ Decide email approach:

If email hosted externally (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365):

  • Simply recreate MX records at new location
  • No email downtime if done correctly

If email at current registrar:

  • May need to move email service
  • Consider migrating before transfer
  • Or set up forwarding

☐ Notify team of potential email delay

  • Small risk of email issues during propagation
  • Have backup communication method ready
  • Monitor email functionality

Common Transfer Blockers

Identify and resolve potential issues before they stop your transfer.

WHOIS Privacy Issues

Problem:

  • WHOIS privacy service email used in WHOIS
  • Transfer approval emails go to privacy service
  • You can't access them
  • Transfer fails or requires manual intervention

Solution:

Option 1: Temporarily disable privacy

  1. Turn off WHOIS privacy at current registrar
  2. Wait 24 hours for WHOIS to update
  3. Initiate transfer
  4. Re-enable privacy after completion

Option 2: Verify privacy service forwards

  • Some privacy services forward transfer emails
  • Check with current registrar
  • Test by requesting auth code (should receive email)

Best practice: Disable privacy for transfer duration

Recent WHOIS Changes

Problem:

  • Updated contact information recently
  • WHOIS data still propagating
  • Transfer system sees old info
  • Rejection or confusion

Solution:

  • Wait 48-72 hours after WHOIS changes
  • Verify update complete before transfer
  • Check WHOIS shows current info

Domain Status Holds

Problematic statuses:

clientHold/serverHold

  • Domain suspended
  • Won't transfer while held
  • Resolve issue with current registrar first

pendingDelete

  • Domain being deleted
  • Cannot transfer
  • Must restore from pending delete first

redemptionPeriod

  • Domain expired and in redemption
  • Pay redemption fee to restore
  • Then wait before transferring

Solution: Check status, resolve issues, then transfer

Registrar-Specific Restrictions

Some registrars make transfers difficult:

Long wait for auth code

  • Some intentionally delay
  • May take 5-7 days
  • Request early

Hidden unlock option

  • Bury unlock feature
  • Make support contact required
  • Know your rights (can't prevent lawful transfer)

Phone verification required

  • Some require phone call to verify
  • Have phone and ID ready
  • May take business hours

Transfer fees at current registrar

  • Usually free to transfer away
  • Some charge "administrative fee"
  • Check terms, may be against ICANN rules

Solution: Know registrar policies, be persistent, cite ICANN transfer policy if needed

Payment Issues

Outstanding invoices:

  • Registrar may block transfer
  • Pay before initiating
  • Get receipt

Failed auto-renewals:

  • Check domain didn't try to renew unsuccessfully
  • Failed payment can cause holds
  • Resolve billing issues

Credit vs. cash:

  • Some registrars hold unused credit
  • Request refund or apply to transfer
  • Don't leave money behind

Pre-Transfer Verification Steps

Complete these verification steps 24-48 hours before initiating transfer.

Domain Status Verification

☐ Run WHOIS lookup

whois yourdomain.com

Verify:

  • Status shows "ok" or no transfer prohibit
  • Expiration date >15 days away
  • Creation/update date >60 days ago
  • Contact email is correct and accessible
  • Nameservers are noted

☐ Test DNS resolution

dig yourdomain.com
dig www.yourdomain.com

Verify:

  • Domain resolves to correct IP
  • WWW subdomain works
  • Email (MX records) resolves

Registrar Account Verification

☐ Log into current registrar

  • Login successful
  • Can access domain management
  • No account warnings or issues

☐ Verify domain unlock

  • Transfer lock disabled
  • Domain status updated

☐ Have auth code ready

  • Code copied and accessible
  • Verified case-sensitivity
  • Tested by pasting (no extra spaces)

☐ Check billing

  • No outstanding charges
  • Auto-renewal status known
  • Payment method current if needed

Email Verification

☐ Send test email to registrant address

  • Receives successfully
  • Can reply
  • Inbox not full
  • Spam filtering allows registrar

☐ Add registrar emails to safe senders

  • Current registrar
  • New registrar
  • transfer@, noreply@, support@ addresses

☐ Check email daily

  • Set reminder to check
  • Don't miss approval emails
  • Respond promptly

New Registrar Preparation

☐ Account ready at new registrar

  • Logged in successfully
  • Payment method added
  • Contact information complete

☐ Transfer fee available

  • Know the cost ($10-15 typically)
  • Funds available
  • Understand what year of registration it includes

☐ DNS plan ready

  • Know if keeping current nameservers
  • Or have new DNS records prepared
  • Screenshots of current settings ready to recreate

Information to Gather

Compile this information before starting the transfer process.

Domain Information

Document:

  • Domain name (exact spelling)
  • Current registrar name
  • Registration date
  • Expiration date
  • EPP/Auth code
  • Current nameservers

Template:

Domain: yourdomain.com
Current Registrar: Namecheap
Registered: 2023-06-15
Expires: 2026-06-15
EPP Code: aB3dE5fG7hJ9k
Nameservers:
  - ns1.currenthost.com
  - ns2.currenthost.com

DNS Configuration

Document:

  • All A records
  • All CNAME records
  • All MX records
  • All TXT records
  • Any other record types
  • TTL values (if custom)

Format:

DNS Records for yourdomain.com:

A Records:
  @ → 93.184.216.34 (TTL: 3600)
  www → 93.184.216.34 (TTL: 3600)

MX Records:
  @ → Priority 10: mail.yourdomain.com
  @ → Priority 20: mail2.yourdomain.com

TXT Records:
  @ → "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"
  @ → "google-site-verification=abc123xyz"

Account Credentials

Store securely:

  • Current registrar login
  • New registrar login
  • Domain admin email
  • EPP/Auth code
  • Support contact info (both registrars)

Use password manager:

  • Store all credentials
  • Encrypted backup
  • Accessible during transfer

Contact Information

Verify and document:

  • Registrant name
  • Registrant email
  • Registrant phone
  • Admin contact (if different)
  • Billing contact (if different)
  • Technical contact (if different)

Ensure:

  • All information is current
  • You have access to emails
  • Phone numbers work
  • Addresses are correct

Special Considerations

Some situations require extra preparation.

Multiple Domains

Transferring several domains:

☐ Create spreadsheet tracker

  • List all domains
  • Status of each
  • Auth codes
  • Transfer dates
  • Completion status

☐ Transfer in batches

  • Don't overwhelm yourself
  • 5-10 domains at a time
  • Monitor each batch

☐ Prioritize

  • Critical domains first
  • Less important domains later
  • Test process with one domain

International Domains (IDNs)

Special considerations:

☐ Verify new registrar supports your IDN

  • Not all registrars support all scripts
  • Check before initiating

☐ Use Punycode for transfer

  • IDN displayed: münchen.de
  • Punycode format: xn--mnchen-3ya.de
  • Transfer using Punycode

☐ Character encoding

  • Ensure auth code uses correct encoding
  • May have special characters

Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)

Different rules apply:

☐ Research ccTLD-specific requirements

  • Each country has different policies
  • May require local presence
  • Extra documentation needed

☐ Registry transfer process

  • Some ccTLDs use registry transfer (not registrar)
  • Different procedures
  • Longer timelines

☐ Additional verification

  • Government ID sometimes required
  • Local business registration
  • Physical address verification

Common ccTLD variations:

  • .uk: Uses IPS tag system (different from EPP)
  • .au: Requires local presence verification
  • .eu: Residency requirements
  • .ca: Canadian presence requirements

Premium Domains

Extra precautions:

☐ Enable registry lock before and after

  • Maximum security for valuable domains
  • Requires manual unlock process
  • Extra protection during vulnerable period

☐ Use escrow for purchased domains

  • If buying + transferring simultaneously
  • Protects both parties
  • Ensures transfer completion

☐ Consider timing carefully

  • Transfer during business hours
  • When support is available
  • Minimize risk window

Transfer Preparation Timeline

Follow this timeline for organized, stress-free transfer.

7 Days Before

☐ Decide on new registrar

  • Compare prices
  • Check features
  • Read reviews

☐ Create account at new registrar

  • Complete registration
  • Verify email
  • Add payment method

☐ Review current DNS setup

  • Document all records
  • Screenshot settings
  • Export if possible

☐ Check domain age and status

  • Verify >60 days old
  • Check not recently transferred
  • Confirm expiration date

3-5 Days Before

☐ Lower TTL on DNS records (optional but recommended)

  • Change from 86400 (24h) to 300 (5 min)
  • Allows faster DNS changes if needed
  • Wait for old TTL to expire

☐ Disable WHOIS privacy

  • Turn off at current registrar
  • Wait for WHOIS to update
  • Verify email is your direct email

☐ Verify contact information

  • Check WHOIS data accurate
  • Update if necessary
  • Test email access

1-2 Days Before

☐ Unlock domain

☐ Request EPP/Auth code

  • Get from current registrar
  • Save securely
  • Test copying (no extra characters)

☐ Final DNS backup

  • Screenshot final configuration
  • Export records
  • Save nameserver info

☐ Notify team

  • Inform IT team
  • Alert email administrators
  • Set expectations for timeline

Day of Transfer

☐ Verify domain ready

  • Unlocked: ✓
  • Auth code obtained: ✓
  • Email accessible: ✓
  • DNS backed up: ✓

☐ Initiate transfer at new registrar

  • Enter domain name
  • Input auth code
  • Complete payment
  • Confirm order

☐ Monitor email

  • Watch for approval request
  • Respond promptly
  • Check spam folder

☐ Document transfer initiation

  • Save confirmation email
  • Note date and time
  • Set reminder to check progress

During Transfer (5-7 days)

☐ Check email daily

  • Both registrar and admin emails
  • Respond to any requests
  • Don't let approvals expire

☐ Monitor domain status

  • Check domain still resolving
  • Verify email still working
  • Watch for any issues

☐ Avoid changes

  • Don't modify DNS
  • Don't update contact info
  • Don't change nameservers
  • Wait for transfer completion

After Transfer Complete

☐ Verify transfer success

  • Domain appears at new registrar
  • WHOIS shows new registrar
  • Can manage in new account

☐ Re-enable WHOIS privacy

  • Turn on at new registrar
  • Verify privacy working

☐ Enable domain lock

  • Lock at new registrar
  • Confirm transfer lock enabled

☐ Set up auto-renewal

  • Enable auto-renew
  • Verify payment method
  • Set reminder for renewal date

☐ Raise DNS TTL back (if you lowered it)

  • Return to normal (3600-86400)
  • Reduces query load

☐ Verify DNS and email

  • Test website loads
  • Send/receive emails
  • Check all subdomains

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have access to my registrar account?

Steps to regain access:

  1. Password reset - Use "Forgot Password" feature
  2. Email recovery - If email changed, contact support with ID verification
  3. Domain ownership proof - Provide billing statements, ID, WHOIS match
  4. Transfer of ownership - May need to prove you're authorized

Last resort: File complaint with ICANN if registrar unresponsive

Can I transfer an expired domain?

Generally no. Most registrars won't accept expired domains for transfer.

Options:

  1. Renew first at current registrar
  2. Wait for renewal to process (24-48 hours)
  3. Then initiate transfer

Exception: Some registrars accept domains in grace period (0-45 days past expiration), but not recommended due to risk.

Will I lose my remaining registration time?

No. Transfer typically adds 1 year to your existing registration.

Example:

  • Current expiration: 2026-06-15
  • Transfer on: 2025-01-22
  • New expiration: 2027-06-15 (original + 1 year)

Note: You're paying for the added year with your transfer fee.

What if my auth code doesn't work?

Common issues:

Case sensitivity: Codes are case-sensitive

  • Wrong: abc123
  • Right: AbC123

Extra spaces: Copied with space at end

  • Wrong: abc123 (space after)
  • Right: abc123

Expired code: Some registrars expire codes

  • Request new code
  • Use immediately

Incorrect code: Typo when copying

  • Request new code from registrar
  • Copy carefully

Can I cancel a transfer in progress?

Yes, usually within 5 days.

At current registrar:

  • Login to account
  • Find pending transfers
  • Click "Cancel" or "Deny"
  • Immediate cancellation

At new registrar:

  • Contact support
  • Request cancellation
  • Refund typically available

After approval: May be too late to cancel without both registrars' cooperation

What happens to my website during transfer?

If nameservers don't change: Website continues working normally with no downtime

If nameservers change:

  • Potential 24-48 hour propagation period
  • Some visitors see old site, some see new
  • Eventually all see new location

Best practice: Don't change nameservers during transfer—wait until after completion

Do I need to transfer my website files too?

No. Domain transfer only moves registration, not hosting.

Domain transfer: Changes registrar (where you manage domain registration) Website files: Remain at hosting provider (unchanged)

They're separate:

  • Transfer domain to new registrar
  • Website stays at current host
  • Point domain to hosting (using DNS)

Will my email stop working?

Not if you're prepared:

If you recreate DNS records correctly: Email continues working

Common mistake: Forgetting to add MX records at new location

  • Result: Email stops
  • Fix: Add MX records immediately

Prevention: Document MX records before transfer, add them to new registrar

What if the transfer takes longer than expected?

Normal timeline: 5-7 days

If longer:

Check status:

  • Log into both registrars
  • Look for pending actions
  • Check email for requests

Common delays:

  • Waiting for approval email response
  • Current registrar "delay tactics" (legal up to 5 days)
  • Weekend/holiday processing delays

Action:

  • Respond to any pending emails
  • Contact new registrar support
  • Be patient—transfers can legally take up to 10 days

Can I transfer multiple domains at once?

Yes. You can initiate multiple transfers simultaneously.

Recommendations:

For beginners:

  • Start with 1-2 domains
  • Learn the process
  • Then batch additional domains

For experienced users:

  • 10-20 domains per batch manageable
  • Use spreadsheet to track
  • Monitor emails for all domains

Note: Each domain transfers independently—one failure doesn't affect others

Key Takeaways

Domain must be unlocked and at least 60 days old with no recent transfers to be eligible for transfer between registrars

EPP/authorization code is essential—request from current registrar and save it securely before initiating transfer

Disable WHOIS privacy temporarily to ensure transfer approval emails reach your actual email address

Back up all DNS records before transfer—screenshot A, CNAME, MX, TXT records to prevent website or email downtime

Verify access to registrant email—all transfer approval notifications go here and must be responded to promptly

Don't change nameservers during transfer—wait until transfer completes to avoid DNS issues and potential downtime

Transfer adds 1 year to registration—your existing time isn't lost, and you gain an additional year

Complete preparation takes 15-30 minutes but prevents hours of troubleshooting and potential transfer failures

Monitor email daily during transfer to respond to approval requests and authorization notices within timeframes

Next Steps

Now that you have your transfer checklist, here's what to do next:

If You're Ready to Transfer:

  1. Work through this checklist systematically
  2. Gather all required information and credentials
  3. Follow the step-by-step guide: How to Transfer a Domain Name Between Registrars

If You Need More Information:

  1. Understand transfer timeline: How Long Does a Domain Transfer Take?
  2. Learn about registrars: What is a Domain Registrar and How to Choose One
  3. Understand nameservers: How to Change Domain Nameservers

If You're Having Issues:

  1. Troubleshoot problems: Domain Transfer Failed: Common Reasons and Solutions (Coming Soon)
  2. Contact registrar support with your checklist completed
  3. Document everything for reference

Domain owners planning transfers

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