How to Transfer a Domain Name Between Registrars (2025 Guide)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Why Transfer a Domain?

Common reasons to transfer domains to a new registrar:

1. Lower Costs

Scenario: Current registrar charges $21.99/year for .com renewals, new registrar charges $10.15/year

Savings: $11.84/year per domain

• 10 domains: $118.40/year savings
• 50 domains: $592/year savings
• 100 domains: $1,184/year savings

2. Better Features

New registrars may offer:

• Free WHOIS privacy (vs $10-12/year charged by current registrar)
• Better DNS management interface
• API access for automation
• Email forwarding (free vs paid)
• Superior control panel

3. Improved Customer Support

Signs you need better support:

• Current registrar takes days to respond
• No live chat or phone support
• Support agents lack technical knowledge
• Constant upselling instead of helping

4. Consolidation

Benefits of having all domains at one registrar:

• Single login for all domains
• Bulk management tools
• Easier renewals
• Streamlined billing
• Consistent interface

5. Security Concerns

Red flags requiring transfer:

• Registrar had data breach
• Poor security features (no 2FA)
• Account has been compromised
• Registrar allows easy unauthorized changes

6. Company Acquisition or Shutdown

Examples:

• Google Domains sold to Squarespace (2023)
• Users transferred due to price increases and policy changes

7. Registrar Holding Domain Hostage

Warning signs:

• Refusing to provide EPP code
• Adding "transfer fees" beyond standard renewal
• Making transfer process intentionally difficult
• Requiring support tickets for basic actions

Transfer Requirements & Restrictions

Before you can transfer, your domain must meet these conditions:

ICANN Transfer Requirements

✅ Domain Age: 60+ Days

• Domains cannot transfer within 60 days of registration
• Also applies to previous transfers (60-day lock after transfer)
• ICANN Policy: Transfer Policy (Section II.C.6)

✅ Domain Status: Active

• Domain must not be expired
• Cannot be within 15 days of expiration (at most registrars)
• Must be in "OK" or "Active" status

✅ Domain Unlocked

• Transfer lock must be disabled
• Also called "Registrar Lock" or "Domain Lock"

✅ Valid Admin Email

• Must have access to admin contact email
• Transfer approval sent to this address
• If no access, update before transferring

✅ No Recent Changes

• Some registrars lock domains for 60 days after contact updates
• Especially after registrant name/organization changes

Domain Status Codes That Prevent Transfer

Check domain status with whois domain.com command:

❌ Transfer Prohibited Statuses:

• clientTransferProhibited: Registrar lock enabled
• serverTransferProhibited: Registry lock (high-security domains)
• pendingDelete: Domain being deleted
• redemptionPeriod: Domain expired, in redemption

✅ Allowed Statuses:

• ok: Domain is transferrable
• clientUpdateProhibited: Can transfer (different restriction)
• autoRenewPeriod: Can transfer

How to check:

whois example.com | grep Status

Look for any status with "TransferProhibited"—must be removed before transfer.

TLD-Specific Restrictions

Some TLDs have unique transfer rules:

.uk domains (managed by Nominet):

• Use IPS tag system (not EPP code)
• Transfer is immediate (not 5-7 days)
• Different process entirely

.au domains (Australia):

• Require eligibility criteria verification
• May need Australian business number (ABN)

.eu domains:

• Require European presence
• May be lost if you're outside EU/EEA

.com, .net, .org (standard TLDs):

• Follow ICANN standard transfer policy
• EPP code required
• 5-7 day transfer process

Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs): Check specific registry rules

Exceptions Where Transfer May Not Work

1. Premium Domains

• Some registries restrict premium domain transfers
• May require special approval

2. Newly Released Domains

• Domains in sunrise/landrush may have transfer restrictions
• Check TLD registry policies

3. Disputed Domains

• Domains under UDRP proceedings cannot transfer
• Wait for dispute resolution

4. Registrar-Specific Restrictions

• Some registrars add extra hurdles (against ICANN policy)
• File complaint with ICANN if unreasonable

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Follow these steps for a smooth domain transfer:

Step 1: Prepare for Transfer (15-30 minutes)

1.1 Verify Transfer Eligibility

Check your domain meets requirements:

# Check domain age and status
whois example.com

Look for:

• Creation date (must be 60+ days ago)
• Status (must not have "TransferProhibited")
• Expiration date (not within 15 days)

1.2 Update Contact Information

Ensure admin email is current:

• Log into current registrar
• Navigate to domain contact settings
• Update admin email to one you actively monitor
• Save changes

Why: Transfer approval emails sent to admin contact

1.3 Disable WHOIS Privacy (if required)

Some registrars require disabling privacy:

• Find "WHOIS Privacy" or "Domain Privacy" setting
• Disable temporarily (can re-enable after transfer)
• Wait 24-48 hours for WHOIS to update

Note: Not always necessary, but some registrars require it

1.4 Backup DNS Records

Document current DNS settings:

• Export DNS zone file (if available)
• Screenshot all DNS records
• Note nameservers currently in use

Why: You'll need to recreate these at new registrar (if changing nameservers)

Step 2: Unlock Domain (5 minutes)

2.1 Log into Current Registrar

Navigate to domain management section.

2.2 Find Domain Lock Setting

Look for:

• "Transfer Lock"
• "Domain Lock"
• "Registrar Lock"
• "Lock Status"

Usually in: Domain Settings, Security, or Transfer sections

2.3 Disable Lock

• Toggle lock to "Unlocked" or "Disabled"
• Confirm change
• Some registrars send confirmation email

2.4 Verify Status

Wait 5-30 minutes, then check:

whois example.com | grep Status

clientTransferProhibited should be gone.

Step 3: Obtain Authorization Code (5-10 minutes)

3.1 Request EPP/Auth Code

In current registrar's domain settings:

• Look for "Authorization Code", "EPP Code", "Auth Code", or "Transfer Code"
• Click "Get Auth Code" or "Request Transfer Code"

3.2 Retrieve Code

Code delivery methods vary by registrar:

• Displayed on screen: Copy immediately
• Sent to admin email: Check email (including spam)
• Available in dashboard: Look in transfer/security section

Example auth code format: hG3!kL9@mP2qR5tY

• Usually 8-32 characters
• Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
• Case-sensitive

3.3 Store Securely

• Save in password manager
• Valid for 30-90 days typically
• Can be reused if transfer fails

Registrar-Specific Notes:

GoDaddy: May require support ticket (against ICANN policy—complain if they refuse) Namecheap: Instant display in domain settings Cloudflare: Shown in dashboard immediately Porkbun: Emailed to admin contact

Step 4: Initiate Transfer at New Registrar (10-15 minutes)

4.1 Create Account

If you don't have one:

• Sign up at new registrar
• Verify email address
• Complete account setup
• Enable 2FA for security

4.2 Start Transfer Process

• Look for "Transfer Domain" or "Transfer In"
• Enter your domain name
• Registrar checks availability for transfer

4.3 Enter Authorization Code

• Paste EPP/auth code when prompted
• Enter exactly as provided (case-sensitive)
• Click "Continue" or "Next"

4.4 Review Transfer Details

Verify:

• Domain name is correct
• Current expiration date shown
• New expiration date (current + 1 year)
• Transfer cost

4.5 Choose Options

Common options:

• Auto-renewal: Recommended (prevent accidental expiration)
• WHOIS privacy: Enable if free or reasonably priced
• Number of years: Usually includes +1 year with transfer

Decline upsells:

• Email hosting (unless you need it)
• Website builder
• Premium DNS (unless required)
• SSL certificates (get free from Let's Encrypt)

4.6 Complete Payment

• Enter payment information
• Review total cost
• Submit payment

Typical cost: $9-15 for .com transfer (includes 1-year renewal)

Step 5: Approve Transfer (5 minutes)

5.1 Check Email

Within minutes to hours, you'll receive:

• From new registrar: "Approve this transfer" email
• From current registrar: "Transfer requested" (may offer to cancel)

5.2 Click Approval Link

Open email from NEW registrar:

• Click approval link
• May need to log in to confirm
• Confirm transfer authorization

Alternative: Some registrars approve automatically after 5 days if no action taken

5.3 Ignore Current Registrar (Usually)

Current registrar may email:

• "Transferring away from us?"
• "Click here to cancel transfer"

Only click if you changed your mind—otherwise ignore.

Step 6: Wait for Completion (5-7 days)

6.1 Transfer Timeline

• Day 0-1: Transfer initiated, approval requested
• Day 1-5: Waiting period (current registrar can reject)
• Day 5-7: Transfer completes automatically (if not approved earlier)

6.2 Track Status

Most registrars show transfer status:

• "Pending approval"
• "Awaiting transfer"
• "In progress"
• "Complete"

6.3 What Happens During Waiting Period

Behind the scenes:

• New registrar submits EPP transfer request to registry
• Current registrar has 5 days to reject (with valid reason)
• If no rejection, auto-approves after 5 days
• Registry updates registration data

Step 7: Verify Completion (10 minutes)

7.1 Check Confirmation Email

New registrar sends:

• "Transfer complete" confirmation
• New expiration date
• Next steps for management

7.2 Verify in New Registrar Account

• Log into new registrar
• Confirm domain appears in domain list
• Check expiration date (extended by 1 year)

7.3 Verify WHOIS

whois example.com

Check:

• Registrar: Should show new registrar name
• Expiration date: Extended by 1 year
• Creation date: Unchanged (original date preserved)

7.4 Old Registrar

• Domain should disappear from old registrar account
• May take 24-48 hours to fully process
• You may receive final invoice/receipt

How Long Does a Transfer Take?

Standard Timeline

Total Duration: 5-7 days (can be faster)

Hour 0: Initiate transfer at new registrar Hour 0-2: Approval emails sent Hour 2-24: Approve transfer (or wait for auto-approval) Day 1-5: Waiting period Day 5-7: Transfer completes (sooner if manually approved by both parties)

Fastest Possible Transfer

1-2 days if:

• ✅ You approve immediately via email
• ✅ Current registrar doesn't delay
• ✅ No technical issues
• ✅ All requirements met beforehand

What Can Delay Transfers

Common delays:

1. Email Issues (+1-3 days)

   • Approval email in spam folder
   • Email to outdated admin contact
   • Email delivery failures

2. Current Registrar Delays (+1-5 days)

   • Manual review process
   • Support ticket required
   • Intentional delays (bad practice)

3. Auth Code Problems (+1-2 days)

   • Incorrect code entered
   • Expired authorization code
   • Code not yet generated

4. Domain Lock (+1 day)

   • Forgot to unlock domain
   • Lock status not yet updated in WHOIS

5. Payment Issues (+1-2 days)

   • Payment declined
   • Fraud review by new registrar
   • Bank verification required

6. ICANN Rules (+5 days)

   • 60-day minimum age not met
   • Recent transfer within 60 days
   • Domain within 15 days of expiration

Expediting Transfers

Speed up the process:

✅ Prepare everything first: Unlock, get auth code, update contacts ✅ Approve immediately: Check email every hour after initiating ✅ Contact current registrar: Ask them to approve transfer quickly ✅ Use registrars known for fast transfers: Cloudflare, Porkbun, Namecheap ✅ Avoid weekends: Start transfers Monday-Wednesday for fastest processing

Transfer Costs Explained

Standard Transfer Pricing

What you pay:

• Transfer fee = 1 year registration/renewal

Example (.com domain):

• Transfer cost: $12
• Includes: +1 year added to expiration
• Effectively: Renewing early at new registrar's rate

Current expiration: December 31, 2025 After $12 transfer: December 31, 2026

Transfer Cost Comparison

.com domain transfer (2025 pricing):

Note: GoDaddy offers cheap transfers but expensive renewals—check long-term costs.

Additional Costs (Usually None)

What should NOT cost extra:

• ❌ Auth code retrieval (should be free)
• ❌ Domain unlock (should be free)
• ❌ Transfer processing fee (included in transfer cost)
• ❌ Transfer-out fee from current registrar (against ICANN policy)

What MAY cost extra:

• WHOIS privacy at new registrar (if not free)
• Premium DNS features (optional)
• Email hosting (optional)

Cost Savings Scenarios

Scenario 1: Escaping Expensive Renewals

Current situation:

• GoDaddy: $21.99/year renewals
• 5 domains × 10 years = $1,099.50

After transfer to Porkbun:

• $11.98/year renewals
• 5 domains × 10 years = $599
• Savings: $500.50 over 10 years

Scenario 2: Adding Free Privacy

Current situation:

• Domain: $15/year
• Privacy: $12/year
• Total: $27/year × 10 domains = $270/year

After transfer to registrar with free privacy:

• Domain + privacy: $12/year
• Total: $12/year × 10 domains = $120/year
• Savings: $150/year

What Happens to Your Website During Transfer

Will My Website Go Down?

No, if done correctly.

Why website stays up:

• Domain transfer only changes registration ownership
• DNS settings initially remain unchanged
• Nameservers continue pointing to your hosting
• Website continues serving from same servers

Critical: Don't Change DNS During Transfer

❌ Don't do this during active transfer:

• Change nameservers
• Update DNS records
• Modify hosting settings

Why: Some registrars lock DNS changes during transfer process

✅ Safe approach:

1. Complete transfer first
2. Wait for confirmation
3. Then update DNS/nameservers if needed

DNS Continuity Methods

Method 1: Keep Existing Nameservers (Recommended)

If using third-party DNS (Cloudflare, Route53, etc.):

• Nameservers stay the same during transfer
• DNS records unchanged
• Zero downtime

Example:

Before transfer: ns1.cloudflare.com, ns2.cloudflare.com
During transfer: (no change)
After transfer: ns1.cloudflare.com, ns2.cloudflare.com

Method 2: Note Current Nameservers

If planning to use new registrar's DNS:

1. Document current nameservers before transfer
2. Complete transfer with existing nameservers
3. Recreate DNS records at new registrar
4. Switch nameservers after verification
5. Wait 24-48 hours for propagation

Email During Transfer

Email continues working if:

• ✅ MX records remain unchanged
• ✅ DNS stays on current nameservers during transfer
• ✅ Email hosting is separate from domain registration

Email could break if:

• ❌ DNS settings accidentally changed during transfer
• ❌ Nameservers switched before recreating MX records
• ❌ Email tied to old registrar's services

Best practice: Leave everything unchanged until transfer completes.

DNS and Email Considerations

Handling DNS Records During Transfer

Option 1: Keep External DNS (Easiest)

If already using:

• Cloudflare DNS
• AWS Route53
• Google Cloud DNS
• Any third-party DNS provider

Action: Nothing—nameservers stay the same, no changes needed

Option 2: Switch to New Registrar's DNS

Process:

1. Before transfer: Export/document all DNS records
2. During transfer: Leave old nameservers in place
3. After transfer: Create identical records at new registrar
4. Test DNS: Use tools to verify records exist
5. Update nameservers: Point to new registrar's nameservers
6. Wait for propagation: 24-48 hours

Sample DNS records to document:

A       @           93.184.216.34
A       www         93.184.216.34
AAAA    @           2606:2800:220:1:248:1893:25c8:1946
MX      @    10     mail.example.com
TXT     @           "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"
CNAME   blog        hosting.example.com

Email Configuration

Email Hosting Scenarios:

Scenario 1: Email at Third-Party (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

• ✅ No action needed
• MX records stay the same
• Email unaffected by domain transfer

Scenario 2: Email at Current Registrar

• ⚠️ Must move email service OR keep DNS at old registrar
• Export emails before transfer (backup)
• Set up email at new provider before switching nameservers

Scenario 3: Email at Your Web Host

• ✅ Usually unaffected (DNS stays pointing to host)
• Verify MX records after transfer
• Test email send/receive

Critical Email Records:

MX (Mail Exchange):

example.com.    MX  10  mail.example.com.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework):

example.com.    TXT  "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail):

default._domainkey.example.com.  TXT  "v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0..."

DMARC:

_dmarc.example.com.  TXT  "v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected]"

DNS Propagation After Transfer

If changing nameservers post-transfer:

Timeline:

• Registry update: 15 minutes - 2 hours
• ISP DNS cache: 1-24 hours (depends on TTL)
• Full global propagation: 24-48 hours

During propagation:

• Some users see old site
• Some see new site
• Normal behavior, temporary

Testing DNS propagation:

• whatsmydns.net - Check DNS globally
• dig example.com - Command-line check
• nslookup example.com 8.8.8.8 - Check against Google DNS

Common Transfer Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: "Transfer Denied - Domain Locked"

Cause: Transfer lock still enabled

Solution:

1. Log into current registrar
2. Disable transfer lock
3. Wait 30 minutes for WHOIS update
4. Verify: whois example.com | grep Status
5. Retry transfer

Problem 2: "Invalid Authorization Code"

Cause: Incorrect EPP code, typo, or expired code

Solution:

1. Request new auth code from current registrar
2. Copy-paste (don't type manually)
3. Check for extra spaces
4. Ensure code hasn't expired (regenerate if >30 days old)
5. Enter exactly as provided (case-sensitive)

Problem 3: "Domain Transfer Not Eligible"

Possible causes:

• Domain registered <60 days ago
• Previous transfer <60 days ago
• Domain within 15 days of expiration
• Registry-level lock in place

Solution:

• Check creation date: whois example.com | grep "Creation Date"
• If <60 days: Wait until eligible
• If expiring soon: Renew first, then transfer
• If registry lock: Contact current registrar to remove

Problem 4: Transfer Approval Email Not Received

Cause: Email sent to outdated address, spam filter, or email delivery issue

Solution:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Verify admin contact email: whois example.com | grep "Admin Email"
3. If wrong: Update at current registrar, wait 24 hours, restart transfer
4. Add new registrar's email domain to safelist
5. Contact new registrar support (may resend email)

Problem 5: Current Registrar Won't Provide Auth Code

Cause: Registrar making transfer difficult (against ICANN policy)

Solution:

1. Check registrar's knowledge base for auth code process
2. Submit support ticket requesting auth code
3. If refused after 5 days: File ICANN complaint
   • Go to: ICANN Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy
   • Submit complaint form
   • Include correspondence with registrar
4. Mention ICANN complaint in communication with registrar (often speeds resolution)

Problem 6: Transfer Cancelled by Current Registrar

Cause: Current registrar rejected transfer (may be legitimate or not)

Reasons for legitimate rejection:

• Domain locked (forgot to unlock)
• Invalid admin email
• UDRP dispute pending
• Payment issue at current registrar

Reasons for illegitimate rejection:

• No valid reason given (against ICANN policy)
• Trying to retain customer
• Extra fees demanded

Solution:

1. Contact current registrar for rejection reason
2. Address legitimate issues
3. If no valid reason: File ICANN complaint
4. Retry transfer after resolving issues

Problem 7: Website Down After Transfer

Cause: DNS/nameserver configuration issue

Solution:

1. Check nameservers at new registrar match old ones
2. Verify DNS records exist at current DNS provider
3. If switched nameservers prematurely:
   • Recreate DNS records at new registrar
   • Or switch nameservers back temporarily
4. Check DNS propagation: use whatsmydns.net
5. Wait 24-48 hours for full propagation

Transfer vs Nameserver Change

People often confuse these two different operations:

Domain Transfer

What it does: Changes where your domain is registered (the registrar)

Changes:

• ✅ Registrar (billing, management interface)
• ✅ Who you pay for renewals
• ✅ Where you manage domain settings

Doesn't change:

• ❌ Your website (stays on same hosting)
• ❌ DNS records (unless you intentionally change them)
• ❌ Email (unless you intentionally change it)
• ❌ Website visitors (see same content)

Analogy: Changing who you rent your apartment from—you're still in the same apartment.

Nameserver Change

What it does: Changes where DNS records are hosted

Changes:

• ✅ DNS provider
• ✅ Where DNS records are stored
• ✅ Which servers answer DNS queries

Doesn't change:

• ❌ Registrar (still registered at same company)
• ❌ Ownership of domain
• ❌ Renewal billing

Analogy: Changing which address book you use—you still own your phone contacts.

Comparison Table

Can You Do Both?

Yes, but do them separately:

Recommended order:

1. First: Complete domain transfer
2. Wait: Until transfer fully complete
3. Then: Change nameservers (if desired)

Why this order: Avoids DNS issues during transfer process

Preventing Transfer Failures

Pre-Transfer Checklist

Before initiating transfer, verify:

✅ Domain Eligibility

• Domain registered 60+ days ago
• No transfer in last 60 days
• Not expiring within 15 days
• Domain status is "OK" or "Active"

✅ Contact Information

• Admin email address is current and accessible
• Email inbox is not full
• Email provider is working
• No spam filters blocking registrar emails

✅ Domain Configuration

• Domain is unlocked (transfer lock disabled)
• Authorization/EPP code obtained and saved
• WHOIS privacy disabled (if required by registrar)
• No pending changes to domain

✅ DNS Preparation

• Current nameservers documented
• DNS records exported/screenshot
• Email MX records documented
• TTL values reduced (optional, for faster changes)

✅ Payment & Account

• Account created at new registrar
• Payment method verified
• Sufficient funds available
• 2FA enabled on new account

During Transfer Best Practices

✅ Monitor Email

• Check for approval emails hourly (first 24 hours)
• Check spam/junk folders
• Approve transfer immediately when email arrives

✅ Track Transfer Status

• Log into both registrars daily
• Monitor transfer progress
• Note any status changes

✅ Don't Make Changes

• Don't modify DNS records
• Don't change nameservers
• Don't update contact info
• Don't attempt to transfer again (creates conflicts)

✅ Document Everything

• Save all confirmation emails
• Screenshot transfer status updates
• Note dates/times of key actions
• Keep auth code saved

Red Flags During Transfer

⚠️ Warning signs of problems:

From current registrar:

• "Transfer will incur additional fees" (against policy)
• Threatening email about consequences
• Support refusing to help
• Multiple rejection attempts

From new registrar:

• Payment issues/holds
• Fraud review delays
• Unusual verification requests

Technical issues:

• Transfer status shows "Rejected"
• WHOIS not updating (48+ hours)
• DNS changes you didn't make

What to do: Contact both registrars' support immediately

Post-Transfer Checklist

After transfer completes:

Immediate (Within 24 Hours)

✅ Verify Registration

• Domain appears in new registrar account
• Expiration date extended by 1 year
• WHOIS shows new registrar name

✅ Test Website

• Website loads correctly
• All pages accessible
• Forms/functionality working
• SSL certificate valid

✅ Test Email

• Send test email from domain
• Receive test email to domain
• Check email signature links
• Verify SPF/DKIM still working

✅ Re-enable Security

• Enable transfer lock at new registrar
• Enable auto-renewal
• Re-enable WHOIS privacy (if desired)
• Verify 2FA still active

Within One Week

✅ Configure New Registrar

• Set up DNS records (if changed DNS provider)
• Configure email forwarding (if available)
• Set billing preferences
• Add payment backup method
• Configure renewal notifications

✅ Update Documentation

• Update internal domain inventory
• Update team documentation
• Update password manager with new registrar
• Note new renewal dates

✅ Verify All Services

• Website analytics working
• Email deliverability good
• API integrations functioning
• Third-party services connected

✅ DNS Cleanup (if changed nameservers)

• Remove old DNS records at old provider
• Verify DNS propagation complete (whatsmydns.net)
• Update DNS TTL values to normal
• Test from different locations/networks

Ongoing

✅ Monitor Renewals

• Set calendar reminders for renewal (30 days before)
• Verify auto-renewal enabled
• Check payment method stays valid
• Review pricing annually (in case of increases)

✅ Security Maintenance

• Audit domain security quarterly
• Review WHOIS privacy status
• Check for unauthorized nameserver changes
• Monitor for phishing emails mimicking registrar

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a domain transfer take?

Domain transfers typically take 5-7 days, but can complete in 1-2 days if you approve the transfer immediately via email and the current registrar doesn't delay. ICANN policy allows up to 7 days for the process.

Will my website go down during a transfer?

No, your website should not go down during a domain transfer if done correctly. The transfer only changes registration ownership, not DNS or hosting. Keep nameservers unchanged during the transfer process to avoid downtime.

How much does it cost to transfer a domain?

Domain transfer costs equal 1-year renewal at the new registrar's rate (typically $9-15 for .com). This extends your domain expiration by one year. There should be no additional "transfer fees" beyond this.

Can I transfer a domain before it expires?

Yes, you can transfer anytime as long as the domain is not within 15 days of expiration (varies by registrar). However, the domain must be registered for at least 60 days first. Transfer includes a 1-year renewal, extending the expiration date.

What is an EPP code or authorization code?

An EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code, also called an authorization code or auth code, is a unique password for your domain (e.g., "hG3!kL9@mP2qR5tY"). You must obtain it from your current registrar to authorize transferring the domain to a new registrar.

Can I cancel a domain transfer in progress?

Yes, you can cancel a transfer before it completes by clicking the cancellation link in the email from your current registrar (sent when transfer is initiated). After the transfer completes, you'd need to transfer back, which requires waiting 60 days.

Do I need to renew my domain before transferring?

Not required, but recommended if your domain is close to expiration. Most registrars won't accept transfers if the domain expires within 15 days. The transfer itself includes a 1-year renewal, so you won't lose your remaining time—it extends your expiration date by one year.

What happens to my remaining registration time?

Your remaining time is preserved—the transfer adds one year on top of your current expiration date. For example, if your domain expires December 31, 2025, after a transfer in January 2025, it will expire December 31, 2026.

Can I transfer a domain immediately after registering?

No. ICANN policy requires domains be registered for at least 60 days before transfer. This also applies after a previous transfer—you must wait 60 days between transfers. This prevents domain fraud and gives you time to dispute unauthorized registrations.

Why won't my current registrar provide the EPP code?

If a registrar refuses to provide your EPP code, they're likely violating ICANN policy. Request it via support ticket, and if refused after 5 days, file a complaint with ICANN using their Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy. Mention ICANN policy in your communication—this often resolves the issue quickly.

Key Takeaways

✅ Domain transfers change your registrar (where you manage/pay for domains), not your hosting or website

✅ Transfers take 5-7 days and cost the same as 1-year renewal ($9-15 for .com), extending your registration by one year

✅ Domains must be 60+ days old before transfer (ICANN policy prevents transfers within 60 days of registration or previous transfer)

✅ Three steps to transfer: (1) Unlock domain and get EPP code from current registrar, (2) Initiate transfer at new registrar, (3) Approve via email

✅ Your website stays online during transfer as long as you don't change DNS/nameservers during the process

✅ Keep DNS unchanged during transfer—complete the transfer first, then update DNS/nameservers if needed

✅ Email approval is critical—transfer requests are sent to the admin email in WHOIS; ensure it's current and monitored

✅ Transfer includes 1-year renewal—your current expiration date is extended by one year, so you don't lose remaining time

✅ Registrars cannot charge "transfer fees" beyond the renewal cost or refuse to provide EPP codes (ICANN policy)

✅ Enable security after transfer: Re-lock domain, enable auto-renewal, activate WHOIS privacy, and verify 2FA