How to Transfer Domains Between Registrars: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Comprehensive guide to domain transfers, including authorization codes, transfer requirements, timelines, and troubleshooting
Understanding Domain Transfers
Transferring a domain from one registrar to another is a common procedure that allows you to change where you manage your domain registration. You might want to transfer for better pricing, superior customer service, additional features, or to consolidate multiple domains under one registrar.
While the transfer process is standardized by ICANN for gTLDs, it involves several steps and security measures designed to prevent unauthorized transfers. Understanding the process, timeline, and requirements will help ensure a smooth transfer without downtime or complications.
This guide walks you through the complete transfer process, explains what can go wrong, and provides solutions to common issues.
Transfer Requirements and Eligibility
Can Your Domain Be Transferred?
Before initiating a transfer, verify your domain meets these requirements:
✓ Transfer Eligibility Requirements:
- 60-day minimum age: Domain must be at least 60 days old from initial registration
- 60 days since last transfer: ICANN 60-day lock prevents transfers within 60 days of previous transfer
- Not expired: Domain must be active, not in redemption or pending delete status
- Transfer unlocked: Registrar lock/transfer lock must be disabled
- Authorization code available: You must be able to obtain EPP/auth code from current registrar
- Contact access: You must have access to registrant email for approval
⚠️ ICANN 60-Day Transfer Lock:
ICANN policy prevents domain transfers within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer. This lock cannot be removed by you or your registrar—you must wait the full 60 days. This policy prevents rapid-fire transfers used in domain hijacking schemes.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Domain Transfer Exceptions:
- .uk domains: Use IPS tag system, not authorization codes. Different process entirely.
- Some ccTLDs: May have country-specific transfer procedures
- Premium domains: Some registrars restrict transfer of premium-priced domains
- Disputed ownership: Transfers blocked during UDRP or legal proceedings
Understanding Authorization Codes (EPP Codes)
What is an Authorization Code?
An Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) code—also known as an authorization code, transfer code, or auth code—is a unique alphanumeric string used to authorize the secure transfer of domain names between registrars. It serves as a security protocol used to prevent unauthorized transfer of domain names, fraud, and domain name theft.
Authorization Code Characteristics:
- Unique per domain: Each domain has its own authorization code
- Case-sensitive: Must be entered exactly as provided
- Typically 8-32 characters: Letters and numbers, sometimes special characters
- Time-limited or permanent: Some registrars regenerate codes periodically
- Like a password: Treat it securely, don't share publicly
How to Obtain Your Authorization Code
If you are transferring your domain's registration to a new registrar, you must contact your current registrar to obtain your domain's EPP code. The registrar is required to provide the Auth-Code to the domain name owner within five calendar days of the owner's request, and ICANN accepts complaints about registrars that do not.
Common Ways to Get Authorization Code:
- Control Panel: Most registrars have "Get Auth Code" or "Transfer Authorization" button in domain management
- Email Request: Some send auth code automatically to registrant email when requested
- Customer Support: Contact support if you can't find it in control panel
- Account Settings: May be visible in domain settings or transfer section
⚠️ Important Formatting Note:
The EPP code is both case- and character-specific, so if you choose to copy and paste the code, make sure there aren't any additional spaces at the beginning or end. Extra whitespace is a common cause of failed transfers.
The Transfer Process: Step-by-Step
Complete Transfer Procedure
Step 1: Prepare for Transfer (At Current Registrar)
Before initiating a domain transfer, it is essential to check the status of the domain:
- Check expiration date: Ensure domain not expiring soon (renew if within 2 weeks)
- Verify age: Domain must be 60+ days old
- Unlock domain: Disable registrar lock/transfer lock
- Disable WHOIS privacy temporarily: Some registrars require this (can re-enable after transfer)
- Update contact email: Ensure registrant email is current and accessible
- Get authorization code: Request and save EPP code
Step 2: Initiate Transfer (At New Registrar)
- Create account: Sign up with new registrar if you don't have account
- Start transfer process: Find "Transfer Domain" option
- Enter domain name: Input the domain you want to transfer
- Provide authorization code: Enter EPP code exactly as provided
- Pay transfer fee: Most transfers include 1-year renewal (cost varies)
- Review and submit: Verify all information before submitting
Step 3: Confirm Transfer (Email Verification)
Once submitted, your current registrar will send you an email confirming the transfer request. This step serves as an additional security measure to help protect against unauthorized activity.
- Check registrant email: Look for transfer authorization email from current registrar
- Review transfer details: Verify domain name and new registrar are correct
- Approve or deny: Click approval link (or take no action—see timeline below)
- Check spam folder: Transfer emails sometimes filtered as spam
Step 4: Wait for Transfer Completion
For most domain extensions, a transfer between registrars will take five to seven days from the time you authorize it. Some, such as country-code domain names, may take longer to process or require additional steps.
- Monitor email: Both registrars will send status updates
- No action usually needed: Transfer auto-completes after 5 days if not explicitly approved
- Old registrar can expedite: They can approve immediately (rare)
- Check nameservers: Verify DNS settings remain correct
Step 5: Verify Transfer Success
- Check new registrar account: Domain should appear in your domain list
- Verify WHOIS: Registrar field should show new registrar name
- Check expiration: Should have 1 additional year added (most transfers)
- Re-enable security: Turn on transfer lock, set up auto-renewal
- Re-enable privacy: Turn WHOIS privacy back on if desired
- Verify DNS: Ensure website and email still working correctly
Transfer Timeline
Understanding the 5-7 Day Process
Typical Transfer Timeline:
- Day 0: You initiate transfer at new registrar, provide auth code
- Day 0-1: Transfer request sent to current registrar, confirmation emails sent
- Day 1-5: Waiting period for current registrar to approve/deny or auto-approve
- Day 5-7: Transfer completes if not explicitly denied
- Immediate (rare): Current registrar can approve immediately, completing in hours instead of days
Can Transfers Be Expedited?
The current registrar has the option to approve the transfer immediately, which would complete it within hours instead of days. However, most registrars don't offer this option and let the standard 5-7 day process complete automatically.
Ways to Potentially Speed Up Transfer:
- Contact current registrar: Ask if they offer expedited approval (usually no)
- Approve immediately: Click approval link in transfer email as soon as received
- Ensure all requirements met: Any issues will add delays
Transfer Costs
What You'll Pay
Transfer fees vary by registrar and TLD, but typically include:
- Transfer fee = 1-year renewal: Most transfers include automatic 1-year extension
- Typical cost: $8-$15 for .com, varies by TLD
- Premium domains: May cost more or have restrictions
- No cost at old registrar: Current registrar cannot charge fees to release domain
- Promotional pricing: Some registrars offer discounted transfer pricing
💡 Pro Tip: Transfer for Renewal Savings
If your domain is approaching renewal and you've found a cheaper registrar, transfer instead of renewing. The transfer fee includes a 1-year renewal, so you'll save money and get better service in one step.
Common Transfer Problems and Solutions
Problem: "Authorization Code Invalid or Incorrect"
Causes:
- Extra spaces when copying/pasting
- Case-sensitivity issues
- Outdated code (some expire)
Solutions:
- Request new authorization code
- Type code manually instead of pasting
- Verify no extra spaces at beginning/end
Problem: "Domain Is Locked"
Causes:
- Registrar lock/transfer lock still enabled
- 60-day ICANN transfer lock (recent registration/transfer)
- Registry lock (high-security lock)
Solutions:
- Disable registrar lock in current registrar's control panel
- Wait out 60-day ICANN lock (cannot be removed early)
- Contact registrar to remove registry lock (if applicable)
Problem: "Transfer Denied"
Causes:
- Domain owner denied the transfer
- Registrant email bounced
- Domain expired or in redemption
Solutions:
- Verify registrant email is correct and accessible
- Check spam folder for transfer emails
- Renew domain if expired before attempting transfer
Problem: "Never Received Transfer Email"
Causes:
- Email went to spam
- Wrong registrant email on file
- Email server blocking transfer notifications
Solutions:
- Check spam/junk folders thoroughly
- Update registrant email before transfer
- Whitelist emails from both registrars
- Wait 5-7 days—transfer completes automatically if not denied
Problem: "Website/Email Stopped Working During Transfer"
Causes:
- Nameservers reset during transfer
- DNS records not copied to new registrar
Solutions:
- Note nameserver values before transferring
- Immediately set nameservers at new registrar after transfer
- Use external DNS provider (Cloudflare, etc.) to avoid this issue
Best Practices for Smooth Transfers
Transfer Preparation Checklist:
☑️ Before Transfer:
- □ Check domain age (must be 60+ days)
- □ Check last transfer date (must be 60+ days ago)
- □ Note current nameserver settings
- □ Backup DNS records (if using registrar's DNS)
- □ Verify registrant email is current
- □ Check domain expiration (renew if close)
☑️ During Transfer:
- □ Unlock domain at current registrar
- □ Get authorization code
- □ Double-check code for extra spaces
- □ Monitor both email accounts (old and new registrar)
- □ Check spam folders regularly
☑️ After Transfer:
- □ Verify nameservers are correct
- □ Re-enable transfer lock
- □ Re-enable WHOIS privacy (if desired)
- □ Set up auto-renewal
- □ Test website and email functionality
- □ Update payment information
Special Transfer Cases
.uk Domains (IPS Tag System)
Domains in .uk, .co.uk, .org.uk, and .me.uk do not use an authorization code. Nominet, the registrar for these domains, uses an Internet Provider Security tag, also known as an IPS tag or Nominet Provider tag, to identify the registrars involved in the transfer.
.uk Transfer Process:
- Get IPS tag from new registrar
- Submit IPS tag change at current registrar or via Nominet
- Transfer completes immediately (no 5-7 day wait)
- Configure domain at new registrar
Bulk Domain Transfers
Transferring multiple domains simultaneously:
- Bulk transfer tools: Most registrars offer CSV upload for multiple domains
- Stagger transfers: Consider spreading over time to reduce risk
- Test with one domain: Transfer a test domain first to ensure process works
- Dedicated support: Contact new registrar for assistance with large transfers
Key Takeaways
- •Domains must be 60+ days old and 60+ days since last transfer—ICANN lock cannot be removed
- •Authorization codes (EPP codes) are required—current registrar must provide within 5 days
- •Transfers take 5-7 days for most gTLDs, can complete faster with explicit approval
- •Transfer fee typically includes 1-year renewal—good opportunity to save money
- •Unlock domain and disable WHOIS privacy before transfer (can re-enable after)
- •Note nameserver settings before transfer to avoid downtime
- •.uk domains use IPS tag system, not auth codes—transfers complete immediately
- •Extra spaces in auth code are most common transfer failure—type manually if issues