Domain Transfer Failed: Common Reasons and Solutions (2025)

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Understanding Domain Transfer Failures

Domain transfers between registrars follow a strict process governed by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) policy. When something in this process goes wrong, the transfer fails, and you'll receive an error message or notification explaining why.

The Domain Transfer Process

A successful domain transfer requires:

1. Authorization from domain owner - Proving you control the domain
2. Domain eligibility - Meeting ICANN's transfer requirements
3. Cooperation from current registrar - Releasing the domain
4. Acceptance by new registrar - Receiving the domain
5. Confirmation from domain owner - Approving the transfer

When any step breaks down, the transfer fails.

Types of Transfer Failures

Transfer failures fall into two categories:

Immediate rejections: The transfer request is denied right away because it doesn't meet basic requirements (wrong EPP code, domain locked, too new, etc.)

Delayed failures: The transfer starts but fails during processing due to email verification issues, registrar denial, or timeout.

Common Error Messages

You might see messages like:

• "Invalid authorization code"
• "Domain is locked"
• "Transfer prohibited"
• "Domain not eligible for transfer"
• "clientTransferProhibited status"
• "Transfer denied by current registrar"
• "Verification email not confirmed"
• "60-day lock active"

Each message points to a specific fixable issue.

Top Reasons Domain Transfers Fail

Understanding the most common causes helps you troubleshoot faster.

1. Incorrect or Invalid EPP Authorization Code

What it is: The EPP code (also called authorization code, auth code, or transfer code) is a unique password for your domain that proves you're authorized to transfer it.

Why transfers fail:

• Typo in the code: Even one wrong character causes failure
• Extra spaces: Copying the code with leading/trailing spaces
• Hidden period at end: Some EPP codes end with a period that's part of the code
• Case sensitivity: EPP codes are case-sensitive (A vs a matters)
• Expired code: Some registrars generate new codes periodically
• Out-of-sync code: Code at registrar doesn't match code at registry

How to identify: Error message says "Invalid auth code," "Incorrect EPP code," or "Authorization code mismatch"

Frequency: This is the #1 cause of transfer failures, accounting for 30-40% of all failures.

2. Domain Lock Enabled

What it is: Domain lock (also called transfer lock or registrar lock) is a security setting that prevents unauthorized transfers.

Why transfers fail:

• Transfer lock enabled: Most registrars enable this by default
• ClientTransferProhibited status: EPP status code that blocks transfers
• Registry lock: High-security lock at registry level (rare, for high-value domains)
• Forgotten to unlock: Common oversight in transfer checklist

How to identify: Error message mentions "locked," "transfer prohibited," or "clientTransferProhibited status"

Frequency: Second most common cause, about 25-30% of failures.

3. 60-Day Transfer Restriction

What it is: ICANN policy prohibits domain transfers within 60 days of registration, previous transfer, or certain other events.

Why transfers fail:

• Newly registered domain: Less than 60 days old
• Recent transfer: Transferred within last 60 days
• Recent registrant change: Some registrars lock for 60 days after WHOIS changes
• Mandatory lock: This lock cannot be overridden or removed early

How to identify: Error message mentions "60-day lock," "recently registered," or "transfer too soon"

Frequency: About 15-20% of failures, especially common with new domains.

4. WHOIS Privacy Enabled

What it is: WHOIS privacy service masks your contact information in public WHOIS records.

Why transfers fail:

• Verification emails go to privacy service: Transfer confirmation sent to wrong email
• Privacy service blocks transfer: Some privacy services auto-reject transfers
• Contact mismatch: New registrar cannot verify domain ownership

How to identify: Transfer initiated but confirmation email never arrives, or you receive notification that verification failed

Frequency: About 10-15% of failures.

5. Email Verification Not Completed

What it is: Transfer process requires confirming via email that you approve the transfer.

Why transfers fail:

• Email in spam folder: Transfer confirmation marked as junk
• Wrong email address: Email sent to outdated WHOIS contact
• Didn't click approval link: Missed the confirmation email
• Email expired: Confirmation links typically expire in 5-7 days

How to identify: Transfer shows as "pending approval" then times out

Frequency: About 10% of failures.

6. Expired or Suspended Domain

What it is: Domain registration has lapsed or been suspended.

Why transfers fail:

• Domain expired: Past expiration date
• Grace period: In post-expiration grace period
• Redemption period: In redemption status (requires restoration first)
• Suspended: Registrar suspended domain for non-payment or policy violation

How to identify: Error mentions "expired," "suspended," or "not in OK status"

Frequency: About 5% of failures.

7. Registry or Registrar-Specific Restrictions

What it is: Special restrictions based on domain extension or registrar policy.

Why transfers fail:

• ccTLD restrictions: Country-code TLDs may have local residency requirements
• Premium domain transfers: Some premium domains have transfer restrictions
• New gTLD launch period: Brand new TLDs may restrict transfers initially
• Pending legal action: Registrar locked domain due to dispute
• Incomplete registration: Original registration never fully completed

How to identify: Error mentions specific registry requirements or policies

Frequency: About 5% of failures, varies by TLD.

8. Payment or Billing Issues

What it is: Problems with payment at the new registrar.

Why transfers fail:

• Payment declined: Credit card declined or insufficient funds
• No payment method: Didn't provide payment information
• Incorrect pricing: Price changed between quote and transfer
• Coupon invalid: Promotional code expired or invalid

How to identify: Transfer fails with payment error or billing notification

Frequency: About 3-5% of failures.

How to Diagnose Transfer Failure

Before applying fixes, identify the exact cause of failure.

Check Transfer Status

At new registrar (gaining registrar):

1. Log into your account at the new registrar
2. Navigate to domain transfer section
3. Find your domain transfer request
4. Check status and any error messages
5. Look for detailed reason for failure

Common status messages:

• "Transfer initiated" - In progress
• "Pending approval" - Waiting for email confirmation
• "Failed" or "Rejected" - Transfer did not complete
• "Cancelled" - Transfer was cancelled (by you or automatically)

Review Email Notifications

Check emails from both registrars:

From losing registrar (current registrar):

• Transfer denial notification
• Reason for denial
• Actions you can take

From gaining registrar (new registrar):

• Transfer failure notification
• Specific error code
• Troubleshooting suggestions

Look in spam/junk folders: Transfer-related emails often get filtered

Check Domain Status Codes

Use WHOIS or RDAP lookup to check EPP status codes:

Status codes that block transfers:

• clientTransferProhibited - Registrar has locked transfers
• serverTransferProhibited - Registry has locked transfers
• pendingDelete - Domain being deleted
• redemptionPeriod - Domain expired and in redemption

Status codes that allow transfers:

• ok - Domain is normal, transfers allowed
• clientUpdateProhibited - Updates locked but transfers allowed
• clientDeleteProhibited - Deletion locked but transfers allowed

Verify EPP Code

Test your EPP code:

1. Copy the EPP code from your registrar
2. Paste into a text editor (Notepad, TextEdit)
3. Check for:
   • Leading or trailing spaces
   • Hidden characters
   • Period at the end (this is often part of the code!)
   • Correct case (uppercase vs lowercase)

Request new code: If in doubt, request a fresh EPP code from your current registrar.

Check Domain Age

Calculate days since:

• Registration date
• Last transfer date
• Recent registrant (owner) change

If less than 60 days: This is your issue. You must wait until 60 days pass.

Verify WHOIS Contact Email

1. Look up your domain's WHOIS information
2. Check the registrant email address
3. Confirm you have access to that email
4. If WHOIS privacy is enabled, note this as potential issue

Solutions for Each Failure Type

Based on your diagnosis, apply the appropriate solution:

Fix Invalid EPP Code

Step 1: Get correct EPP code

At your current registrar:

1. Log into your registrar account
2. Find domain management section
3. Look for "EPP code," "Authorization code," or "Transfer code"
4. Click to reveal or email the code
5. Some registrars email the code; check inbox and spam

Common locations:

• GoDaddy: Domain Settings → Transfer domain away from GoDaddy
• Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Sharing & Transfer → Auth Code
• Google Domains: Domain → Transfer out → Get authorization code
• Name.com: Account → Domains → Transfer Out

Step 2: Copy code carefully

1. Use the "Copy" button if available (avoids typos)
2. If copying manually, select carefully to avoid spaces
3. Paste into text editor first to verify
4. Check for period at end (it's often part of the code!)
5. Verify case matches exactly

Step 3: Request code synchronization

If you're certain the code is correct but still fails:

1. Contact current registrar support
2. Ask them to "synchronize the EPP code with the registry"
3. Wait 1-2 hours after synchronization
4. Request a fresh EPP code
5. Try transfer again with new code

Unlock the Domain

Step 1: Access domain lock settings

At your current registrar:

1. Log into your account
2. Go to domain management
3. Select your domain
4. Find "Domain Lock," "Transfer Lock," or "Registrar Lock" setting

Step 2: Disable the lock

1. Click to toggle lock off or disable
2. May require additional confirmation
3. Some registrars require email confirmation to unlock
4. Wait 15-30 minutes for lock removal to process

Common locations:

• GoDaddy: Domain Settings → Edit Domain Settings/Locks → Domain Lock → Off
• Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Sharing & Transfer → Domain Transfer Lock → Unlock
• Bluehost: Domains → Manage Domains → Unlock
• HostGator: Domain → Domain Manager → Unlock

Step 3: Verify lock removal

1. Check WHOIS/RDAP lookup
2. Look for status codes
3. clientTransferProhibited should be gone
4. If still present after 1 hour, contact registrar

Important: Some registrars automatically re-enable lock after 24-48 hours, so transfer promptly after unlocking.

Wait Out 60-Day Restriction

Unfortunately, the 60-day lock cannot be circumvented.

What you can do:

1. Calculate exact availability date:

   • Registration date + 60 days
   • Last transfer date + 60 days
   • Check domain creation date in WHOIS

2. Set reminder: Calendar alert for when 60 days pass

3. Prepare everything in advance:

   • Get EPP code early
   • Unlock domain
   • Disable WHOIS privacy
   • Update contact email if needed
   • Have payment ready at new registrar

4. Transfer immediately when eligible: Domain becomes transferable at 12:00 AM UTC on the 61st day

Exception: There's one way around this - contact your current registrar and ask if they'll allow an internal "change of registrant" instead of a transfer. This isn't a true transfer and may not trigger the 60-day lock, but you'd stay at the same registrar.

Disable WHOIS Privacy

Step 1: Access WHOIS privacy settings

At your current registrar:

1. Log into account
2. Go to domain management
3. Find "WHOIS Privacy," "Domain Privacy," or "Privacy Protection"

Step 2: Disable privacy

1. Turn privacy protection off
2. May require confirmation
3. Changes take 15 minutes to 2 hours to propagate

Step 3: Verify your contact email

1. Check WHOIS lookup
2. Confirm your real email address now shows
3. Verify you have access to that email

Step 4: Initiate transfer

1. Start the transfer at new registrar
2. Watch for verification email
3. Check spam/junk folders
4. Click approval link when received

After transfer completes: You can re-enable WHOIS privacy at your new registrar if desired.

Complete Email Verification

Step 1: Find verification email

1. Check inbox at WHOIS contact email address
2. Search for emails from both registrars
3. Check spam/junk folders (transfers often flagged as spam)
4. Search for keywords: "transfer," "authorization," "approve"

Step 2: Click approval link

1. Open the transfer approval email
2. Click the confirmation/approval link
3. May take you to registrar website
4. Follow any additional confirmation steps

Step 3: If email not received

At current registrar:

• Check if they sent a "transfer requested" notice
• Some require you to approve at their end too
• Log in and check for pending actions

At new registrar:

• Check domain transfer status in account
• Look for "resend verification email" option
• Verify they sent to correct email address

Step 4: If email expired

1. Transfer confirmation links typically expire in 5-7 days
2. If expired, cancel and restart transfer
3. Watch closely for new verification email

Renew Expired Domain

If domain expired:

1. Check expiration status:

   • Use WHOIS lookup
   • Check expiration date
   • Note status (expired, grace, redemption)

2. If in grace period (0-30 days after expiration):

   • Renew domain normally at current registrar
   • Wait 24 hours for renewal to process
   • Then proceed with transfer

3. If in redemption (30-60 days after expiration):

   • Must restore domain first (costs $100-200)
   • Contact current registrar to restore
   • After restoration, wait 60 days before transferring (if restoration required registrant change)

4. If past redemption (60+ days):

   • Domain is likely being deleted
   • Cannot transfer
   • May need to re-register after deletion (if available)

Resolve Payment Issues

At new registrar:

1. Check payment method on file
2. Update credit card if expired
3. Ensure sufficient funds available
4. Verify billing address matches card
5. Try different payment method if needed

Verify transfer pricing:

1. Confirm price shown at checkout
2. Some domains have premium transfer fees
3. Ensure promotional codes are valid and applied

Complete payment:

1. Finalize purchase
2. Wait for payment confirmation
3. Check transfer status after payment processes

ICANN Transfer Policy Requirements

Understanding ICANN's official transfer policy helps you know your rights.

Mandatory Transfer Requirements

Registrars MUST allow transfers when:

• Domain is more than 60 days old since registration or last transfer
• Domain is in "ok" or "active" status (not expired, suspended, or in redemption)
• You provide valid EPP authorization code
• You confirm transfer via email verification

Registrars CANNOT deny transfers except for:

• Lack of authorization (invalid EPP code)
• Evidence of fraud
• UDRP complaint in progress
• Court order
• Domain in 60-day lock period
• Expired domain
• Domain locked at your request

Registrar Responsibilities

Losing registrar (current registrar) must:

• Provide EPP code within 5 days of request
• Remove transfer lock within 5 days of request
• Not unreasonably deny transfers
• Process transfers within 5 days unless you deny

Gaining registrar (new registrar) must:

• Confirm your authorization
• Send Form of Authorization (FOA) to you
• Not process transfer without your approval

Your Rights as Domain Owner

You have the right to:

• Request EPP code at any time
• Request domain unlock at any time
• Transfer your domain after 60-day lock expires
• Deny a transfer you didn't authorize
• File complaint if registrar violates policy

Timeline Requirements

ICANN-mandated transfer timeline:

• Day 0: Transfer initiated at new registrar
• Day 0-1: Losing registrar receives transfer request
• Day 0-5: You receive confirmation emails from both registrars
• Day 5: Losing registrar must approve or deny
• Day 5-7: If not denied, transfer auto-completes

Total time: Transfers typically complete in 5-7 days unless explicitly approved or denied sooner.

Transfer Timeline and What to Expect

Understanding the normal transfer process helps you identify when something's wrong.

Standard Transfer Process

Day 1: Initiation

• You submit transfer request at new registrar
• Provide EPP code and payment
• New registrar initiates transfer with registry

Day 1-2: Notification

• Both registrars send confirmation emails
• Losing registrar: "Transfer requested" notice
• Gaining registrar: "Approve this transfer" email

Day 1-5: Approval Window

• You approve transfer via email link (optional but speeds up process)
• Losing registrar can approve, deny, or wait
• If no action, transfer auto-approves on day 5

Day 5-7: Completion

• Transfer finalizes
• Domain moves to new registrar
• You receive confirmation
• Registration often extended by 1 year

What's Normal vs What's a Problem

Normal:

• 5-7 days total transfer time
• Receiving multiple confirmation emails
• Transfer showing "pending" status for several days
• Some brief downtime in account access during transfer

Problem indicators:

• Immediate rejection (within hours)
• Error message with transfer request
• No confirmation emails from either registrar
• Transfer stuck in "pending" for more than 7 days
• Transfer marked as "failed" or "rejected"

Preventing Transfer Failures

Avoid problems by preparing correctly before initiating transfer.

Pre-Transfer Checklist

2-3 days before transfer:

• Verify domain is at least 60 days old
• Disable WHOIS privacy
• Unlock domain (remove transfer lock)
• Update WHOIS contact email to one you actively use
• Request EPP code from current registrar
• Verify EPP code received and saved securely
• Check domain expiration date (renew if within 30 days)
• Backup DNS records (document all settings)
• Screenshot current DNS configuration

Day of transfer:

• Triple-check EPP code is correct (no spaces, correct case)
• Verify domain still unlocked (locks can auto-enable)
• Initiate transfer at new registrar
• Watch for confirmation emails
• Check spam folders

During transfer (days 1-7):

• Approve transfer via email link promptly
• Monitor transfer status at new registrar
• Don't make DNS changes during transfer
• Don't let domain expire during transfer
• Keep old registrar account accessible

Best Practices

1. Transfer during low-traffic periods: Minimize impact of any issues
2. Don't rush: Allow yourself time to troubleshoot if needed
3. Keep current registrar paid: Don't let domain expire during transfer
4. Document everything: Save EPP codes, take screenshots, save emails
5. Test email access: Confirm you can receive at WHOIS email
6. Read new registrar's transfer guide: Different registrars have different processes
7. Transfer during business hours: In case you need to contact support

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Initiating transfer with domain locked
• Forgetting to disable WHOIS privacy
• Typo in EPP code
• Using expired email address in WHOIS
• Not checking spam folder for verification emails
• Starting transfer too close to expiration date
• Making DNS changes during transfer
• Trying to transfer newly registered domain

When to File a Complaint

If your registrar violates ICANN transfer policy, you can file a formal complaint.

Valid Reasons to File Complaint

File with ICANN if your registrar:

• Refuses to provide EPP code without valid reason
• Won't unlock domain despite your request
• Denies transfer without legitimate cause
• Charges excessive fees for transfer out
• Takes more than 5 days to provide EPP code
• Doesn't process transfer within required timeframe
• Adds unauthorized transfer locks

How to File ICANN Transfer Complaint

Step 1: Contact registrar first

1. Document your transfer attempt
2. Contact registrar support
3. Explain the issue
4. Request resolution
5. Save all correspondence

Step 2: File formal complaint

1. Visit ICANN Complaint Form: https://forms.icann.org/en/resources/compliance/complaints/transfer/form
2. Provide required information:
   • Your contact details
   • Domain name
   • Current registrar name
   • Description of issue
   • Dates and timeline
   • Correspondence with registrar

Step 3: ICANN investigation

1. ICANN reviews complaint
2. Contacts registrar for their response
3. Investigates whether policy was violated
4. Takes enforcement action if necessary

Timeline: ICANN typically responds within 5-10 business days, full investigation may take 30-60 days.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

For transfer disputes between parties (not just registrar issues):

ICANN Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy (TDRP):

• Handles disputes about improper transfers
• Used when domain was transferred without authorization
• Different from UDRP (trademark disputes)
• Contact: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tdrp-2012-02-25-en

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a domain immediately after registering it?

No. ICANN policy requires domains to be at least 60 days old before transferring to a new registrar. This 60-day lock protects against fraud and cannot be removed early. You must wait until the 61st day after registration to initiate a transfer. The only exception is transferring back to a previous registrar you used before (some registrars allow this).

What happens if my transfer fails?

If a transfer fails, your domain remains at your current registrar with no changes to registration or expiration date. You can immediately try transferring again after fixing the issue that caused the failure. The new registrar will typically explain why the transfer failed in an email notification or in your account dashboard.

Will I lose my website or email during a failed transfer?

No. A failed transfer has no impact on your website, email, or DNS settings. Everything continues working exactly as it did before you attempted the transfer. Your domain stays at your current registrar, and all services remain unchanged.

Do I need to renew before transferring?

You don't have to, but it's wise to ensure your domain won't expire during the transfer process (which takes 5-7 days). If your domain is within 30 days of expiration, renew it first, then transfer. Most transfers add one year to your registration anyway, so you'll get that extra year even if you just renewed.

Can I cancel a transfer after it started?

Yes, you can cancel a transfer before it completes. Options include: (1) At the gaining registrar - cancel the transfer request in your account, (2) At the losing registrar - deny/reject the transfer when you receive the confirmation email, or (3) Simply don't approve the transfer, and it will eventually timeout and cancel automatically.

How many times can I retry a failed transfer?

There's no limit on retry attempts. You can try transferring again immediately after a failure once you fix the issue that caused the problem. However, each attempt restarts the 5-7 day process, so it's better to ensure everything is correct before initiating rather than trying multiple times.

Will my DNS settings transfer automatically?

Maybe. This depends on whether you're also transferring nameservers or keeping them the same. If you keep your current nameservers (recommended during transfer), all DNS settings remain exactly as they were, and there's no interruption. If you change nameservers to the new registrar's, you'll need to recreate your DNS records at the new provider.

Can I transfer a domain that's expiring soon?

Technically yes, but it's risky. If the domain expires during the 5-7 day transfer window, the transfer will fail. Best practice: if your domain expires within 14 days, renew it first, then transfer. This ensures the transfer completes without expiration complications.

Key Takeaways

• Invalid EPP codes cause 30-40% of transfer failures - Always copy EPP codes carefully, watch for trailing periods, remove spaces, and match case exactly
• Domain locks are the second most common issue - Unlock your domain before initiating transfer and verify the clientTransferProhibited status is removed
• 60-day restrictions cannot be overridden - Domains must be at least 60 days old since registration, previous transfer, or certain WHOIS changes before transferring
• WHOIS privacy blocks verification emails - Disable WHOIS privacy before transferring so you receive confirmation emails at your real email address
• Email verification is critical - Check spam folders for transfer approval emails and click confirmation links promptly (they expire in 5-7 days)
• ICANN transfer policy protects you - Registrars must provide EPP codes and allow legitimate transfers; file complaints for policy violations
• Preparation prevents failures - Use a pre-transfer checklist to ensure domain is unlocked, privacy disabled, EPP code obtained, and contact email accessible

Next Steps

Now that you understand domain transfer failures, take these actions:

1. Diagnose Your Specific Failure: Check transfer status at your new registrar, review error messages, and identify which of the common issues is affecting your transfer
2. Apply the Appropriate Fix: Follow the step-by-step solution for your specific failure type (EPP code issues, domain lock, 60-day restriction, etc.)
3. Complete the Pre-Transfer Checklist: Before retrying, verify all requirements are met to avoid repeat failures

Ready to try transferring again? Review our Domain Transfer Checklist to ensure everything is prepared correctly this time.

Helpful Tools and Resources

DomainDetails.com Tools

• RDAP Lookup - Check domain status codes and verify locks are removed
• WHOIS History - Confirm registration date to verify 60-day eligibility
• EPP Code Guide - Learn where to find EPP codes at major registrars

Official Resources

• ICANN Transfer Policy - Official policy document explaining requirements
• ICANN Transfer Complaint Form - File complaints for policy violations
• ICANN Transfer FAQs - Detailed information about transfer rights

Registrar Transfer Guides

• Check your specific registrar's transfer-out guide
• Review new registrar's transfer-in instructions
• Consult registrar support for platform-specific issues

Was this article helpful? Let us know if you successfully resolved your transfer failure or need additional assistance.

Article References:

• ICANN - Transfer Policy
• ICANN - 5 Things About Transfer Policy
• NameSilo - Top 5 Domain Transfer Failures
• Bluehost - Domain Transfer Troubleshooting
• AWS Route 53 - Transfer Failures
• ChemiCloud - 8 Reasons Transfers Fail