Transferred Domain to Wrong Registrar: What Now? (2025 Fix)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Understanding the Problem

How accidental transfers happen and their implications.

Common Scenarios

How this happens:

Scenario 1: Multiple registrar accounts

• Have accounts at several registrars
• Initiated transfer at wrong one
• Confused similar interfaces
• Meant to use Registrar A, used Registrar B

Scenario 2: Copied wrong EPP code

• Multiple domains being transferred
• Pasted EPP code for different domain
• Domain ended up at unintended registrar

Scenario 3: Test gone wrong

• Testing transfer process
• Used real domain instead of test domain
• Transfer actually completed

Scenario 4: Business confusion

• Multiple team members managing domains
• Someone transferred without coordination
• Transferred to their preferred registrar, not company's

Scenario 5: Misunderstood process

• Thought you were transferring hosting
• Actually transferred domain registration
• Ended up at wrong service provider

Why It's Problematic

Issues created:

• 60-day lock: Can't transfer again for 60 days
• Billing confusion: Different payment methods needed
• Management scattered: Domains at different registrars
• Extra cost: Transfer fees at both registrars
• Time waste: Two transfer processes instead of one

What Still Works

Good news:

• ✅ Domain functions normally
• ✅ Website works
• ✅ Email works
• ✅ DNS management available
• ✅ Can renew domain
• ✅ No data loss

Only restriction: Can't transfer out for 60 days

The 60-Day Transfer Lock

Understanding the mandatory waiting period.

ICANN Policy

What it is: Domains cannot be transferred between registrars within 60 days of:

• Previous transfer completion
• Initial registration
• Change of registrant (at some registrars)

Purpose:

• Prevent transfer fraud
• Stop rapid back-and-forth transfers
• Protect against hijacking
• Allow time for disputes

Cannot be waived:

• ❌ No exceptions
• ❌ Registrars can't override
• ❌ ICANN won't grant special permission
• ❌ Even for mistakes

Calculating Your Wait Time

Find transfer completion date:

1. Check email for transfer confirmation
2. Log into wrong registrar account
3. View domain details
4. Note transfer completion date

Calculate availability:

• Transfer completed: January 1, 2025
• 60 days later: March 2, 2025
• Can transfer on: March 2, 2025 or later

Tip: Set calendar reminder for day 60

What You Can Do During Lock

Allowed actions:

• ✅ Manage DNS records
• ✅ Renew domain
• ✅ Update contact information
• ✅ Enable/disable WHOIS privacy
• ✅ Lock/unlock domain (lock doesn't matter for 60-day restriction)
• ✅ Use domain normally

Not allowed:

• ❌ Transfer to different registrar
• ❌ Change registrar account
• ❌ Move to correct registrar

Immediate Actions to Take

Steps to take right after discovering the mistake.

Step 1: Verify the Transfer

Confirm transfer actually completed:

1. Check email for transfer completion confirmation
2. Log into intended registrar - is domain there?
3. Log into wrong registrar - is domain there?
4. Check WHOIS - which registrar shows?

Status:

• If still in progress: May be able to cancel
• If completed: Subject to 60-day lock

Step 2: Document Everything

Record details:

• Transfer completion date
• Wrong registrar name
• Intended registrar name
• Domain name
• Transfer confirmation emails
• EPP code used (if still have it)

Why: Helps when requesting assistance

Step 3: Contact Wrong Registrar

Explain situation:

Subject: Accidental [Domain Transfer](/kb/domain-management/how-to-transfer-domain) - Request Assistance

Hello,

I accidentally transferred domain [yourdomain.com] to your service
on [date]. This was a mistake - I intended to transfer to [Other
Registrar].

Is there any way to:
1. Reverse this transfer?
2. Waive the 60-day lock?
3. Expedite transfer to correct registrar?

I understand ICANN's 60-day policy, but wanted to ask if any
exceptions can be made for genuine errors.

Transfer details:
- Domain: yourdomain.com
- Transfer date: [date]
- Intended registrar: [name]

Thank you,
[Your name]

Step 4: Contact Intended Registrar

Inform them:

• Domain went to wrong registrar
• Want to transfer to them after 60 days
• Ask if they can help
• Inquire about any pre-preparation possible

Can the Transfer Be Reversed?

Exploring reversal possibilities.

Official Answer: No

ICANN policy is clear:

• Transfers cannot be reversed
• 60-day lock is mandatory
• No registrar can override
• No official reversal mechanism

Unofficial Possibilities

In rare cases, registrars might:

Push transfer (between accounts):

• Some registrars allow internal account-to-account movement
• Not a true transfer, more like reassignment
• May not trigger 60-day lock
• Only works within same registrar

Registrar cooperation:

• If both registrars are willing
• Very rare, extraordinary circumstances
• Requires both registrars to coordinate
• Not guaranteed, don't rely on this

Refund the fee:

• Some registrars refund transfer fee for mistakes
• Doesn't reverse transfer, just returns money
• Ask within 30 days
• Not all registrars offer this

Realistic Expectation

Most likely outcome:

• Transfer stands as-is
• Must wait 60 days
• Then transfer to correct registrar
• Learn from mistake for future

Working with the Wrong Registrar

Making the best of the situation during the 60-day period.

Familiarize Yourself with Interface

Learn the platform:

• Where DNS management is
• How to renew domain
• How to update contact info
• How to get EPP code (for later)

Even temporary, you might need to:

• Update DNS records
• Renew if expiring soon
• Manage the domain

Avoid Additional Costs

Be careful with:

• Auto-renewal: Disable if transferring soon
• Add-on services: Don't purchase extras
• Multi-year renewal: Only renew 1 year
• Privacy protection: Only if critical

Why: You'll be leaving this registrar in 60 days

Prepare for Correct Transfer

Use the 60 days to:

At wrong registrar:

• Set reminder for day 60
• Note where unlock button is
• Know where to get EPP code
• Lower DNS TTL values if planning DNS changes

At correct registrar:

• Set up account if don't have one
• Add payment method
• Familiarize with transfer process
• Prepare to receive domain

Keep Domain Functional

Ensure:

• DNS records configured correctly
• Website still works
• Email still works
• Services uninterrupted

Wrong registrar doesn't mean broken domain—it works fine, just at wrong place

Preparing for Correct Transfer

Get ready during the 60-day wait.

7 Days Before Day 60

At wrong registrar:

• Log in and verify can access account
• Find domain unlock option (practice, don't unlock yet)
• Locate EPP code request (don't request yet)
• Verify payment current (if renewal needed)

At correct registrar:

• Verify account exists and accessible
• Add/verify payment method
• Review transfer process/documentation
• Check if any promotional pricing for transfers

On Day 60

Morning of day 60:

1. Unlock domain at wrong registrar
2. Request EPP code at wrong registrar
3. Receive EPP code (email or dashboard)
4. Save EPP code securely

Same day or next: 5. Initiate transfer at correct registrar 6. Enter EPP code 7. Complete payment 8. Approve transfer via email confirmations

During Transfer (Days 60-67)

Timeline:

• Day 60: Initiated
• Day 60-61: Verification emails sent
• Day 60-65: Transfer processing
• Day 65-67: Transfer completes

What to do:

• Watch for confirmation emails
• Approve transfer promptly
• Don't change DNS during transfer
• Monitor for completion

After 60 Days: Transfer Process

Step-by-step correct transfer.

Step 1: Unlock Domain

At wrong registrar:

1. Log in
2. Domain management
3. Find your domain
4. Domain lock or transfer lock setting
5. Toggle OFF or click Unlock
6. Save

Verify: Check WHOIS after 1-2 hours - should not show clientTransferProhibited

Step 2: Get EPP Code

At wrong registrar:

1. Same domain management area
2. Look for "EPP code," "Auth code," or "Transfer code"
3. Click to reveal or email
4. Copy code carefully
5. Save in secure location

Step 3: Initiate Transfer

At correct (intended) registrar:

1. Log in
2. Find "Transfer domain" or "Transfer in"
3. Enter domain name
4. Paste EPP code exactly
5. Proceed to payment
6. Complete checkout

Step 4: Approve Transfer

Check both email addresses:

• Email at wrong registrar (current)
• Email at correct registrar (new)

Look for:

• Transfer authorization emails
• Approval links
• Confirmation requests

Click approve in both emails if sent

Step 5: Wait for Completion

Timeline: 5-7 days typically

Monitor progress:

• Check email for updates
• Log into correct registrar for status
• Wait for completion confirmation

Step 6: Verify

After completion:

• Domain shows at correct registrar
• Expiration date extended by 1 year
• DNS records transferred (if same nameservers)
• Website still works
• Email still works
• EPP code invalidated (old one won't work)

Avoiding Future Mistakes

Prevent repeating this error.

Use Clear Labeling

Organize accounts:

• Save registrars with clear names in password manager
• Label: "Domain Registrar - Work" vs "Domain Registrar - Personal"
• Use notes to specify which domains belong where

Verify Before Transfer

Double-check checklist:

• Confirm registrar website URL before login
• Verify you're in correct account
• Check domain name is correct
• Confirm EPP code matches domain
• Review destination registrar name before clicking "Transfer"

Centralize Domain Management

Best practice:

• Keep all domains at one registrar if possible
• Less confusion
• Easier management
• Bulk discounts

If multiple registrars needed:

• Document which domains at which registrar
• Maintain spreadsheet or list
• Update when making changes

Use Test Domains for Practice

When learning:

• Register cheap test domain (.xyz, $1-2)
• Practice transfers with test domain
• Get familiar with process
• Then transfer important domains

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a domain transfer after it started but before completion?

Yes, during the 5-7 day transfer process, you can typically cancel by denying the transfer in the confirmation email from your current registrar or by contacting support at either registrar. However, once the transfer fully completes, you cannot reverse it and must wait the 60-day lock period before transferring again.

Will I lose the transfer fee I paid to the wrong registrar?

Most registrars add 1 year to your domain's expiration as part of the transfer fee, so you're not losing money—you're prepaying for a year of registration at that registrar. Some registrars may offer refunds for accidental transfers if requested quickly (within 5-30 days), but this isn't guaranteed. Check the registrar's refund policy.

Does the domain stop working during the 60-day lock period?

No, the domain functions completely normally during the 60-day lock period. Your website, email, and all services continue working. The only restriction is that you cannot initiate another transfer to a different registrar until 60 days have passed. You can still manage DNS, renew the domain, and use it as usual.

Can both registrars work together to reverse the mistaken transfer?

While technically possible, this is extremely rare and not part of any official ICANN process. Registrars generally won't coordinate reversal transfers because it violates the 60-day lock policy. In extraordinary circumstances with clear proof of error or fraud, they might consider it, but you shouldn't count on this happening.

Will the wrong transfer affect my website or email?

Generally no, if you transferred the domain but kept the same nameservers. DNS settings (including website and email configuration) usually remain intact during a transfer. However, if the new registrar required different nameservers or if you changed DNS during the transfer, you may need to reconfigure. Check your DNS settings at the new registrar to ensure everything points correctly.

Can I transfer back to the original registrar after 60 days, or must I go to a third registrar?

You can transfer to any registrar you want after the 60-day lock expires, including back to the original registrar you transferred from (if that was your intent). The 60-day lock only prevents transfers during that period—after it expires, you have complete freedom to transfer to any ICANN-accredited registrar.

Do I have to pay two transfer fees to get the domain to the right place?

Yes, typically you'll pay one transfer fee to the wrong registrar (already paid) and another transfer fee when transferring to the correct registrar. However, both transfers add 1 year to your registration, so you're essentially getting 2 additional years of registration. The main downside is the time delay, not necessarily the cost.

What if my domain expires during the 60-day lock period?

You can renew the domain at the current (wrong) registrar without affecting the transfer lock. Renewal doesn't reset the 60-day counter—the clock continues based on the original transfer completion date. After renewal, you can still transfer to the correct registrar once the 60 days pass. Just ensure you renew before expiration to avoid complications.

Key Takeaways

• 60-day transfer lock is mandatory and cannot be waived - ICANN policy prevents transfers within 60 days of previous transfer; applies to all domains, no exceptions
• Transfer reversal is nearly impossible - Once completed, transfers cannot be officially reversed; you must wait 60 days then transfer to correct registrar
• Domain functions normally during lock period - Website, email, and all services work fine; only restriction is inability to transfer elsewhere for 60 days
• Set calendar reminder for day 60 - On day 60 after mistaken transfer, unlock domain, get EPP code, and initiate correct transfer immediately
• Both transfers add 1 year each - You'll pay two transfer fees but get 2 years added to registration total; not ideal but not entirely wasted money
• Don't rely on registrar cooperation - While you can ask, don't expect wrong and correct registrar to work together for reversal; not standard practice
• Prepare during the 60-day wait - Use time to familiarize with both registrar interfaces, set reminders, and prepare for quick correct transfer on day 60

Next Steps

Now that you understand the wrong registrar situation, take these actions:

1. Calculate Your Day 60: Check the transfer completion date and set calendar reminder for exactly 60 days later when you can transfer again
2. Document Current Status: Save all transfer confirmation emails, note wrong registrar details, and verify domain is accessible and functional
3. Prepare for Correct Transfer: Set up account at intended registrar, verify payment method works, and review their transfer process

Need to check transfer completion date? Use our WHOIS History Tool to view when the domain transferred to the current registrar.

Helpful Tools and Resources

Transfer Planning

• Calendar Reminder - Set alert for day 60 after mistaken transfer
• Transfer Checklist - Review requirements for next transfer
• EPP Code Storage - Secure location to save authorization code

Registrar Resources

• Wrong Registrar Support - Contact for questions about current situation
• Correct Registrar Support - Prepare account for eventual correct transfer
• Transfer Documentation - Review both registrars' transfer processes

Domain Management

• WHOIS Lookup - Check current registrar and transfer history
• Domain Expiration Tracker - Ensure renewal before transfer attempt
• DNS Configuration - Verify settings correct at current registrar

Was this article helpful? Let us know if this guide helped you understand how to handle a mistaken domain transfer.

Transfer policies are set by ICANN and uniformly enforced. For registrar-specific questions, contact their support directly.