Domain Transfer Guide: How to Transfer a Domain Name to a New Host
Are you considering switching your domain to a new registrar? To the inexperienced, it may seem challenging, but it can be a rewarding decision. Whether you're chasing better prices, running from bad customer service, or just bringing all your domains under one roof, knowing how to transfer domain names properly is key when working with domains.
In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about domain transfers: from prep work and potential pitfalls to the exact steps you'll take.
What is a Domain Transfer?
A domain transfer is when you move your domain name from one registrar to another. Think of it like switching phone carriers but keeping your same number. You're not changing your domain name, just the company that manages it for you.
Understanding domain transfers is the first step to managing your digital real estate effectively. According to recent domain industry statistics, over 362.4 million domains were registered globally as of Q2 2024, with transfers between registrars happening thousands of times daily.
Perhaps you've found better pricing elsewhere, or you're unhappy with your current registrar's customer service. Whatever the reason, transferring your domain allows you to maintain your online identity while working with a different company.
What Are the Benefits of Transferring Your Domain?
The right registrar can significantly impact your domain management experience. It can bring various benefits, such as cost savings and improved options and tools. With the global domain market projected to reach $3.41 billion by 2032 (growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%), more businesses are switching registrars to gain competitive advantages.
Switching registrars can bring real advantages:
| Benefit | How it Helps You |
| Cost savings | Many registrars offer transfer discounts and lower renewal rates |
| Better tools | Advanced DNS management, domain privacy, and security features |
| Simplified management | Consolidate domains for easier billing and maintenence |
| Improved reliability | Better uptime and more responsive support |
| Fresh start | Leave behind any account issues with your previous registrar |
Most transfers also give you a one-year extension on your domain's expiration date, which is like getting a renewal attached to your move. That alone makes transfers worth considering when evaluating other factors.
Are There Any Risks Involved in Domain Name Transfer?
While domain transfers are usually successful, they can sometimes be delayed or complicated depending on the registrars involved.
Issues like registrar restrictions, incorrect domain settings, or missing authorization codes can slow down the process. Understanding these challenges in advance helps you prepare and avoid disruptions to your domain access, website, or business.
While domain transfers are generally safe, you should know about these potential hiccups:
- Timing gaps: If not managed properly, you might experience brief DNS downtime
- Email disruption: If your email is tied to the domain, service could be temporarily affected
- Lost settings: DNS records sometimes need to be re-created after the transfer
- Transfer lock: Some transfers fail because the domain is locked or recently registered
- Expiration risks: Starting a transfer too close to expiration can lead to a registration lapse (different registrars have different rules regarding this)
The good news? Most of these issues are preventable with proper planning. Taking screenshots of your current Domain Name System settings before transfer gives you a blueprint to follow at your new registrar.
Preparing for Your Domain Transfer
Proper preparation dramatically increases your chances of a smooth transfer. According to ICANN's transfer policy documentation, following the established pre-transfer protocols helps ensure domain transfers complete successfully and with minimal delays.
By understanding and addressing potential obstacles before they arise, you can avoid the common complications that frustrate many domain owners.
What Steps Should You Take Before Initiating the Transfer?
Taking the right steps before starting your transfer can save you headaches later. Preparation makes all the difference in a smooth domain transfer:
- Check eligibility: Make sure your domain is eligible (generally not within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer)
- Make sure your domain isn’t about to expire soon. It should be at least two weeks before the expiration date when you start initiating the transfer.
- Verify Whois information: Your email address must be correct to receive confirmation messages
- Back up DNS settings: Document or make note of all DNS records, including A, CNAME, MX, and TXT records in case issues occur
- Choose your new registrar: Research pricing, features, and support options
How Do You Unlock Your Domain for Transfer?
Domain locking is an important security feature, but it must be disabled for transfers. Unlocking your domain is like taking the security tag off before leaving the store: it's mandatory.
You can unlock your Dynadot account in a few simple steps: by selecting “My info” from the left-side menu and then “Security” from the drop-down, enter your security PIN, and unlock your account (read all the steps here). Your account remains unlocked for only one hour before automatically re-locking again, for your safety.
What is an Authorization Code and Why Do You Need It?
The authorization code (also known as an EPP code or transfer key) plays a crucial role in securing domain transfers and preventing unauthorized changes. Missing, expired, or incorrectly entered authorization codes cause transfer failures.
This code typically appears as a random string of letters, numbers, and symbols. Your current registrar provides this code when you request it, often via email or directly when you request it through your account. The code typically expires after a few days to weeks, so don't request it until you're ready to start the transfer.
An authorization or EPP code grants permission to transfer your domain to its new home.
How Does the Domain Transfer Process Work?
Understanding the mechanics of domain transfers helps set realistic expectations. With over 170 million .COM and .NET domains registered as of Q2 2024 (Verisign's study mentioned above), transfers between registrars have become increasingly streamlined.
What Steps Are Involved in Transferring a Domain?
The actual transfer follows this basic pattern:
- Start at your new registrar: Begin the transfer process by entering your domain name
- Provide your auth code: Enter the authorization code from your current registrar
- Pay the transfer fee: Most registrars charge for transfers, though it often includes a one-year renewal
- Verify your domain ownership: Respond to the confirmation email sent to your Whois contact address
- Wait for completion: Both registrars communicate to finalize the transfer
Your new registrar handles most of the technical details behind the scenes. Your primary responsibility is to provide accurate information and respond to confirmation requests in a timely manner.
How Long Does the Domain Transfer Process Take?
Time expectations are crucial when planning domain transfers. Recent industry reports from SupportHost show that while most transfers are complete within 1-7 days, specific TLDs have different average completion times, with some specialty domains taking significantly longer. Domain transfer time depends on how long each step in domain transfer takes.
Here is a timeline of the domain transfer; however, please note that domain transfers can take significantly longer, or sometimes they can take only one day.
The waiting period is actually a security feature, giving you time to cancel if the transfer was unauthorized. While it might seem frustrating, this delay protects your domain from theft.
During this time, your website continues functioning normally, and the transfer happens behind the scenes. Domain transfer may temporarily affect email delivery.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting During Domain Transfer
Even with careful preparation, domain transfers can sometimes hit roadblocks. Understanding these potential challenges in advance helps you recognize problems quickly and take appropriate action, turning potential show-stoppers into minor delays.
What Are Some Common Problems You Might Encounter?
Understanding potential roadblocks can help you navigate around them. Recent data from domain registrars shows that specific issues account for the majority of transfer problems.
Even with careful preparation, you might face these common hurdles:
- Transfer denied due to domain lock: Double-check that you've disabled all transfer locks
- Expired authorization code: Most codes expire after a short period
- Incorrect Whois email: You won't receive confirmation emails if your contact info is wrong
- Domain too new: Domains under 60 days old typically can't be transferred
- Pending renewal or expiration: Transfers might fail close to expiration dates
The most frustrating issue? The silent failure. Sometimes transfers stall without clear error messages. If your transfer awaits for over two weeks days, it's time to contact support.
How Can You Resolve Transfer Failures or Delays?
Prompt action is crucial when addressing transfer issues. There are specific time windows during which problems can be most effectively resolved before they lead to transfer failures. Engaging with both registrars early in the process typically leads to faster resolution and increases the likelihood of completing the transfer without needing to restart the entire procedure.
When problems happen, try these fixes:
- Contact both registrars: Often, your current registrar can see why the transfer is blocked
- Update Whois information: Make sure your contact details are current
- Request a new auth code: If yours has expired, get a fresh one
- Try again after waiting period: Some blocks are temporary and resolve on their own
What Should You Do if You Don't Receive the Confirmation Email?
The confirmation email represents a critical security checkpoint in the transfer process. Verification messages are a mandatory safeguard to prevent unauthorized transfers, but they can sometimes be filtered, misdirected, or simply overlooked. When this happens, the entire transfer stalls until the issue is resolved, making it one of the most common yet solvable roadblocks in the process.
Missing confirmation emails derail many transfers. If yours doesn't arrive:
- Check all email addresses: It might go to a secondary or recovery email
- Search your spam/junk folders: These emails often get flagged as suspicious
- Look for emails from both registrars: Either one might send critical messages
- Request resending: Most registrars can resend the confirmation email
- Update your Whois email and try again: As a last resort, update your email and restart
Some registrars also offer phone or SMS verification as alternatives if email is problematic.
Post-Transfer Considerations
After a successful transfer, proper setup is crucial. Verisign’s research (mentioned above) shows that nearly 72.6% of .COM and .NET domains were renewed in Q2 2024, highlighting the importance of establishing correct settings at your new registrar.
What Happens After Your Domain Transfer is Complete?
Completion marks the beginning of your relationship with your new registrar and a fresh opportunity to optimize your domain settings. This transition period is crucial for ensuring that your domain continues to operate smoothly while taking advantage of any new features or services offered by your chosen registrar.
Once your transfer finishes, you'll get a "Transfer Complete" email notification. Now:
- Verify your registration details: Make sure everything is transferred correctly
- Check your domain expiration date: Confirm it is extended by one year
- Set up auto-renewal: Avoid accidental expiration in the future if needed
- Update your password: Create a strong password for your new registrar account
Your website should continue working without interruption. If there are any issues, they're usually related to DNS settings that need attention.
Conclusion: Is Domain Transfer Right for You?
The domain transfer process is straightforward: unlock your domain, obtain an authorization code, initiate the transfer with your new registrar, and confirm via email.
Most transfers succeed without issues, especially when you've backed up DNS settings, verified domain contact information, and choose a reputable new registrar. The benefits of a successful transfer, including potential cost savings, improved features, and consolidated management, typically outweigh the minimal risks.
Consider your specific needs; business-critical domains deserve extra caution, but with proper preparation, you can change registrars without experiencing downtime or losing settings.
Whether you're switching for better pricing, stronger security features, or superior support, a successful domain transfer puts you in control of your digital presence with a registrar that better meets your needs.
If you are looking for a safe space for your domains and industry-low prices, transfer your domains to Dynadot!
FAQs
What is a domain transfer?
A domain transfer refers to the process of moving a domain name from one registrar to another. This can be necessary for various reasons, such as finding a better service provider, consolidating multiple domain names under one registrar, or switching to a new web hosting service. The transfer process involves several steps to ensure that the domain is securely transferred without any downtime.
Can I transfer domains in bulk?
Yes, you can transfer multiple domains at once using our bulk domain transfer tool. Simply upload a list of domain names along with their respective authorization codes, and we’ll handle the rest—saving you time and effort compared to individual transfers.
What is the authorization code and why do I need it?
The authorization code, or EPP code, is a unique identifier assigned to your domain name by your current registrar. This code acts as a security measure to prevent unauthorized transfers. You will need this code when you begin the process to transfer your domain name to a new registrar. It verifies that you are the legitimate owner of the domain and wish to proceed with the transfer.
How long does the domain transfer process take?
The domain transfer process typically takes 5 to 15 days to complete, but this timeframe can vary depending on the registrars involved and their respective processing times. Once you initiate the transfer, you will usually receive an email from your new registrar to confirm the transfer. After you confirm, the current registrar will have a few days to approve the transfer request. Ensure that your contact information is up to date with both.
How do I transfer a domain?
To transfer a domain:
- Unlock your domain at your current registrar
- Get an authorization code
- Start the transfer at your new registrar
- Enter the auth code
- Pay the transfer fee
- Approve the transfer via email confirmation.
What is the transfer process like?
The transfer process is mostly waiting. After initiating the transfer and confirming via email, the process takes 5-15 days for most domains.
During this time, both registrars communicate behind the scenes while your website continues functioning normally.