Transferring a domain name is a straightforward process.   

Sure, there are a few steps to the whole thing, but they aren’t complex or anxiety-inducing, especially not when you have a guide.   

In this post, we’ll cover the A to Z of how to transfer a domain name.  

Keep reading, and you’ll learn the following information:  

• What it means to transfer a domain name 

• Common reasons for transferring a domain name 

• How to transfer a domain name 

• And more!  

Use the table of contents below to jump to a particular section in this guide or start from the top for a comprehensive overview of transferring domain names.  

What does it mean to transfer a domain name? 

Transferring a domain name means moving your domain registration from one domain registrar (the service where your domain is registered) to another. This transfer doesn’t affect the domain itself, such as the website content, email services, or any settings you’ve applied. Instead, it simply changes the company that manages your domain’s registration. 

Why should you transfer a domain name? 

Transferring a domain name from one registrar to another can be driven by several factors. Below are some of the most common reasons why domain owners choose to make the switch: 

Cost and value 

Registrars determine their own pricing based on the products and services they sell. Some registrars, like Domain.com, offer free perks with your domain registration (like email forwarding, URL forwarding, and more).   

If you’re not happy with the pricing structure of your current registrar and the features they offer, it may be time to make a change.   

Improved domain management 

Managing your domain names shouldn’t be a hassle. Choose a registrar who prioritizes ease of use and offers all the features you need.     

Some registrars offer their own services and seamless integrations for things like email and hosting—while others offer clunky 3^rd party integrations that may slow your website down.   

Changing ownership 

When selling or buying a domain, transferring it to the new owner is essential to give them full control over the domain and its settings. 

Better customer support 

If your current domain registrar doesn’t provide adequate support, transferring to one with 24/7 customer service, like Domain.com, ensures you can get help whenever needed. 

Eligibility for domain transfer 

Before transferring a domain, it’s important to check if your domain is eligible: 

• ICANN’s 60-day rule. Your domain must be at least 60 days old from the registration date or last transfer. This is a global policy that prevents transfers too soon after a domain is registered or moved. 

• Check domain status. Ensure your domain is “unlocked” with your current registrar. You can verify this by checking the domain’s WHOIS status, which should show as “OK” or “Active.” 

• Request domain authorization code (Extensible Provisioning Protocol code). This code is required to authorize the transfer. You can usually get it from your current registrar’s control panel. 

Some domains (e.g., country-specific ones like .UK or .ES) may have additional transfer rules, so check the specific requirements for your domain extension. 

These steps ensure your domain is eligible and ready for transfer without any delays. 

How to transfer your domain name (Easy steps) 

Transferring domain name from one registrar to another can be confusing, but by following a clear process, it becomes straightforward.  

Below, we’ve outlined the key steps involved in successfully transferring your domain. 

Step 1: Update your contact information 

Updating your contact information is crucial for domain transfer because your registrar will need to reach you for confirmation and updates throughout the process. Without accurate details, your transfer could be delayed or even denied.  

Make sure your admin details such as email, phone number, and physical address are up to date. This information is often stored in your registrar’s control panel under account settings or domain management. Any discrepancy in contact information could result in a rejected domain transfer request. 

Step 2: Unlock your domain 

Domain registrars typically lock your domain by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. The domain lock ensures that no changes or transfers can happen without explicit approval from the domain owner.  

To initiate a transfer, you must unlock the domain through your registrar’s control panel. This is usually found under the security or domain management sections. Once unlocked, your domain becomes eligible for transfer to a new registrar. 

Step 3: Disable domain privacy 

During a domain transfer, disabling WHOIS privacy is a necessary step because the new registrar needs to verify your domain ownership using public records like WHOIS. Domain privacy hides your personal details from WHOIS, but for the transfer, this must be temporarily disabled so the new registrar can reach out to you directly.  

Go to your privacy settings within your current registrar’s control panel and turn off the domain privacy protection feature. This step ensures that all transfer-related communications reach the correct email address. 

Step 4: Check for outstanding payments or legal disputes 

Before transferring your domain, it’s important to ensure that no outstanding payments or legal disputes are associated with your domain. Any unpaid fees or legal issues, such as a court order, can block the transfer process. 

Verify your account status in the registrar’s control panel and make sure all fees are paid. Besides that, confirm that there are no ongoing disputes or restrictions preventing the transfer. 

Step 5: Request authorization code (EPP Code) 

An Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) code, also known as an authorization code, is a unique string of characters that your current registrar provides to authenticate the transfer. This code acts as a security measure to prevent unauthorized domain transfers. 

To request your EPP code, log into your current registrar’s control panel and look for the transfer section or contact support. Some registrars send the code via email, while others allow you to generate it automatically within your account settings. 

Step 6: Create an account with your new registrar 

Before initiating the transfer, you’ll need to create an account with your new registrar (also known as the gaining registrar). Having an account ensures that your domain has a destination once it’s transferred. This step is straightforward—simply sign up for an account, providing your basic contact information.  

Once registered, navigate to the transfer service page, where you will start the transfer process by entering your domain name and EPP code. 

Step 7: Enter the authorization code 

After obtaining the EPP code, input it into the transfer form provided by your new registrar. Double-check for accuracy, as any error in the code could halt or delay the transfer. 

Confirm that the domain name and authorization code match exactly with the details provided by your previous registrar to avoid complications during the process. 

Step 8: Confirm the transfer 

Once the EPP code is submitted, both your old and new registrars will contact you to confirm the transfer. This involves reviewing the information you provided, confirming the authorization, and responding to any email notifications you receive. 

Check your inbox regularly during this phase to promptly approve the transfer request, ensuring no delays. 

Step 9: Wait for the transfer to complete 

Domain transfers typically take 5-7 business days to complete. During this time, your website and associated services (such as email) will remain live, so there’s no need to worry about downtime. 

Monitor the transfer’s progress through your new registrar’s dashboard to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly. 

Step 10: Pay transfer fees and renew your domain 

Most registrars charge a transfer fee, and you will also be required to renew your domain for an additional year as per ICANN rules. Be prepared to pay for this renewal along with any applicable transfer fees at the time of the transfer. 

Once you’ve completed the payment, your domain transfer will be finalized, and the domain will be renewed for another year at your new registrar. 

How to transfer your domain name to Domain.com 

Looking to transfer your domain name to Domain.com?  Follow these steps: 

1. Visit your current domain registrar to secure your authorization code and unlock the domain you plan to transfer. 

2. Go to Domain.com and search for your domain using the domain search bar. 

3. Proceed with the checkout process. 

4. Within 2 to 4 hours, you will receive an email requesting your authorization code to initiate the transfer. Enter the code to finalize the process.    

Why should I transfer my domain name to Domain.com? 

Domain names are our bread and butter, and we’ve been a leader in the industry since 2000.   

However, it isn’t our age that makes us a great fit for your domains; it’s the fact that we’re designed to make managing your domains a breeze.  

Here’s how we do it. 

Straightforward domain management 

Your domain dashboard lets you quickly and easily manage your domain names. That means no hunting around for hidden tools—toggle the most important features on or off as you need them.    

Plentiful hosting options 

We’re here to make your life easier when it comes to domains and to help you create and build your online presence.  We don’t just offer over 300 TLDs for registration; we offer various website hosting and builder services, email, and more! 

Automatic domain name renewal 

Your claim to your domain name has an expiration date.  When your domain registration period runs out, so does your ownership of that domain name. You can leave yourself a reminder on your calendar to manually renew it, or you can use Domain.com’s Auto Renewal feature so that it’s one less thing to worry about.   

Cost-conscious pricing 

We offer some of the most competitive pricing available in the domain name industry. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself. We’re not in the business of hiding our pricing and making it difficult to find.    

24/7 customer support 

Sometimes, we all need a little help. Our teams are there for you 24/7.   You can reach our teams by phone or live chat, and you have a comprehensive Knowledge Base chock-full of FAQs and step-by-step guidance at your disposal.   

How to transfer your domain from GoDaddy to Domain.com 

Ready to make the move to Domain.com from GoDaddy? Here are the steps you’ll take to transfer your domain name to Domain.com.   

1. Log into your GoDaddy Account Manager.   

2. In the My Products section, find and click Domain Manager.  

3. Use the checkbox(es) to select the domain name(s) you want to modify.   

4. Above the list of your domain names, select Locking.  

5. To unlock the domain(s), clear the lock domains checkbox.   

6. Select OK.  

7. Click OK again.  

To retrieve your transfer authorization code from GoDaddy, follow these steps: 

1. Log into your GoDaddy Account Manager.   

2. In the My Products section, click Domain Manager.  

3. Select the domain name whose authorization code you want.   

4. In the Authorization Code field, click the Send by Email hyperlink.  

5. Select OK. 

6. Click OK again.  

After submitting your transfer request to Domain.com, we’ll send you an email confirming your transfer. Make sure to confirm your transfer via that email. Within it, we provide a link to your account so you can log in and enter your transfer authorization code.   

And that’s it! 

Transfer your domain name and build your online presence  

Transferring a domain name shouldn’t be a complicated process. At Domain.com, our goal is to make your domain name transfer as painless and intuitive as possible.  

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our teams, leave a comment down below, or check out this Knowledge Base article to learn more about transferring a domain name to your account.

Domain Name Transfer FAQs