6 Steps to Successfully Transfer Your Domain Names to another Registrar

There are many reasons to transfer a domain name to another registrar.

I often transfer my names to save money on renewal fees. With some registrars still charging as high as $35 per year for domain registrations it makes sense to move my names to lower priced registrars. There are many registrars that only charge $5.95 to $9.95 per year for domain registrations and renewals.

Another reason to change is that you are unhappy with your present registrar. You may have experienced slow or poor customer service.

If you own a lot of names you may want to switch to a registrar that offers better management of your domain names.

Regardless of your reasons for changing follow these instructions to successfully transfer your domain name to another registrar.

Step 1 - Go to the Sponsoring Registrar

This is the website of the registrar where your domain name is currently registered and log-in to your account.

If you do not know who your registrar is do a whois search at BetterWhoIs or WhoIsQuery. A whois search will tell you the name of the current registrar and their website address.

Before transferring a name make sure your whois contact information is correct. A confirmation may be sent to the administrative contact e-mail address on file for the domain name. This address is also used by the registrar to send lost account passwords. It's important to always keep your contact email address updated.

Step 2 - Obtain the Authorization Code (auth code) for each domain name you wish to transfer.

The EPP transfer code or auth code is found in your account manager at your domain registrar. Registrars have different control panels to manage names. If you cannot locate the auth code in your account use the site's help section to find or contact the support department.

The authorization code is a 6 to 16 character code assigned by the registrar.

An example of an auth code is:

s0MfhhGxn8IaAVAQtPHBpA==

If the auth code is missing or incorrect (does not authorize a transfer) you should contact the support department of your domain registrar and request it.

Registrars are required to provide the auth code upon the request by the registrant. If a registrar fails to provide your auth code in a reasonable time contact Icann.

You cannot transfer a name without the auth code.

Step 3 - Unlock the Domain Name if it is locked.

If you are not sure if the name is locked do a whois search. It will tell you if the domain is locked or if a transfer is prohibited. The domain status must say "ACTIVE" to be eligible to transfer.

Unlock names from your domain management account at your registrar. You cannot transfer a domain name if it is locked at the registrar.

Step 4 - Go to the Gaining Registrar

This is the new registrar you want to transfer your name to.

Create an account and log-in to your account.

Step 5 - Initiate the Transfer

Transferring a name is similar to registering a name. Find the link to "Transfer a domain name" in the registrar's main menu and follow the instructions.

You will enter the name of the domain name you want to transfer and the auth code to begin the transfer.

You must pay for the transfer at the time you request the change. Most registrars offer a risk free transfer and will refund your fees if the transfer fails for any reason.

Many registrars allow you to transfer more then one domain name at the same time. You may be asked to enter the domain names one per line with a comma between the name and the auth code. For example:

myname1.com,HMArcw7zZbYMY6HSIriTtg==

myname2.com,tZgFza9xctp9wizqQaVdvg==

myname3.com,FZgXza5xcvbaCidbbaBrvv==

Some registrars may allow a bulk transfer of names by by email if you contact their sales department.

Step 6 - Approve the Transfer

For security purposes once the transfer order is placed, the gaining registrar sends an email to the administrative contact of each domain name for which you have placed a transfer request asking for confirmation of the transfer. You confirm the transfer by clicking on a link in the email to verify the transfer.

If you do not have access to the administrative e-mail address for the domain name contact the support department at the gaining registrar. They will be able to confirm the transfer for you.

If you receive a domain name transfer request in error follow the instructions to cancel.

The losing registrar may also send you emails asking for confirmation or cancellation of your domain transfer requests - you can choose to ignore these emails.

How long does a domain name transfer take?

The transfer will be completed in 5 to 7 days.

Many registrars keep you updated of the status of your domain transfers by a daily email or by a webpage in your account manager.

Why can't I transfer a domain name?

Common reasons why a domain transfer may fail are:

Names cannot be transferred if it has not been more then 60 days since the name was initially registered.

Domain names cannot be transferred if they have expired.

The domain name is locked at the registrar.

The auth-code is incorrect.

The administrative email contact is outdated.

Do I lose time by transferring a domain name?

When a name is transferred one of year domain registration is added. No time is lost. Your current domain expiration date is extended by one year.

For example on September 15, 2007 you transfer your domain name to another registrar. If your domain expires on December 1, 2007 your new expiration date after transferring will be December 1, 2008.

Transfers are seamless. Your name servers are not altered anytime during the transfer process. Your domain will not face any downtime during this process.

Check for special pricing on transfers that registrars may offer. If you own several domain names just saving a little on your domain registrations can save you a lot.

Where are the best places to Register Domain Names?

View our Lists of Domain Registrars here.

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