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After building a successful website with a steady flow of visitors, the last thing you want to do is to make changes that could disrupt your operations. Unfortunately, issues beyond our control arise sometimes – servers go down more often, speeds slow to a crawl, and support is always MIA when you need help most.

Or maybe you just received an irresistible offer to buy your domain name or entire website, you’ve sealed the deal, and are looking to transfer the domain to its new owner.

Whatever your reasons may be for a domain transfer, making the move isn’t nearly as daunting as it seems. Even though it does require both the old and new hosts to sign off, the process itself is straightforward.

From requesting the transfer to completing the switch, I’ll explain each step on how to transfer a domain.

Here we go…

Why Transfer a Domain

Several situations may prompt a domain transfer. For one, it can save you money in the long run. Some domain registrars offer lower prices on renewals and transfer fees compared to others. Plus, it’s better to keep all your domains in one place – having them scattered across multiple registrars can make managing them a real pain. 

Another factor is service quality. Do you need better customer support at your current registrar? Or maybe they’re lacking useful security features, and your account settings are clunky. Moving could help solve these issues.

Privacy and security are also big deals, right? When picking a domain registrar, please read the fine print on their privacy policy. You want to make sure they aren’t selling your data. And some extra security features, like domain locks, can give you peace of mind that your sites won’t get hacked. 

Ultimately, finding a domain registrar with better customer service, stronger privacy protection, handy security tools, and a more intuitive management portal could help you optimize costs, stay organized, and safeguard your online assets. If the service you’re getting from your registrar isn’t cutting it, then it’s time to move.

Preparing a Domain Name for Transfer

As per ICANN’s rules, if you bought or transferred a domain within the last 60 days, you can’t move it from your current registrar. However, you are free to transfer the domain from the 61st day.

If your domain is eligible, the next step is to verify your contact details and make sure they are accurate and up to date. This is important as both your current and new registrar will contact you during the transfer process.

Any missing information could delay or cause the transfer to be rejected.

The next preparatory step is to unlock the domain. Registrars usually lock domains to prevent unauthorized transfers. 

Here is a pictorial walk-through of the process on one of the popular domain registrars, Namecheap.

Step 1: Log into your domain management dashboard, look for “domain list,” and click on it.

Step 2: Click on “manage” next to the domain you want to transfer.

Step 3: Click on “Sharing and Transfer”

Step 4: Scroll down and click on “unlock”

Once you have successfully unlocked the domain, it’s ready for transfer.

Note that each registrar uses a unique control panel. As a result, the transfer process and steps will differ from registrar to registrar. 

That said, look for labels that closely match the ones described in this article and intuitively follow the steps. If you do so, you will arrive at the same results.

How to Transfer a Domain

If you’ve followed the steps above and have successfully unlocked your domain name, good job! Here are the next steps to transfer your domain to its new destination. 

Request an authorization code

After unlocking your domain, you need to request an authorization code. The authorization code or Auth-Code acts as a security measure, preventing your domain from being transferred without your consent. It also facilitates secure communication between your current and new registrars during the transfer process.

To request an Auth code, select “Auth Code” after unlocking your domain. Registrars like Namecheap have the “Auth Code” option on the right.

Next, choose why you want to transfer your domain and click send code.

Your current registrar will email the authorization code to the registered email address. So, make sure your contact email is up-to-date and valid. Also, codes are valid for 5-7 days, so it would be wise to initiate the transfer request within this window.

Step 2: Create an account with your new registrar

Go to your new registrar’s website and set up an account. Make sure you complete the user signup and account creation process.

Step 3: Initiate the transfer request

On the new registrar’s member dashboard, select the domain transfer page. Input the exact domain name you wish to transfer and enter the authorization code. Double-check for accuracy to avoid issues during the exchange process.

Step 4: Verify transfer details and approve

Both registrars will contact you to verify transfer details. Approve the transfer once you confirm the information.

Step 5: Pay fees

Some registrars charge nominal transfer fees at the time of initiating the request. Prepayment may also be required to cover domain renewal costs for 1 year. Compare prices and look for deals that may help waive transfer or renewal fees.

Step 6: Monitor progress

The transfer may take 1 to 7 business days to process. You’ll receive an email once complete. During the transfer, you can still access your domain through your current host. But once you can manage your domain on the new host, cancel services with the old one to stop payments. However, verify everything works on the new host before canceling the old account.

Wrapping Things Up

Transferring a domain doesn’t need to be a stressful process. As long as you unlock your domain, have that auth code in hand, and verify your contact details with both registrars, the move should go smoothly. Nothing fun about delays!

And with Atom’s fast, free transfers when you buy a domain, switching registrars has never been simpler.

Curious to see the available premium domain names on Atom? Click here. One perfect name is waiting to level up your latest project – so don’t wait to claim it!

Domain Transfer FAQs

• How Long Does a Domain Transfer Take?

A domain transfer typically takes between 1 to 7 days. However, factors like server loads at the registrars, incomplete account info, and how quickly authorization codes are issued can affect the overall transfer time.

• How Much Does a Domain Transfer Cost?

The cost of transferring a domain name from one registrar to another varies. Some registrars charge only a flat transfer fee, while others bundle the transfer cost with an upcoming annual renewal fee. However, all registrars charge an annual registration renewal fee. So, plan for a fee between $10 and $20/year to switch your domain to another registrar.

• How Do I Find Out Where My Domain Is Registered?

To find out which registrar your domain is registered with, you can perform an ICANN Lookup. Simply go to lookup.icann.org, enter your domain name, and click Lookup. The registrar’s details will show up in the results.

• What if My Domain Transfer Request Is Denied?

If your current registrar denied your domain transfer request, contact them to know why it was denied. Then, take steps to resolve any issues they have identified and re-submit the transfer request. If the denial was unjustified, file a Domain Name Transfer Dispute ICANN. They can investigate and intervene.

• Can I Transfer an Expired Domain?

Yes. You can transfer an expired domain. According to ICANN, registrars can’t reject a transfer as a result of expiration or nonrenewal. However, here are some caveats. If you didn’t pay for the previous registration period, transfers might be blocked.

Also, if your domain is in the 5-day redemption hold period (RHP) after the initial 30-day redemption grace period (RGP), the current registrar must first restore the name before allowing a transfer. This restoration usually incurs an added redemption fee. Check directly with registrars about transfer options for expired domains in different phases.