Any domain name can be transferred between registrars. This article will discuss how domain name transfers work with us.
A domain name transfer can take anywhere between 5 -7 days, depending on the registrars involved.
For a domain to be eligible for a transfer, you must have been with your current registrar for at least 60 days. This restriction, called a "Registrant Lock" is enforced by ICANN.
As described above, a domain name can only be transferred once you have held it with the same registrar for a period of at least 60 days from the date of its registration, or transfer to the registrar.
More information about this requirement can be found on the ICANN website
If your domain name is eligible for a transfer, you may proceed with the following steps.
Before you begin the transfer process, it is important to ensure that your contact information is updated with both the the registrar you are leaving ("losing registrar"), and the registrar you are transferring your domain name to ("gaining registrar").
This is an important step that ensures both registrars are able to contact you, which is required for a successful transfer.
If you have purchased a domain through us, you can ask us to update your contact details by submitting a ticket..
If you are managing your own domain name, please refer to the relevant instructions of your domain name provider.
Most domains are locked to prevent fraudelent and unauthorised transfers. Before you can begin the transfer process with both the registrars, it is important to confirm that your domain is unlocked.
If you have purchased a domain through us, it will be locked by default, and you must request for it to be unlocked by submitting a ticket.
If you are managing your own domain name, please refer to the relevant instructions of your domain name provider.
There are various names for an authorisation code, such as, EPP code, Auth Code, etc.
This is an important code that must be provided to initiate the transfer of your domain name. This code is put in place to prevent your domain from being transfered without your permission or knowledge.
It also acts as the link between the two registrars, and must generally be supplied within 5 days of your request.
If you have purchased a domain through us, you can ask us for your domain's authorisation code by submitting a ticket.
If you are managing your own domain name, please refer to your domain provider's instructions.
The next step is to sign up for an account with your gaining registrar.
If you are transferring out a domain name that you have purchased through us, reach out directly to your gaining registrar's website to sign up for an account.
If you are transferring a domain name to be managed by us, please get in touch with us to sign up for an account.
If you are signing up with a new gaining registrar, you may have the option to select if you would like to transfer a domain name you alread own.
If this option is presented, select it, and then enter your domain name and the authorisation code when asked.
If you are transferring in a domain name to be managed by us, you can let us know when we get in touch with you after you have requested to sign up for an account with us.
Ensure you enter the authorisation code as provided to you. Failing to do so may result in delays in completing the transfer process, and you may even need to start all over.
If you have provided the authorisation code correctly, you will be contacted by both the losing and the gaining registrar. You will be asked to confirm your contact details and approve the transfer.
After verifying your contact information as being correct, authorise the transfer so the process can continue.
When you make a transfer, you may be required to pay for an entire year's domain name renewal fees. This fee will vary between different registrars, and some registrars may even offer the first year free when you transfer to them.
If a fee is applicable, you will be required to make this payment before the transfer process can continue.
If you are transferring your domain name to be managed by us, you will be required to pay for at least a year's applicable renewal fees for the domain.
Once any applicable payments have been made and the domain name released by your losing registrar, you will need to take some time to configure your servers.
Depending on the DNS service you use, this process may take several days.
Once the transfer is complete, ensure you cancel your domain service with your losing registrar to avoid having to pay unnecessary fees.