How to Transfer Your Domain Away

If you need to transfer your domain to another registrar, this guide walks you through the process step by step.

Before You Start

Ensure:

1. Your domain has been with {{COMPANY_NAME}} for at least 60 days
2. The domain is not expired
3. You have access to the admin email on the domain WHOIS record

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Step 1: Unlock the Domain

1. Log in to the {{COMPANY_NAME}} Client Portal
2. Go to Domains > click on your domain
3. Find Domain Lock and set it to Unlocked
4. Save the change

Step 2: Get the Auth/EPP Code

1. On the same domain management page
2. Click Get Auth Code or EPP Code
3. The code will be displayed or emailed to you
4. Copy it — you will need it at the new registrar

Step 3: Initiate Transfer at the New Registrar

1. Go to the new registrar's website
2. Find their domain transfer option
3. Enter your domain name
4. Enter the Auth/EPP Code from Step 2
5. Complete payment (transfers usually include 1 year extension)

Step 4: Approve the Transfer

1. You will receive an approval email at the WHOIS admin email
2. Click the approval link
3. Confirm you want to transfer the domain

Tip: If you do not approve the transfer, it will automatically complete after 5 days for most TLDs.

Step 5: Verify Completion

1. The transfer completes within 5-7 days
2. Check at the new registrar that the domain appears in your account
3. Verify DNS settings and nameservers at the new registrar
4. Enable domain lock at the new registrar

Important Considerations

DNS and Website

• Your website will continue to work during the transfer as long as nameservers remain the same
• If the new registrar changes nameservers automatically, your site may go offline temporarily
• Set up DNS at the new registrar BEFORE initiating the transfer if possible

Email

• Email continues to work during transfer if MX records remain unchanged
• Verify MX records at the new registrar after transfer

Domain Expiry

• Transfers typically add 1 year to the domain expiry date
• The maximum registration period is 10 years — if the transfer would exceed this, you may need to wait

Troubleshooting

Cannot Get Auth Code

• Check if the domain is locked — unlock it first
• Ensure the domain is not expired
• Contact support if the option is not visible

Transfer Denied by Current Registrar

• Under ICANN rules, registrars cannot deny transfers except in specific cases:

- Domain is within 60 days of registration or transfer

- Domain is expired

- Active UDRP dispute

- Domain lock was not removed

• If denied for other reasons, contact support or file a complaint with ICANN

Lost DNS After Transfer

• Set up DNS records at the new registrar before or immediately after transfer
• Keep a record of your current DNS settings before initiating the transfer

Related Articles

• How to Get Your Auth Code
• Understanding Domain Lock

Need help? Contact our support team at {{SUPPORT_EMAIL}} or open a ticket at {{SUPPORT_URL}}.