Domain Transfer Guide: How to Move Your Domain Safely
7 min readNameProbe
## Why Transfer a Domain?
There are many reasons to transfer your domain to a different registrar: better pricing, superior customer support, improved DNS management tools, or consolidating all your domains under one provider. Whatever the reason, the transfer process follows a standard set of steps governed by ICANN policies.
## Step-by-Step Transfer Process
**1. Unlock your domain.** Log in to your current registrar and disable the domain lock (also called the transfer lock or registrar lock). This setting prevents unauthorized transfers. **2. Obtain the EPP/authorization code.** Request the transfer authorization code (also known as an EPP code or Auth-Info code) from your current registrar. This code verifies that you authorize the transfer. **3. Initiate the transfer.** Go to your new registrar and start the transfer process by entering your domain name and the EPP code. You will typically need to pay for an additional year of registration. **4. Confirm the transfer.** You will receive confirmation emails at the domain's administrative contact email. Approve the transfer promptly. **5. Wait for completion.** Transfers usually take 5–7 days to complete, though some finish faster if both registrars process approvals quickly.
## Important Considerations
You cannot transfer a domain within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer — this is the ICANN 60-day lock policy. Make sure your domain will not expire during the transfer process. Update your WHOIS contact information before starting, as confirmation emails go to the admin contact. Back up your DNS records before initiating the transfer, as some registrars do not automatically migrate DNS settings.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
If a transfer fails, check for the domain lock status, an expired EPP code, pending WHOIS changes, or an expired domain. Contact your current registrar's support team if you encounter persistent issues. Most problems are resolved within 24–48 hours with proper communication between registrars.