I of the most of import steps in creating a dandy website is choosing the right domain name. Popular domain names become chop-chop — so, one time you've found a great fit for your site, apply a domain name search to make sure it's not taken, or pay the asking price if the possessor is looking to sell.

Finding an bachelor name isn't plenty, however, since you likewise need to annals your domain name with a domain name system (DNS) registrar. In some cases, your registrar tin can also be your web hosting service, just this isn't required — you can choose to host and annals your site with different providers.

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But what happens if you want to change your domain registrar? That'southward where a domain transfer comes into play.

You might want to initiate a domain transfer for a number of reasons. Maybe your current registrar has suddenly increased their prices, or your site is taking more fourth dimension to load. Mayhap you've found a better deal somewhere else and prefer to consolidate multiple domains nether a unmarried DNS registrar.

Whatever the reason, we've got you lot covered. Here'southward a footstep-by-step guide on how to transfer a domain.

one. Update your contact information.

Both the registrar y'all're leaving and your new DNS registry provider will demand to contact you during the transfer process. Equally a upshot, it'south critical that your contact information is up to date.

GoDaddy's Domains Menu for managing and transferring domains

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Log in to your electric current registrar's control panel and check your account details. Make sure your proper noun, phone number, and concrete address are all right — any missing information could crusade the transfer to take longer or be rejected.

2. Set your email sending domain proper name.

Your domain registrar often provides e-mail service tied to your domain name — this lets you send emails to and from addresses like you@yoursite.com and can assistance abound your make or business organization.

Only, when yous transfer to another registrar, these electronic mail accounts are typically deactivated which potentially leaves you out of the loop. Make sure you have a backup email address gear up to become before starting the transfer process.

3. Unlock your domain.

Await for the "unlock domain" option in your registrar'southward command panel. Every provider is different, but you'll frequently find it under the "Domain" or "Security" section of the master account screen.

Domains are locked by default to prevent adventitious changes or deletion. Yous may be able to unlock your domain with a single click, or you may need to request manual unlocking from your registrar directly.

Once your domain is unlocked, you're able to transfer the name to some other registrar.

4. Request an authorisation code.

To transfer your domain, you'll need an authorisation code (also called an Auth-Code, Auth-Info Code, or AuthInfo Lawmaking). This code is there to protect your domain from being transferred by an unauthorized party.

Additionally, this code serves as the bridge between your erstwhile registrar and your new provider and must exist supplied within five days of your asking, typically by email. Some registrars permit motorcar-generation of codes straight from their command panels.

GoDaddy's Additional Settings menu for requesting an authorization code

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5. Make sure your domain is eligible for a transfer.

Per ICANN rules, if you've created or transferred your domain proper name in the last 60 days, information technology's not eligible for a transfer. Exercise the math before making the switch to ensure you're not wasting your time.

6. Create an account with your new registrar.

Next, head to your new registrar and make an account. Find its transfer service folio and enter the domain name you're transferring. The "world wide web" isn't required — only enter the name of your domain and its suffix, such as .com, .cyberspace, .info, etc.

seven. Enter the authority lawmaking.

Enter the authorization code that was provided by your previous registrar. Double-bank check the code and brand sure you lot entered information technology exactly equally provided — if the code doesn't friction match, your transfer won't be successful and you may need to start over.

eight. Authorize the domain transfer.

Once yous enter the authorization code, y'all'll be contacted by both your sometime registrar and your new provider. You lot'll be asked to ostend your contact details and officially approve the transfer. Ensure the contact info you've provided to both registrars is correct and exist prepared to answer questions near why you're leaving your current service.

9. Pay for your domain transfer.

Now you'll need to pay for your domain name transfer, typically using a credit card or online service like PayPal. Your new provider may require you to pay for a yr of service, but it's as well possible to find promotions that offer the showtime year for free.

x. Finalize the domain transfer.

Once the domain is released by your original provider, your new registrar volition need time to configure your domain and servers. This typically takes anywhere from a few days to a week. During this time, your website should remain attainable from your previous registrar.

Finalizing the transfer

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11. Determine on a public or private domain.

Some providers permit you to obscure public WHOIS information for your website. When searched, your website will render contact data for your registrar rather than your personal details. This is useful if you're running a business out of your home or don't desire your telephone number displayed. All the same, private domains are more expensive than public domains.

12. Cancel your previous service.

Don't deactivate your former registrar service until your new account is running and your domain is fully transferred. Once yous've confirmed that everything works, cancel your old service to ensure you lot're no longer being charged.

Transferring Your Domain Name: FAQs and Troubleshooting

How long does a domain transfer take?

The domain transfer procedure unremarkably takes five to 7 days, simply it tin take longer if your information is out-of-engagement or they can't verify your identity.

Is it free to transfer a domain?

No, although the fee and structure varies. Some registrars, like GoDaddy, charge a flat fee for the transfer itself. All registrars will charge you a registration fee when your domain is up for renewal. Some volition packet both costs (renewal and transfer fee) together.  Yous likewise have the option to annals a domain proper noun for free.

I don't know who my DNS registrar is. What do I do?

Expect up your domain name on the ICANN Lookup tool. Under the "REGISTRAR INFORMATION" title, you will find out the proper name of your registrar.

I've just purchased a domain. Why can't I transfer it to another registrar?

Your DNS registrar has placed your domain proper noun under a 60-day Alter of Registrant lock. Additionally, if you've recently made a previous transfer, yous can't change your registrar for the adjacent 60 days.

How do I get an authorisation code? Where tin I find this lawmaking?

Every DNS registrar volition exist unlike, and then we've compiled a listing of helpful links to aid y'all get an Auth-Code. Observe your registrar's specific didactics below:

  • GoDaddy
  • BlueHost
  • Domain.com
  • HostGator
  • NameCheap
  • DreamHost
  • Shopify

My domain name registrar denied my request. Why? What do I practise?

There are a few reasons why your request may accept been denied.

There could be a discrepancy between your information and that of the domain owner. Alternatively, they can't verify that you lot're the possessor. Make sure your contact information is up to date, and be certain to transport what they need from you (ID, domain buy receipt, so on).

The domain proper name owner may take sent an objection to the transfer. If yous're non the domain name possessor, be sure to get in contact with them to resolve the event.

If you owe your DNS registrar any fees from previous domain purchases, they may take put your domain name on agree. Exist sure to pay whatsoever outstanding corporeality owed.

Your domain name may however exist under "Lock" in your portal. Make sure this setting is set on "Unlocked."

Alternatively, you lot may be under the lx-day Modify of Registrant lock, in which case yous'll have to wait 60 days to brand the transfer.

What if my domain has expired? Can I still transfer it to another registrar?

Yep. If your domain has recently expired, yous can still transfer information technology to another registrar. You'll need to renew it with your current registrar, and so initiate the transfer.

Brand certain that the domain name hasn't been deleted by your electric current registrar and that you're still in the Redemption Grace Period (upward to sixty days after expiration). If more than than 60 days have passed, your expired domain may exist made bachelor for purchase to the public.

With your domain transferred and set to get, it's time to create a solid SEO strategy that will drive organic traffic to your website. Download our SEO Starter Pack to revamp or jumpstart your SEO efforts.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in Feb 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Originally published Feb three, 2021 7:00:00 AM, updated February 03 2021