1. Before You Transfer
Pre-Transfer Checklist
- ☐ Domain is at least 60 days old (ICANN rule)
- ☐ Domain wasn't transferred in last 60 days
- ☐ Domain won't expire during transfer (add 30+ days buffer)
- ☐ You have access to admin email on WHOIS
- ☐ Domain is unlocked
- ☐ You have the authorization/EPP code
- ☐ WHOIS privacy is temporarily disabled (some registrars require this)
Document Your Current Settings
Before starting, screenshot or export:
- • All DNS records (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.)
- • Nameserver settings
- • Any custom configurations
- • Email forwarding rules
2. The Transfer Process
Unlock the Domain
At your current registrar, find domain settings and disable the transfer lock (clientTransferProhibited). This may take a few hours to propagate.
Get Authorization Code
Request the EPP/Auth code from your current registrar. This is a unique code that authorizes the transfer. It may be emailed or shown in your dashboard.
Initiate Transfer at New Registrar
Go to new registrar, search for your domain, select "Transfer" (not register), enter the auth code, and pay the transfer fee (usually includes 1 year renewal).
Approve the Transfer
You'll receive emails from both registrars. The "losing" registrar email lets you approve (speeds up) or reject. The "gaining" registrar confirms initiation.
Wait for Completion
If you approve, transfer completes in 1-24 hours. If you don't respond, it auto-completes after 5 days (ICANN rule). Old registrar can't block approved transfers.
Verify & Configure
Once complete, verify DNS records transferred correctly. Re-enable transfer lock. Update any settings as needed.
3. Timeline & What to Expect
| Step | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock domain | Instant - 24 hrs | Usually immediate |
| Get auth code | Instant - 24 hrs | Some registrars email it |
| Initiate at new registrar | 5 minutes | Quick checkout process |
| Approval emails sent | Minutes - hours | Check spam folder |
| Transfer completion | 1-24 hrs (approved) 5 days (auto) |
Approve to speed up |
Total typical time: Same day if you approve quickly. Up to 7 days if you wait for auto-approval.
4. DNS During Transfer
✓ Transfers Don't Cause Downtime
Properly executed transfers should have zero downtime. DNS records continue working throughout the transfer. Your website and email stay online.
Two Approaches to DNS
Option A: Keep Existing Nameservers
If you use third-party DNS (Cloudflare, Route53), just transfer the domain. Nameservers stay the same. Zero DNS changes needed.
Option B: Move DNS Too
If moving from registrar DNS to registrar DNS, recreate all records at new registrar BEFORE the transfer. Then update nameservers after transfer completes.
⚠️ Warning: Don't Change Nameservers During Transfer
Wait until the transfer fully completes before changing nameservers. Changing mid-transfer can cause issues.
5. Common Issues & Solutions
Transfer Rejected: "Domain is locked"
Solution: Go to old registrar, find domain settings, unlock/disable transfer lock. Wait 1-24 hours, try again.
Transfer Rejected: "Invalid auth code"
Solution: Auth codes expire (usually 5-14 days). Request a new one. Check for typos, extra spaces. Some codes are case-sensitive.
Transfer Rejected: "60-day lock"
Solution: ICANN requires 60 days after registration or previous transfer. Wait until the lock period ends.
Never Received Approval Email
Solution: Check spam/junk. Check the admin email in WHOIS is correct. Some registrars show approval link in dashboard instead.
Old Registrar Denied Transfer
Solution: Contact support. They can only deny for valid reasons (locked, invalid code, fraud concerns). File ICANN complaint if improperly blocked.
6. Registrar-Specific Steps
From GoDaddy
My Products → Domains → Domain Settings → Transfer → Get authorization code. Turn off "Domain Lock" first.
From Namecheap
Domain List → Manage → Sharing & Transfer → Auth Code. Disable "Domain Lock" in same section.
From Squarespace
Domains → Settings → Transfer away. May take 24 hours to receive code via email.
To Cloudflare
Add site first → Transfer → Enter auth code → Pay at-cost price. Inherits 1 year from transfer.
7. Bulk Transfers
Transferring Multiple Domains
Most registrars support bulk transfers via CSV:
- Unlock all domains at old registrar
- Export auth codes (some registrars offer bulk export)
- Create CSV: domain.com,authcode123
- Upload to new registrar's bulk transfer tool
- Pay for all transfers at once
- Approve transfers (may be one email per domain)
Best bulk transfer tools: Dynadot, NameSilo, Cloudflare
Transfer Checklist Summary
☐ Domain is 60+ days old
☐ 30+ days until expiration
☐ Domain unlocked at old registrar
☐ Auth code obtained
☐ DNS records documented
☐ Transfer initiated at new registrar
☐ Approval email confirmed
☐ Transfer complete, lock re-enabled