Quick Overview
Domain transfers typically take 5-7 days. The process:
- 1. Unlock your domain at current registrar
- 2. Get the authorization code (EPP/transfer key)
- 3. Start the transfer at new registrar
- 4. Confirm via email
- 5. Wait 5-7 days for completion
Before You Transfer: Checklist
⚠️ Important Requirements
Make sure all conditions are met before starting. Failed conditions = failed transfer.
Domain is 60+ days old
ICANN requires domains to be registered for at least 60 days before transfer. No exceptions.
Access to registrant email
You'll confirm the transfer via the email address listed as the domain's registrant contact.
Note your current DNS settings
Screenshot or copy your DNS records before transferring. Most transfers preserve DNS, but having a backup prevents surprises.
Unlock Your Domain
Domains are "locked" by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. You need to unlock yours first.
How to Unlock (by Registrar):
GoDaddy
- 1. Log in → My Products → Domains
- 2. Click the domain you want to transfer
- 3. Scroll to "Additional Settings"
- 4. Toggle "Domain Lock" to OFF
Namecheap
- 1. Domain List → Click "Manage"
- 2. Find "Domain Lock" under domain tab
- 3. Toggle to "Unlock"
Porkbun
- 1. Domain Management → Click gear icon
- 2. Find "Registrar Lock"
- 3. Toggle it off
Get Your Authorization Code
The authorization code (EPP code/transfer key) proves you own the domain. Your new registrar needs this.
How to Get Auth Code:
GoDaddy
Namecheap
Porkbun
⚠️ Keep Your Auth Code Safe
It's like a password for your domain. Don't share publicly. Typically expires after 7-14 days.
Initiate Transfer at New Registrar
Go to your new registrar and start the transfer. You'll need your domain name and auth code.
Starting Transfer:
Cloudflare
- 1. Add domain to Cloudflare first (if not already)
- 2. Registrar → Transfer → Select domain
- 3. Enter auth code and confirm payment
Note: Must use Cloudflare nameservers before transferring.
Porkbun
Namecheap
💡 Transfer Adds 1 Year
When you transfer, one year is added to your current expiration. If you expire in 6 months, you'll now expire in 1 year 6 months.
Confirm the Transfer
You'll receive confirmation emails. The key email goes to your registrant contact address.
From New Registrar
Confirmation they've initiated the request. Usually no action needed.
From Old Registrar
May ask to approve/deny. Approve to speed up, or wait 5 days for auto-approval.
Troubleshooting
"Transfer failed: Domain locked"
Go back and make sure the domain is unlocked. Sometimes takes a few hours to propagate.
"Invalid authorization code"
Auth codes expire (7-14 days). Request a new one. Check for extra spaces when copying.
"Domain not eligible"
Must be 60+ days old. Recent WHOIS changes can trigger a 60-day lock at some registrars.
"Website went down"
DNS records may not have transferred correctly. Re-add from your backup at the new registrar.
FAQ
Will my website go down?
No—if done correctly. Your website stays live. Just don't make DNS changes mid-transfer.
How much does a transfer cost?
You pay the new registrar's transfer price (usually same as renewal). Adds 1 year to registration.
Do I lose registration time?
No—you gain time. Transfers add 1 year to your existing expiration date.
Ready to Transfer?
Domain transfers are straightforward: unlock, get auth code, initiate, confirm, wait. Most issues come from locked domains or expired auth codes—both easy fixes.
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