Posted inDomain Transfer

What is an EPP or Auth Code and How Can You Use It?

Authorization-Code

Sometimes we need to transfer our website domain, whether due to security or user experience factors, or simply to save on the cost of running a website.

To transfer domains between registrars, an EPP code is required.

But what is an EPP code?

In this article, webhostingcochin explains what an EPP code is, why it’s essential to the secure transfer of domains – and when the best time to use an EPP code is.

What Is an EPP or Domain Authorization Code?

An EPP code, also known as a Domain Authorization Code or Auth Code, is a unique alphanumeric string provided by a domain registrar. This code is used to authenticate and authorize the transfer of a domain name from one registrar to another. Here are the key points about EPP or Domain Authorization Codes:

  1. Purpose: The EPP code serves as a security measure to ensure that only the rightful owner of the domain can initiate a transfer. It helps prevent unauthorized transfers and domain hijacking.
  2. Format: The code is typically between 6 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and special characters.
  3. How to Obtain: Domain owners can usually obtain the EPP code through their current registrar’s control panel or by requesting it directly from the registrar’s support team.
  4. Usage: When a domain owner wants to transfer their domain to a new registrar, they need to provide the EPP code to the new registrar. The new registrar uses this code to initiate the transfer process.
  5. ICANN Requirement: The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) mandates the use of EPP codes for transferring domains to enhance security and streamline the transfer process.
  6. Other Names: In addition to “EPP code” and “Domain Authorization Code,” it might also be referred to as an “AuthInfo code,” “Transfer key,” or simply “Auth code.”

When Is the EPP Code Used?

The EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code, or Domain Authorization Code, is used in specific situations related to domain name management. Here are the primary instances when the EPP code is used:

  1. Domain Transfer Between Registrars: The most common use of the EPP code is when a domain owner wishes to transfer their domain from one registrar to another. During the transfer process, the new registrar will request the EPP code from the domain owner to verify that the transfer is authorized.
  2. Verifying Domain Ownership: The EPP code is used to confirm that the person requesting a domain transfer is indeed the legitimate owner of the domain. This helps to ensure that the transfer is authorized and prevents unauthorized transfers.
  3. Domain Sale or Handover: When a domain is sold or handed over to a new owner, the EPP code may be required to facilitate the transfer of ownership through a new registrar.
  4. Changing Domain Registration Details: In some cases, changing critical details of the domain registration, such as the registrant’s name or contact information, may require the use of the EPP code to ensure that the changes are authorized by the domain owner.
  5. Releasing Domain Locks: Domains are often locked by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. To unlock the domain for transfer, the domain owner must provide the EPP code to verify their authorization.
  6. Domain Consolidation: If a domain owner has multiple domains registered with different registrars, they might use the EPP code to transfer all domains to a single registrar for easier management.

Why Do I Need an EPP Code?

You need an EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code, also known as a Domain Authorization Code, for several important reasons, primarily related to the security and management of your domain name. Here are the key reasons why an EPP code is necessary:

  1. Secure Domain Transfers:
    • The primary function of the EPP code is to provide a secure mechanism for transferring a domain name from one registrar to another. It ensures that only the legitimate owner of the domain can authorize its transfer, preventing unauthorized or malicious transfers.
  2. Verification of Ownership:
    • The EPP code acts as a form of authentication to verify that the person initiating the transfer is indeed the rightful owner of the domain. This helps to protect against domain hijacking and ensures that only authorized individuals can make changes to the domain’s registration.
  3. Regulatory Compliance:
    • The use of EPP codes is mandated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for most generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Compliance with this requirement ensures that the transfer process adheres to international standards and provides a consistent level of security across different registrars.
  4. Preventing Fraud:
    • By requiring the EPP code for domain transfers, registrars can help prevent fraudulent activities such as domain theft or unauthorized changes to the domain’s registration details. The code acts as a safeguard, ensuring that any transfer request is genuine and authorized by the domain owner.
  5. Domain Management:
    • When selling or transferring ownership of a domain, the EPP code is necessary to facilitate the handover to the new owner. It ensures that the new registrar can securely take control of the domain on behalf of the new owner.
  6. Changing Registrars:
    • If you want to switch to a different registrar for better services, pricing, or features, the EPP code is required to authorize the transfer of your domain. This allows you to maintain control over your domain while moving it to a new provider.
  7. Consolidation of Domains:
    • If you manage multiple domains with different registrars, you might want to consolidate them under a single registrar for easier management. The EPP code is needed to transfer each domain to your preferred registrar.

How Does an EPP Code Contribute to Domain Security?

An EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code significantly contributes to domain security in several ways:

  1. Prevents Unauthorized Transfers:
    • The EPP code acts as a security key that must be provided to initiate a domain transfer. This requirement ensures that only the domain owner, or someone with access to the owner’s credentials, can authorize the transfer. Without the correct EPP code, the transfer cannot proceed, thus preventing unauthorized or malicious transfers.
  2. Authentication:
    • The EPP code serves as a form of authentication, verifying the identity of the person requesting the transfer. When the EPP code is requested by the new registrar, it confirms that the transfer is being initiated by someone who has legitimate access to the domain management settings.
  3. Authorization:
    • By requiring the EPP code for transfers, it provides explicit authorization from the domain owner. The process ensures that the domain owner consents to the transfer, adding a layer of protection against unauthorized changes.
  4. Mitigates Domain Hijacking:
    • Domain hijacking is a malicious activity where an attacker gains control over a domain without the owner’s consent. The requirement of an EPP code helps mitigate this risk by making it more difficult for attackers to transfer the domain without the owner’s approval.
  5. Regulatory Compliance:
    • The use of EPP codes is mandated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for most generic top-level domains (gTLDs). This compliance ensures that the transfer process adheres to a standardized protocol, providing consistent security measures across different registrars.
  6. Email Confirmation:
    • Often, registrars will send the EPP code to the registered email address of the domain owner. This additional step ensures that the person receiving the code has access to the domain owner’s email account, adding another layer of security.
  7. Audit Trail:
    • The requirement of an EPP code creates an audit trail of domain transfer requests. Registrars can track who requested the code and when it was used, providing a record that can be reviewed in case of disputes or security incidents.
  8. Domain Lock Feature:
    • Many registrars offer an additional layer of security through a domain lock feature. Even if someone obtains the EPP code, the domain must be unlocked before the transfer can proceed. This two-step process (unlocking the domain and providing the EPP code) adds an extra layer of protection.

When to Use an EPP Code

An EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code, also known as a Domain Authorization Code, is used in specific scenarios involving domain management. Here are the primary situations when you need to use an EPP code:

  1. Transferring a Domain to Another Registrar:
    • The most common use of an EPP code is when you want to transfer your domain name from your current registrar to a new one. During the transfer process, the new registrar will request the EPP code to verify that the transfer is authorized by the domain owner.
  2. Changing Ownership of a Domain:
    • If you are selling your domain or transferring ownership to someone else, the new owner may need the EPP code to transfer the domain to their preferred registrar. This ensures that the transfer is secure and authorized.
  3. Consolidating Domains Under One Registrar:
    • If you manage multiple domains that are registered with different registrars and want to consolidate them under a single registrar for easier management, you will need the EPP code for each domain to initiate the transfers.
  4. Domain Renewal at a New Registrar:
    • If your current registrar does not provide satisfactory service or competitive pricing for domain renewal, you might decide to transfer your domain to a new registrar that offers better options. The EPP code is required to authorize the transfer before the renewal can take place at the new registrar.
  5. Updating Domain Contact Information:
    • In some cases, significant updates to domain contact information or DNS settings may require the domain to be temporarily transferred or re-verified. The EPP code is used in these scenarios to ensure that changes are authorized by the domain owner.
  6. Unlocking a Domain for Transfer:
    • Before a domain can be transferred, it often needs to be unlocked. The process of unlocking a domain and retrieving the EPP code typically happens together, as the registrar needs to ensure the domain owner authorizes the change.

Steps to Use an EPP Code for a Domain Transfer

  1. Prepare the Domain:
    • Ensure your domain is unlocked and that privacy protection services are disabled if required by your registrar.
  2. Request the EPP Code:
    • Log in to your domain registrar’s account, navigate to the domain management section, and request the EPP code for the domain you wish to transfer.
  3. Initiate the Transfer:
    • Go to the new registrar’s website, initiate the domain transfer process, and provide the EPP code when prompted.
  4. Approve the Transfer:
    • Confirm the transfer request via email if your current registrar requires email confirmation. Some registrars might have additional verification steps.
  5. Wait for the Transfer to Complete:
    • The transfer process can take a few days to complete. You will receive notifications from both the old and new registrars once the transfer is successful.