What Is a Domain Transfer and How Does It Work?

One of the first steps to create a great website is choosing the right domain name. Popular domain names go quickly. So, once you’ve thought of one you like, use a domain name search to make sure it’s not taken, or pay the asking price if the owner is looking to sell.

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

Finding an available name isn’t enough, though, since you also need to register your domain name with a domain name system (DNS) registrar. In some cases, your registrar can also be your web hosting service, but this isn’t required — you can choose to host and register your site with different providers.

What Is a Domain Transfer?

Domain transfer is the practice of switching a domain name from one registrar to another. 

A domain transfer meaning is simple – it is a process only for transferring a domain name. Services like web hosting, emails, etc. remain with the existing web hosting provider.

Before getting into more details, it’s important to understand domain transfer meaning.

Domain Transfer Meaning: A domain name transfer is changing of a domain name’s registrar whereas a transfer of domain ownership is a change in the entity who owns the domain name.

Common Reasons for Transferring a Domain

Various situations may prompt you to consider transferring domains to a different registrar. Understanding these common reasons can help you make an informed decision.

Changing Web Hosting Providers: Many domain owners transfer their domains when they switch web hosting providers. This often occurs when they find a hosting company that offers better services, more features, or a more favorable pricing structure.

Registrar Preference: You might have a preference for a specific domain registrar due to their reputation, customer support, or additional services. If your current registrar isn’t meeting your needs, you may choose to transfer your domain to one that does.

Consolidating Domains: Domain consolidation is a common reason for transferring domain names. If you manage multiple domains with various registrars and prefer to centralize your domain portfolio in one place for easier management, transferring them to a single registrar is a logical step.

Selling or Buying a Domain: If you’re buying or selling a domain name, a transfer is typically involved. The process ensures a secure transition of ownership, often with the involvement of a trusted third party.

Expanding Business: Businesses often opt for domain transfers when they expand or rebrand. Acquiring new domain names and consolidating them under one registrar simplifies their online presence.

Renewal Costs: Some registrars offer more competitive pricing for domain renewals than others. Transferring to a registrar with lower renewal costs can be a cost-effective choice for domain owners.

Better Management Tools: Registrars differ in the management tools they offer. If you find a registrar with more user-friendly, robust, or customizable domain management tools, it might be an attractive reason to transfer.

Improved Customer Support: Exceptional customer support can be a deciding factor for domain owners. If you’re unsatisfied with your current registrar’s support, transferring to one with a better reputation for customer service can offer peace of mind.

Compliance with Regulations: Some domain owners need to ensure their domains comply with specific regulations or meet industry standards. Transferring to a registrar with expertise in these areas can be necessary for compliance.

Security Concerns: If you have security concerns with your current registrar, such as a history of data breaches or insufficient security measures, transferring to a more secure registrar can protect your domain.

How to Transfer Domain From One Registrar to Another?

There are three essentials to a successful domain name transfer. 

• The domain name governing body i.e. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) prescribes that a domain name should have been with a registrar for a minimum of 60 days before it can be transferred. Therefore, it is essential to wait for 2 months before a switch is made to overcome a registrar lock. This applies for domain names which have been registered as new and for a domain which has recently been moved.
• Any domain name which is to be transferred must be in an unlock status with its current registrar. A domain transfer key cannot be generated when a domain is locked.
• When one wants to transfer domain name to new host, its admin contact and domain registrant information must be up to date. If it is not so, then the domain transfer key and all other important domain transfer details will go to an incorrect email address.

How do I prepare my domain name for transfer?  

Ready to transfer your domain name? Verify that you’ve got the following ducks in a row with your current registrar and you will be.

• Unlock your domain name.  
• Disable your domain’s privacy settings.  
• Ensure the admin contact information is updated and correct.  
• Get your transfer authorization code, also known as an EPP code.
  Depending on your registrar, you may need to contact them directly for your code.  
• Ensure your domain is at least 60 days old or opt-out of your domain lock. 
• Make sure your domain isn’t tangled up in any legal disputes as that’s a quick way to get it locked at the registry level.  

How long does it take to transfer a domain name? 

Transferring a domain name is a quick process. Once you’ve completed a few steps (like making sure the domain is unlocked, etc.), the rest of the process is taken care of by the registrars.  

You can complete your portion of the transfer process in one sitting (which we recommend for security reasons) It only takes an hour or two, max, and that’s being generous. Then, the registrars do their parts to complete your transfer which can take up to 5-7 business days.  

Can I make changes to a domain while it’s being transferred? 

There cannot be any changes made in the domain name when it’s actively in the domain transfer process.  

Additionally, there are some other actions that cannot be performed while a domain name registrar transfer is in progress. These are:

• Update nameservers. 
• Change the WHOIS registration information.  
• Renew domain registration.

If there is an urgent need for any of these actions to be performed, the domain name transfer process must be cancelled by the outgoing registrar.

Alternatively, one may have to wait for standard 5-7 business days for the domain transfer process to finish.