Transferring your domain is a simple process, but it usually takes several days to complete while you wait for all parties to approve the transfer. You need to fill out some forms and work behind the scenes. Maybe you’ve found a better deal for domain registration, and this will help. See this guide on how to transfer a domain name to a new register.
Transfer Domain Name
A domain transfer moves a domain name from one registrar to another. ICANN enforces its 60-day no-change ban on registrants, so you must have been with your current registrar for at least 60 days to be eligible for the domain transfer.
There are some special reasons why you might want to transfer a domain name to a new registrar. Your current registrar may have suddenly raised prices, or your site may be slow to load, etc.
Though this tutorial is based on how I moved my domain name from HostGator to Namecheap, it will work for other registrars like Godaddy, Registrar, Network Solutions, Bluehost, Dreamhost, etc.
So now, let’s see the guide on how to transfer a domain name to a new register. Just follow these simple steps.
Whois Data Email Verification
First, you have to make sure that the administrative contact of your domain name has a valid Email address in your whois database. This is because the new registrar will send a confirmation letter to your email.
If you have a valid Email Address on your Whois data, you can skip this step. But if you haven’t, you must ensure your Privacy Protection is disabled. Privacy Protection is a service that hides your personal information from the public. You can contact your registrar to cancel privacy protection to be able to transfer the domain name.
You can also do it manually from your Domain Management. Here’s how to do it on HostGator. Go to Domain Management > Manage Domains and click ‘Shield Sign.’ And disable Domain Privacy.
Domain Address Unlock
Unlock your domain for transfer. Domain Locking is a security feature that protects against third parties trying to edit, transfer, or delete your domain without permission.
You can unlock your domain name from the control panel. For HostGator, click the ‘Lock Sign’ to unlock your domain name.
Authorization Code
Authorization Code is also known as EPP Code or Transfer Key. It’s a unique combination of letters, numbers, or symbols. You can get the authorization code from your Domain Overview. So if you don’t find any authorization code on your account, contact your domain registrar. To get EPP Key on HostGator, click on your Domain Name from ‘Manage Domains,’ and a domain overview will appear. Copy EPP Key from there.
Domain Name Transfer
Now time to purchase the domain name transfer from your desired domain registrar. Choose your personal favorite. When you purchase a domain name transfer, some providers may let you keep all the remaining time on your current registration. Namecheap keeps all the remaining time.
After the payment, you must set your Authorization/EPP code on your new registrar. Once you’ve bought the transfer, you’ll get an Email about EPP required. Just follow the link and enter your EPP code.
Email Notifications From Registers
Then you’ll get the confirmation mail from the current and new registrar. You needn’t do anything with your current registrar’s mail. But you’ll have to click on the Confirmation link from your new registrar’s mail. It will take 5-7 days to transfer your domain name. Once your domain transfer has been completed, you’ll get the confirmation Email from your new register.
I haven’t faced any downtime while transferring my domain name. I would suggest you contact your new domain provider to know about downtime.
Concluding About Transfer Domain Name
Do not deactivate your old registrar service until your new account is running and your domain has been fully transferred. Once everything is working, cancel the old service and avoid incurring charges.
I hope this guide on how to transfer a domain name to a new register helps. Let us know if you have difficulties transferring your domain name to a new registrar. Also, don’t forget to share your domain transfer experience with us; leave your feedback in the comment box below!
