How to Transfer a Domain Name
Short answer
Transferring a domain name means moving its registration from one registrar to another while keeping the domain itself and, if you set it up correctly, your existing website and email untouched. The process is mostly waiting: unlocking the domain, getting an authorization code, starting the transfer at the new registrar, and confirming it by email. Most transfers complete in five to seven days.
People transfer domains for a few common reasons: a registrar raised its renewal price, a new registrar bundles something you want (free privacy protection, better DNS tools), or you're consolidating several domains under one account. Whatever the reason, the mechanics are the same everywhere, because domain transfers are governed by a shared ICANN policy, not by any individual registrar.
The single most important thing to know going in: a domain transfer does not touch your website or your email by default. Your site stays online and your email keeps working throughout the transfer, as long as you don't change your DNS or nameservers in the process. The transfer only changes who your registrar is, not where your domain points.
Before you start
A few things need to be true before a transfer can even begin. The domain needs to be at least 60 days past its last registration or transfer (ICANN's rule, not any one registrar's). It needs to be unlocked at your current registrar, since most registrars lock domains by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. And you need access to the WHOIS/registrant email on file, since that's where the confirmation request goes.
The transfer process, step by step
Once the domain is unlocked and you have the EPP code, the rest of the process happens mostly on its own. You start the transfer at the new registrar, they send a confirmation request to the registrant email on file, you approve it, and the domain moves over automatically once that approval goes through (or after roughly 5 days if you don't respond, since most registries auto-approve by default rather than blocking the transfer indefinitely).
Common problems
Most failed transfers come down to one of three things: the domain was still locked at the old registrar, the EPP code was mistyped or had already expired (most are only valid for a limited window), or WHOIS privacy meant the confirmation email never reached an inbox anyone was checking. Recently renewed domains (within 60 days) will also simply be rejected. Nothing about a failed attempt is permanent. You unlock, regenerate the code, and try again.
The practical checklist
Unlock the domain at your current registrar
Look for a "transfer lock" or "domain lock" toggle in your current registrar's dashboard and turn it off.
Request the EPP (authorization) code
Sometimes shown immediately, sometimes emailed to your registrant address. It usually expires within 5-15 days.
Turn off WHOIS privacy temporarily if needed
Some registrars require this so the confirmation email reaches a real inbox. Turn it back on once the transfer completes.
Start the transfer at your new registrar
Enter the domain and the EPP code, and pay for the one-year renewal that transfers typically include.
Confirm the transfer by email
You (or the domain's registrant contact) will get an approval request, usually from the old registrar. Approve it, or it can auto-approve after about 5 days.
Verify your site and email still work once it completes
Nameservers usually carry over untouched, but check both before you consider the job done.
Key takeaways
- • A domain transfer moves the registration between registrars. It does not move your website or email unless you also change your nameservers.
- • A domain must be at least 60 days past its last registration or transfer before it can be transferred again.
- • You need the domain unlocked at the current registrar and a valid EPP/authorization code to start.
- • Most transfers complete in 5-7 days, and most fail for one of three reasons: still locked, expired code, or a missed confirmation email.
- • Your website's rankings are tied to the domain itself, not to the registrar, so a clean transfer has no direct SEO impact.
Frequently asked questions
Does transferring a domain affect my website or email?+
Not if you leave your nameservers unchanged. The transfer only changes which company manages the registration, not where the domain points.
How long does a domain transfer take?+
Typically 5-7 days. The domain owner has to approve a confirmation email, and if that approval doesn't happen manually, most transfers auto-approve after about 5 days.
Will I lose my SEO rankings if I transfer registrars?+
No. Search engines track your domain, not your registrar. Rankings are unaffected by a transfer as long as your site and DNS setup stay the same.
What is an EPP code?+
Also called an authorization code or transfer code, it's a password generated by your current registrar that proves you own the domain and authorizes the transfer. You'll enter it at the new registrar.
Can I transfer a domain I registered less than 60 days ago?+
No. ICANN policy blocks transfers within 60 days of a domain's initial registration or its last transfer. You'll need to wait out that window first.