Name.com Blog
March 24, 2017

Frequently asked questions about domain transfers

As your domain and website needs change, you might find yourself on the market for a new domain registrar. But if you’ve never transferred a domain before, the process may seem daunting. Check out some of the most common questions about domain transfers and get the answers you’re looking for.


As your domain and website needs change, you might find yourself on the market for a new domain registrar. But if you’ve never transferred a domain before, the process may seem daunting. Check out some of the most common questions about domain transfers and get the answers you’re looking for.

Is transferring a domain expensive?

Not at all. Domain transfers often cost less than the price of a standard renewal. And because most domain transfers include one free additional year of registration, it can often cost less to transfer your domain than renew it at your current registrar. Check out how much it’ll cost to transfer your specific domain through our pricing list.

Is transferring a domain hard?

Transferring a domain requires a bit of time and effort, but it’s not as complicated as you might think. You’ll start by logging into your current account and getting your domain’s authorization code. Once you’ve jotted that down, you’ll initiate the transfer at the domain registrar you want to switch to. After creating an account and paying the transfer fee, you’ll get an email explaining how to approve the transfer to complete the process. The transfer will process over the next few days until your domain finally has a new home at the receiving registrar.

Transfer flow chart

If I transfer my domain to a different registrar, what will happen to my hosting?

If you’re happy with your hosting services and don’t want to switch them to your new domain registrar, you can reconfigure your nameservers so that they point to the correct web host. As long as you have the correct DNS records associated with your domain name, your website will continue to function without a problem. However, you’re always free to switch hosting plans so that your domains and web products are all in one place.

How soon can I transfer my domain?

As long as your domain is not expired and has not been purchased or transferred within the last 60 days, you can transfer your domain at any time. Just make sure that your domain is unlocked at your current registrar and that your administrative email address is up to date before you begin the transfer process.

Transfer your domain

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