When you first register a domain, moving it to another registrar is probably the last thing on your mind. You’re focused on getting your business website online, not on what happens if you ever need to switch registrars, change hosts, or consolidate accounts.
But as their business grows, many website owners consider a transfer — maybe for better pricing, stronger security, or simply to keep everything in one place. And while the process is straightforward, small missteps can lead to big hassles like downtime or lost access.
Once you know what to watch for, a transfer is simple to manage. Here’s how to transfer a domain name without getting stuck on some of the most common roadblocks.
What does it mean to transfer a domain name?
Transferring a domain name means moving its registration from one registrar to another. You still keep the domain registration, only the company that manages your registration changes. Your website, email, and DNS settings stay where they are (unless you choose to move those too).
Most people transfer a domain when they want to:
- Secure better renewal pricing or service
- Change web or email hosting providers
- Consolidate multiple domains under one account
- Sell or buy a domain through a registrar or marketplace
- Move away from a registrar that no longer meets their needs
Each registrar has its own process for transferring a domain, and approvals from both sides are required. That’s why timing and preparation matter — and why avoiding a few common mistakes can make the entire move faster and stress-free.
Mistake 1: Not unlocking the domain
By default, domains are always locked to prevent unauthorized transfers. If you forget to unlock yours before starting, the request will be rejected automatically.
To avoid this quick rejection, log in to your registrar account and check that your domain’s lock status is set to “off” or “unlocked.” Once the transfer is complete, you can turn the lock back on to keep your domain secure. It’s a small step but one of the most common reasons transfers fail right out of the gate.
Mistake 2: Using an expired or incorrect authorization (EPP) code
Every domain transfer requires an authorization, or Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP), code — a unique password that confirms you’re the rightful owner (ICANN, 2025). If the code has expired, contains typos, or includes extra spaces when copied, the transfer will fail automatically.
The safest approach is to request a fresh EPP code from your current registrar right before you begin the transfer. Copy and paste it exactly as provided, and start the process promptly, since most codes are valid for only a short period.
Mistake 3: Forgetting about the 60-day transfer lock
Rules established by ICANN, a governing body with a mission to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet, place a 60-day lock on domains after certain changes, such as a new registration, a recent transfer, or updated contact details (ICANN, 2025). If you try to move your domain during this period, you’ll automatically be blocked.
Before starting, check when your domain was last registered or modified. If it’s within that 60-day window, mark your calendar and wait until the lock expires. You’ll save time and avoid the frustration of a denied transfer.
Mistake 4: Starting the transfer too late
It can take up to a week to complete a domain transfer, so starting too close to your domain’s expiration date is a risky move. If the domain expires mid-transfer, it may enter a redemption period or even become available for others to register.
To avoid downtime or loss, start your transfer at least two to three weeks before expiration. If you’re short on time, renew your domain first with your current registrar. Once it’s active, you can begin the transfer process.
Mistake 5: Not updating WHOIS contact information
During a domain transfer, registrars send confirmation emails to the domain’s administrative contact. If that address is outdated or inaccessible, you may never receive the approval request, and the transfer will stall or fail.
Before initiating a transfer, review your WHOIS contact information in your registrar’s dashboard and confirm that your admin email is current and reachable. Even if it’s up to date, keep tabs on your spam folder just in case.
Mistake 6: Ignoring email approvals
Most domain transfers require an email confirmation from the current registrar, the new registrar, or both. If you miss or overlook that message, the transfer can stall or be canceled entirely.
Once you initiate the process, keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam or promotions folders) for any emails asking you to approve the move. Acting quickly on these requests will prevent your transfer from timing out.
Mistake 7: Overlooking DNS settings during transfer
Your DNS settings connect your domain name to the actual content on your website. If those records don’t carry over during a transfer, your site or inbox could go offline temporarily.
Fortunately, it’s simple enough to avoid any delays here. Simply copy your existing DNS records or take screenshots of your current setup. Once the transfer is complete, update or re-add those settings with your new registrar to keep everything running smoothly.
Pro tip: Every Name.com account includes built-in DNS management tools, so you can easily review or update records right from your dashboard after a transfer.
Mistake 8: Not verifying domain privacy settings
Privacy or proxy protection hides your contact information in the public WHOIS database. This safeguard is helpful for reducing spam, but it can also block transfer-related emails. If your admin contact address is masked or routed through a privacy service that doesn’t forward messages, you may never receive the approval request.
Review your registrar’s privacy settings ahead of time to make sure those emails will reach you. You can temporarily disable privacy, then turn it back on once the move is complete.
Mistake 9: Not comparing transfer costs and renewal fees
Transfer prices can vary by registrar, and so can renewal rates once your first year is up. Focusing only on the initial transfer cost might save a few dollars now, only to lead to higher expenses later.
To avoid surprises, check both the transfer fee and the annual renewal price before you move your domain. It’s also worth confirming whether your transfer adds an extra year to your registration. Most do, but not all.
Mistake 10: Choosing the wrong registrar
Not all registrars offer the same level of service, transparency, or support. Transferring your domain to a provider with hidden fees, confusing dashboards, or limited customer support can create long-term frustration.
As you consider how to transfer a domain name, take a few minutes to review your best options for a new registrar. Look for clear pricing, 24/7 support, and an intuitive account interface that makes managing domains simple. A registrar that values ease of use and reliability will save you time long after the transfer is done.
Pro Tip: With name.com, you can manage domains, email, and website tools all in one place, and you’ll have friendly support every step of the way.
Simplify your domain transfer
Learning how to transfer a domain doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Once you understand how the process works — and avoid easy-to-miss steps like unlocking your domain, confirming contact info, and checking your DNS — it becomes a quick, predictable task. Whether you’re moving for better pricing, convenience, or support, a little preparation makes for a seamless transition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does a domain transfer take?
Most transfers take about five to seven days, but they can finish sooner if both registrars quickly approve the change.
Will my website or email go down during transfer?
No — your website and email should stay online as long as your DNS records are set up correctly before and after the move.
Does it cost money to transfer a domain?
Yes. In addition to a transfer fee, you typically pay for one renewal year during the transfer, which extends your registration by that same amount of time.
What if my transfer is rejected?
If your transfer doesn’t go through, review your domain’s lock status, EPP code, and contact email — these are the most common culprits. Once corrected, you can try again or contact your current registrar for additional support.
Sources:
ICANN. About Auth-Code. https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/auth-2013-05-03-en
ICANN. FAQs for Registrants: Transferring Your Domain Name. https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/name-holder-faqs-2017-10-10-en
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