How To Move Domains: A Step-by-Step Guide to Domain Transfer

Domain transfer is a crucial process for website owners who wish to change their domain registrar. This article will guide you through what is a domain name transfer and the steps of transferring a domain name, explain the reasons behind customer transfer restrictions, and address common questions about the domain transfer process.

This process involves moving a domain name registration from one registrar to another. This process allows domain owners to take advantage of better services, pricing, or features offered by different registrars. 

How to Transfer a Domain

How do I transfer a domain name? The process requires careful preparation and adherence to specific procedures. The following steps will help you navigate the transfer process successfully.

Verify that the domain is eligible for transfer.

Before starting a transfer, ensure that your domain meets the following criteria:

1. The domain must be at least 60 days old from the initial registration or last transfer date.
2. The domain cannot have been transferred within the last 60 days.
3. The domain's WHOIS information must be accurate and up-to-date. And WHOIS protection should be turned off.
4. Must provide access to the domain's administrative email address.
5. The domain must not be in a 60-day lock period after a change of registrant.

What is a domain lock?

Domain locking is a crucial security measure that helps prevent unauthorized transfers of your domain. When enabled, this feature automatically blocks any transfer requests for your domain, adding an extra layer of protection against potential domain hijacking attempts.

If you choose not to activate, your domain becomes more vulnerable to unsolicited transfer attempts. Anyone can perform a WHOIS lookup on your domain and submit a transfer request, which may lead to unwanted complications.

It's important to note that even without a domain lock, you cannot complete the transfer automatically. The registrant provider must still approve any transfer request. However, dealing with frequent, unsolicited transfer requests can be time-consuming and potentially risky.

Prepare your domain for transfer:

1. Unlock the domain: Contact your current registrar to open the domain. 
   
2. Obtain the EPP (Authorization) code: If available, request the EPP auth code, also known as the auth-code, from your current registrar. This code is necessary to start and authorize the transfer.
3. Update contact information: Ensure that the administrative contact email address is correct and accessible, as important transfer-related communications will be sent there.
4. Disable WHOIS privacy: Temporarily disable any WHOIS privacy services, as they may interfere with the transfer.
   

Submit your transfer through your Namecheap account:

1. Log in to your Namecheap account or create one if you don't have it.
2. Once logged in, select Domains from the top menu and select Transfer
3. Start the transfer by entering the name you wish to transfer
4. Confirm your domain's eligibility for transfer and provide the EPP (Authorization) code when prompted.
5. Complete the payment with a credit card for the transfer fee and any associated renewal fees.
6. Review and confirm your contact information to ensure it's up-to-date.
7. Approve the transfer request and submit your order.

Once you've completed these steps, the gaining registrar will start the transfer. The current registrar will send an email to the administrative contact to confirm the transfer. You must respond to this email to approve the transfer, or it may be automatically approved after five days.

If I registered a domain name through one registrar, am I allowed to switch to a different registrar?

Yes, you are allowed to transfer a domain to another from one registrar to another. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements:

1. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) rules state that a domain cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.
2. Some TLDs (Top-Level Domains) may have specific transfer policies, especially ccTLDs (Country Code Top-Level Domains).
3. Make sure your domain can be unlocked and not in any grace or redemption period.

How do I transfer my domain name to a new registrar?

To transfer to a new registrar, please note the following steps:

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your domain is eligible for transfer, as we discussed before.
2. Domain is unlocked: To do this, you need to contact your current registrar or use the registrar's website to remove the transfer lock.
3. Obtain the EPP code: Request the authorization code from your current registrar.
4. Initiate transfer: Start the process with your new registrar.
5. Approve the transfer: Respond to the confirmation email sent by your registrar.
6. Wait for completion: The process may take up to 5-7 days to complete.

After submitting your order, the gaining registrar will initiate the transfer at the registry level. At this point, your domain will enter a 'pendingTransfer' status. According to ICANN regulations, transfers that have reached this stage are typically confirmed automatically within 5 days unless the existing registrar or registrant objects.

Remember to update your DNS changes afterward to minimize downtime for your website or email services.

Why can't I transfer a domain name I registered to another registrar?

ICANN imposes a 60-day transfer lock on newly registered or transferred domains to prevent hijacking and unauthorized transfers. This lock period helps protect domain owners and maintain the system's stability. If you've recently registered or moved a domain, a new pending transfer cannot happen for at least 60 days before initiating another move.

I want to move my domain name to someone else.

If you want to transfer your domain name ownership to another person or entity, you'll need to initiate a change of registrant. This process is different from a registrar transfer and will vary depending on the TLD. But it typically involves the following steps:

1. Update the WHOIS information with the new owner's details.
2. Both parties may need to approve the change via email.

Be aware that changing the registrant may trigger a 60-day lock.

Contact your current registrar for specific instructions on how to change the domain ownership, as processes may vary between registrars.

Someone has contacted me to purchase my domain name; what do I do?

If someone has expressed interest in purchasing your domain through a Google search, consider the following steps:

1. Confirm the legitimacy of the offer to prevent scams.
2. Determine the value of your domain through research or professional appraisal.

Use tools like Ashref and SEMrush to analyze the SEO profile. This can often be used to determine its value.

3. Negotiate terms, including price and transfer method.
4. Use a reputable escrow service to host the transaction securely.
5. Once payment is confirmed, send the name to the buyer, as we discussed earlier.

You may want to consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure a smooth and lawful transaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving domains involves careful planning and adherence to specific procedures. By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the process, you can successfully move your domain name while minimizing potential issues and downtime. Always verify information and ask any FAQs with your current and gaining registrars, and don't hesitate to seek assistance if you encounter any difficulties during the process.