How to Transfer a Domain Name to Another Registrar
Is your domain renewing too expensively? Want everything under one registrar? A transfer is the answer — and it's often a chance to halve the bill. Here's how to do it cleanly, without losing your domain or your site.
Why transfer your domain?
- Pay less: escape an abusive renewal (see the renewal trap).
- Centralize everything at one reliable, easy-to-manage registrar.
- Better service: free WHOIS privacy, clean DNS management, decent support.
3 rules to know before transferring
- The 60-day lock: a recently registered or transferred domain can't be transferred again for 60 days (ICANN rule).
- The authorization code (auth / EPP code): a unique password from your current registrar, required to authorize the transfer.
- A transfer adds 1 year: most extensions charge the transfer at one year's renewal price… but that year is added to your term. You lose nothing.
💸 Which registrar should you transfer to?
First compare the real renewal price at each registrar — that's what matters over time.
Compare prices →The transfer steps, one by one
- Unlock the domain at your current registrar ("Domain Lock" → off).
- Disable WHOIS privacy if it blocks the code email (you can re-enable it after).
- Get the authorization code (auth/EPP code) from your account.
- Start the transfer at the new registrar and paste the code. Pay (= +1 year).
- Approve the confirmation email sent to the domain's admin contact.
- Wait 5–7 days: the transfer finalizes (often faster).
Will your site and email go down?
No, if you plan ahead. A domain transfer doesn't change your DNS records if they're copied identically at the new registrar before the switch. Note your records (A, CNAME, MX…) and recreate them at the new registrar for a downtime-free transition.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Transferring right before expiry: leave a margin — a transfer takes a few days.
- Forgetting to note the DNS before leaving → risk of site/email downtime.
- Looking only at the teaser price of the new registrar: compare the renewal.
In short
Transferring a domain is simple and risk-free if you respect the 60-day lock, get the authorization code and copy your DNS before the switch. It's often the best way to stop overpaying on renewal — compare the real price before choosing your new registrar.