Originally published: July 28, 2022 · Last updated: August 14, 2026
Transferring a domain moves its registration from one registrar to another. The website itself does not have to move at the same time: hosting, DNS and domain registration are related services, but they can remain separate.
A transfer is usually straightforward when the domain is eligible and you prepare the account before starting.
Why transfer a domain?
Common reasons include better account management, clearer renewal pricing, stronger support, consolidation of several domains or better security features. Price matters, but a registrar also controls an asset that can affect your entire online presence, so reliability and account protection deserve equal weight.
Check whether the domain is eligible
ICANN transfer rules include situations where a registrar may refuse a transfer. A domain generally cannot be transferred to another registrar during the first 60 days after initial registration or within 60 days of a previous registrar transfer.
A recent change of registrant information can also create a 60-day transfer lock under the Change of Registrant policy, although registrars may offer an opt-out in some circumstances.
Make sure you control the registrant account
Before starting, confirm that you can access the current registrar account and the email address used for domain-related notices. If contact information needs to change, understand whether that change will trigger a transfer lock before editing it.
Unlock the domain
Registrars normally provide a transfer-lock setting to prevent unauthorized moves. Disable that lock when you are ready to transfer. If the interface does not provide the option, contact the current registrar.
Get the authorization code
The gaining registrar normally asks for an authorization code, sometimes called an AuthInfo or transfer code. ICANN rules require the registrar to provide access to this code through the control panel or within five calendar days of a request.
Treat the code like a credential. Do not publish it or send it to anyone who is not involved in the transfer.
Start the transfer with the new registrar
Enter the domain and authorization code at the new registrar and follow its confirmation process. Review the renewal terms and any optional services before paying. A transfer commonly includes an additional registration year for many generic top-level domains, but check the actual terms for your extension.
Do not change DNS unnecessarily
A registrar transfer does not require you to change nameservers. If the website and email are already working, keeping the existing DNS configuration reduces the number of moving parts during the transfer.
If you also intend to move hosting or DNS, consider doing those changes separately so each step can be tested independently.
Verify everything after completion
Once the transfer finishes, check:
- the domain appears in the new registrar account;
- nameservers are unchanged unless you deliberately changed them;
- the website resolves normally;
- email still works;
- automatic renewal settings are correct;
- multi-factor authentication is enabled on the new registrar account.
The practical rule
Prepare first, transfer second. Confirm eligibility, account access, the transfer lock, authorization code and DNS configuration before initiating the move. Keeping registrar transfer and hosting migration as separate operations makes problems much easier to isolate.
Official references: ICANN domain transfer information and ICANN registrant transfer FAQ.