How to transfer a domain

A registrar transfer is not the same as changing nameservers. Nameservers decide where the site points. A transfer decides who manages the registration. You can change one without changing the other.

The short answer

1. Unlock the domain at the current registrar.
2. Get the authorisation code, sometimes called an EPP code.
3. Confirm the registrant email is one you can access.
4. Start the transfer at the new registrar and pay any transfer fee.
5. Approve the transfer email and wait for it to complete.
6. Check nameservers, email and the new renewal date.

If the domain expires in the next two weeks, renew it first. A transfer near expiry can complicate both processes.

Before you start

• Turn off the transfer lock. A locked domain cannot move.
• Get the authorisation code. It is usually in the current registrar's domain settings.
• Check the registrant email. The approval message goes to the address on file, which may be a privacy forwarding address.
• Confirm the remaining term. A transfer may add a year, but not on every extension.
• Check for recent changes. A recent registration, transfer or contact change can impose a waiting period.
• Export the DNS records. Save the current nameservers and mail records before anything changes.

The transfer, step by step

1. Sign in to the current registrar and unlock the domain.
2. Copy the authorisation code and confirm the registrant email.
3. Start the transfer at the new registrar and enter the code.
4. Pay the transfer fee if one applies.
5. Watch for the approval email and approve it promptly.
6. Wait for the registry to complete the move. Do not change DNS during the wait unless you have a reason.
7. Confirm the domain is in the new account, then re-enable the lock and check DNS, email and privacy.

What can block a transfer

• Transfer lock. The most common cause. Unlock it first.
• Outdated registrant email. If you cannot receive the approval message, the transfer stalls.
• Unpaid balance. Some registrars will not release a domain with an open invoice.
• A recent registration or transfer. Waiting periods can apply; check the current rules.
• A dispute or legal hold. A domain under dispute cannot move until it is resolved.
• Expired status. Renew before transferring if the domain is close to expiry.
• Wrong authorisation code. Codes can expire or change when the domain is unlocked.

How long it takes

A typical generic domain transfer takes about five to seven days, but the registry and the losing registrar control the timeline. Some country extensions are faster, and some are slower.

• The losing registrar may send a confirmation request. Approve it promptly.
• The transfer can sometimes be cancelled before it completes.
• A .co transfer in includes one free year of registration, with additional years available after it completes.
• Do not schedule a launch or an email migration for the transfer window.

After the transfer completes

1. Confirm the domain appears in the new account and the registrant details are correct.
2. Check the nameservers and confirm the site resolves.
3. Check the MX records and send a test email.
4. Confirm the new renewal date and turn on auto-renew.
5. Re-enable the registrar lock.
6. Confirm privacy is active if the extension supports it.
7. Remove any old payment method or forwarding rule you no longer need.

Transfer, renew or push?

A transfer changes the registrar. A renewal extends the term. A push moves a domain between accounts at the same registrar without a full transfer.

• If the domain expires soon, renew it first, then transfer when there is time.
• A transfer may add a year, but not on every extension; confirm the terms.
• A push is usually faster and does not require an authorisation code.
• Changing nameservers is not a transfer and does not change the registrar.

Frequently asked questions

Last reviewed: 2026-10-19. This page describes current practice and general information. Prices and registry policies can change.