Transfer a domain

What moves

A domain transfer changes the registrar managing the registration. It does not copy website files, migrate mailboxes or move old messages. Arrange those separately if you are also changing hosting or email.

Before starting, record the current nameservers and all website and email DNS records. Keep the existing hosting and email services active until you have tested their replacements. Use an accessible registrant email address and check the domain is eligible for transfer with its current provider.

Prepare

1. Confirm you control the domain and can approve messages sent to its registered contact.
2. Check its expiry date and any transfer restrictions. A recently registered or recently transferred domain may not yet be eligible.
3. Where required, remove the transfer lock and request the authorisation or EPP code.
4. Keep the code private. Enter it only in the transfer form or through a support route specifically requested for the transfer.

Some endings use a different process. If your provider offers a registrar tag rather than an EPP code, contact support for the correct process before submitting the form. Do not invent a code or repeatedly retry a transfer that the form does not support.

Start the transfer

1. Open Domains → Transfer in.
2. Enter the full domain in Domain to transfer and choose Check requirements.
3. Read the returned requirements and any charges. Resolve locks or eligibility issues first.
4. For the supported EPP flow, enter the current Authorisation / EPP code and choose Start transfer.
5. Follow any approval or payment steps shown. Monitor the transfer list and the registered contact email until the transfer completes.

Completion depends on the domain ending and the releasing provider. Starting a request is not confirmation that it has completed.

Avoid downtime

Compare the nameservers after transfer with your saved copy. Keeping the same nameservers generally keeps DNS management with the existing provider, but check whether that provider continues hosting the DNS zone after the transfer.

If you change nameservers, create the required records at the destination first. Include website records, MX records and all mail verification records. Follow the DNS guide and ask support about DNSSEC before switching a signed domain. Do not cancel the old service until you have tested the website and mail in both directions.

Afterwards

Find the domain in My domains. Review the contact details, expiry date, auto-renew and transfer-lock settings. Check the actual expiry date rather than assuming that every transfer adds a year.

Open the website using both the root address and www if you use both. Send and receive a message through your business email. If everything is unchanged, you have confirmed continuity of the services as well as completion of the registration transfer.

Stalled transfers

Invalid code: obtain a fresh code from the current registrar and check for copied spaces. Locked or ineligible: resolve the reason shown before retrying. Pending: check approval messages and the existing request status before submitting again. Website or email stopped: compare nameservers and DNS records with your saved copy.

Give support the domain, status, request date and exact error. Keep the existing provider’s reference if you have one.