How to Transfer your Domain Name

Not happy with current registrar or do you want your hosting services and your domain in the same place so that they are easier to manage? If you answered yes, then you will want to transfer your domain to another registrar. In this article you will discover some things that you should do before transferring a domain as well as the process of transferring your domain.

A domain name transfer is simply just changing the company that you pay yearly for the domain's registration. Domain transfers do not affect your website in any way, they only affect who your domain is registered through. However, before you transfer your domain there are a few things that you should be aware of : 

• DO NOT include the "http://www" when transferring your domain
• Domains must already be registered with another registrar
• The domain name must be valid
• The domain must be registered at its current registrar for at least 60 days before a transfer can take place
• Once transferred to your new registrar, you cannot transfer your domain for 60 days, unless it is back to your old registrar
• The domain name is not on hold with your current registrar
• In order to prepare your domain for transfer, here are some things that you will need:
• Disable WHOIS privacy protection tool or Private Registration for your domain
• Verify you have access to the email within the domain’s WHOIS administrative contact
• Unlock your domain by removing the registrar lock that you may have set for added security
• Obtain the EPP code (transfer authorization code) from the current registrar
• Once you have prepared your domain for transfer, you will need to initiate the process with your new registrar. Here is the process for transferring your domain:
• Call your new registrar and initiate the domain transfer process and supply them with your EPP code.
• Your new hosting provider will then obtain express authorization from either the Registered Name Holder or the Administrative Contact.
• Your old hosting provider will contact you to confirm the authenticity of this request.
• Your old registrar will release authority to your new registrar
• You will then be notified when the transfer has been successful by your new registrar.

It is also wise to not wait until your domain expires to initiate a transfer because the process could take up to 2 weeks. In fact, it could take longer because your current domain registrar might drag their feet. If you let your domain expire, no matter the reason, it can be difficult, expensive, or impossible for you to get it back.