Domain Transfer Eligibility Checklist

Before transferring your domain name away, check the following requirements:

• 60-day registration lock: A domain usually cannot be transferred within 60 days of its initial registration.
• 60-day previous transfer lock: A domain usually cannot be transferred again within 60 days of a previous registrar transfer.
• Change of registrant lock: Updating the registrant name, organization, or email address may trigger a 60-day transfer lock.
• Authorization code required: You must obtain the Auth Code, also called the EPP code, transfer code, or Auth-Info code.
• Domain must be unlocked: The domain should not be under Registrar Lock or Client Transfer Prohibited status.
• Domain status must be valid: The domain should not be in Redemption, Pending Delete, or another restricted state.
• Expired domains: Some expired domains may still be transferable before deletion, but renewing first is often the safest option.
• Email approval may be required: The transfer may need to be approved through the registrant or domain contact email address associated with the domain.

Step 1: Prepare the Domain for Transfer

Once you confirm that the domain is eligible, prepare it for transfer from your current registrar account.

1. Unlock the domain
   Find the Domain Lock, Registrar Lock, or similar setting in your current registrar account and turn it off.
2. Disable privacy or WHOIS protection if needed
   Privacy services can sometimes interfere with transfer validation or email approval, depending on the registrar and domain extension.
3. Verify the domain contact email address
   Make sure the registrant or domain contact email address is current and accessible, because transfer approval messages may be sent there.
4. Request the Auth Code (EPP Code)
   Obtain the authorization code from your domain management page or request it from your current registrar.

Step 2: Start the Transfer with the New Registrar

After preparing the domain, place the transfer order with the registrar you want to move to.

1. Go to the new registrar’s domain transfer page.
2. Enter the domain name you want to transfer.
3. Enter the Authorization Code (EPP Code) when prompted.
4. Complete the payment for the transfer. In many cases, the transfer fee also includes a one-year domain renewal extension.

Step 3: Approve and Finalize the Transfer

Once the transfer is submitted, you may need to approve it before the process can continue.

1. Check your email for a transfer confirmation request from the old registrar, the new registrar, or both.
2. Approve the transfer request if required.
3. Wait for the transfer to complete. Most domain transfers are completed within approximately 5 to 7 days, although some domain extensions may take longer.