Are you moving your website to a new host and need to transfer your domain? You may have found a better deal to register your domain. In any case, transferring your domain is a simple process, but it usually takes several days to complete, while all participants approve the transfer. Most of the work is done behind the scenes. You will just have to fill out a few forms.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Quit the old domain name registrar
Step 1. Make sure your contact information is up to date
During the transfer process, you will be contacted by both your old and your new recorder. They will use the contact information saved with your domain. You can update your contact information from the domain control panel provided by your current registrar.
If you can't remember who your current registrar is, you can find them by performing a WHOIS search on your domain
Step 2. Create an email on another service
Many people use an email service attached to their domain. During the domain transfer process, you will probably lose access to the email service for your domain name. Make sure you have another email account, such as a Gmail or Yahoo account, that you can use as an alternate means of communication.
Make sure you have included this email as the contact email in your domain registration information
Step 3. Request that your domain be unlocked
The process for doing this varies depending on your current registrar, but you can typically unlock your domain from the Domain section of your domain's control panel. This request should be made to your current domain registrar.
Step 4. Request the authorization code
Each domain must provide you with this code within five days of your request. Some loggers allow you to generate the code from the control panel, while others will send it to you by email. You can usually request this code from the same section of the control panel that you used to unlock your domain.
You will need this code to be able to transfer your domain
Step 5. Make sure you haven't transferred your domain recently
You cannot transfer your domain if it was created or transferred within the last 60 days. This is a directive from ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the organization that manages addresses on the Internet.
Part 2 of 2: Transfer the domain
Step 1. Read the support pages for your new recorder
The process for transferring your domain will actually vary depending on the service you are transferring it to. Make sure you have read the transfer instructions posted on the new recorder support pages for exact instructions.
Step 2. Go to the transfer page for the new recorder
You will probably need to create an account with the recorder before you can access this page. You can usually find the section Domain transfer in the control panel provided by your new recorder. Otherwise, you may be given the option to start the process when you create your account.
You may need to contact the recorder support service if there is no option available on the website
Step 3. Enter the domain you are transferring
Make sure to include the TLD (.com,.net,.org etc.). You may be able to transfer multiple domains at the same time. It is not necessary to include the www part. of the address.
Step 4. Enter your authorization code
When prompted, enter the code you received from your old recorder. Make sure you enter the correct code or the transfer will not take place correctly.
Step 5. Confirm that you authorize the transfer
You will be contacted by your old recorder to ask if you allow the transfer. You will either be called or contacted by email, depending on the information you provided to your old recorder.
This is why it is important to have your correct contact information. If you are not registered as the owner of the domain, you will not be able to be contacted about the transfer, even if you are the actual owner
Step 6. Pay for the transfer
You will usually need to pay to transfer your domain. Some services require you to automatically renew for an additional year when you transfer. You may be able to get a free transfer by registering with the new recorder.
Step 7. Wait for your settings to transfer
When the transfer is authorized, your new recorder will configure the DNS servers and the name for you. Once the forwarding has been set up by the new registrar, it may take up to a few days for your DNS changes to take effect worldwide. Your website should remain accessible.
The process will in fact vary depending on the recorder chosen. It may include another identification step requested by the new recorder. Refer to the new recorder support pages for details
Step 8. Decide if you want a private domain
Some domain registrars allow you to hide your domain registration information, so that your contact information is not available to the public during a WHOIS search. Instead, the recorder information will appear, which will hide your name, phone number, address and email. In general, a private recording costs more.
Step 9. Cancel your old service
Once the transfer is complete, you can cancel your service at your old recorder. Make sure before canceling that the transfer has been successfully completed or your website may become inaccessible until the transfer is effective worldwide.
