Domain transfer moves your registration to a new provider while keeping ownership, requiring updated admin details, EPP code, and authorisation. Follow the step-by-step process to ensure a smooth switch without impacting your site or email.

Have you been thinking of transferring your domain? Perhaps you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your cPanel, or maybe you no longer agree with the new pricing structure.

Whatever the reason may be, moving your domain shouldn’t be a hassle.

Domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name’s registration from one accredited registrar to another while retaining ownership. It requires the domain to be unlocked and an authorisation (EPP) code provided by the current registrar.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to seamlessly finish the domain migration from your old registrar to a new one.

1. Review Your Admin Details for Domain Transfer

To update and confirm the domain transfer process, both your new registrar and previous registrar will need your accurate contact details, including phone number, email address, and physical address.

To find these details, visit the cPanel (or control panel) and go to account settings. The location where the information is stored may vary depending on the domain provider. Some have it under domain management settings.

If you fail to update any of the information, your domain migration process may fail or get delayed. Well, what if you don’t even know who your domain registrar is?

Don’t worry, you can perform a manual search on ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

2. Verify Domain Eligibility

Moving your domain is easy. But it should be eligible for transfer.

Listed below are some of those eligibility factors:

  • Your domain must be registered with your current provider for at least 60 days
  • It should not have undergone a domain transfer in the last 60 days, as per ICANN

If that’s not the case, you’ll have to wait before migrating your domain.

3. Remove Your Domain Lock

Most registrars lock your domain by default after you purchase it. They do it for security reasons, i.e., to avoid any domain migration not authorised by you, the owner.

Now, if you wish to move the domain to a new registrar, you’ll want to unlock the domain first with your old registrar. You’ll find the option to do that on your cPanel under the domain management or security sections.

It’s just a single-click step. However, if your domain registrar doesn’t offer this option, you’ll need to request manual unlocking by contacting your provider.

4. Disable Privacy for Your Domain

When you registered your domain, you may have turned on a ‘domain privacy’ feature on your control panel for security reasons. To move your domain, the new registrar will need to verify your contact information from the WHOIS public records.

When the privacy feature is on, your personal contact information is hidden from WHOIS records and is replaced with registrar information. By disabling privacy, you will make your own records publicly available.

After the domain transfer is done, you can turn the privacy back on with the new registrar.

Also Read: Understanding Domain Privacy: Why It Matters

5. Get the EPP Code

You cannot migrate your domain without getting an authorisation code or EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code. This security practice is in place to avoid any unauthorised domain transfers.

The code goes by many other names, including:

  • Auth-Code
  • Auth-Info Code
  • AuthInfo Code

As per ICANN, your previous registrar needs to give the code to you within five days of your initial request. They typically do so via email. That’s why it’s so important to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.

Depending on the registrar, though, you might be able to generate the code from your cPanel.

6. Make an Account with New Registrar

Where would you move your domain if there’s nothing to transfer it to?

Therefore, your next step should be to create a new account with your chosen registrar. That’s the destination of your domain. To get started, simply sign up for an account and enter your contact details.

Also Read: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Registering a Domain

7. Enter the EPP Code

Created a new account? Great.

Now, input the code on the transfer service page of your new registrar. Make sure that the code is accurate. Otherwise, your domain migration will fail.

8. Approve the Domain Transfer

Once you’ve entered your EPP code, both new and existing domain registrars will contact you to verify your contact information, typically via email.

Be vigilant with your notifications to avoid missing any important communication.

They may ask a couple of questions, such as why you’re leaving their service, etc. During this conversation, you’ll officially approve your domain transfer.

9. Make Domain Transfer Payment

In addition to the transfer fees, you may also need to pay a renewal fee for an extra year. Some registrars, however, offer a free first year for domain migration.

At this stage, you’ll need to be a bit patient. Domain transfer usually takes a few days to a week to complete. But don’t worry. Your website and linked email service will remain active through the old registrar.

Conclusion

Completing your domain transfer the right way won’t affect your traffic, SEO, or visitor interaction. You simply need to follow the steps outlined in this blog post and enter the correct details along the way.

If you’re looking to transfer or move multiple domains under one registrar for FREE, consider Crazy Domains, a top choice for website and business owners for its simplicity, intuitive interface, and top-notch security.