Domain Name Transfer

Suppose you are no longer happy with the registrar in which your domain name is registered. Maybe you are not happy with their service or you think that you can save more with another registrar. What you need to do is simply transfer your domain name from your existing registrar into the new one. Now, this is a pretty easy process. However, it also requires some proper understanding to do it right.

Domain name transfer is a process between two registrars. Let’s refer to them as the losing registrar and the gaining registrar. To begin, you will need an EPP or an authorization key. This can be retrieved from your current registrar. It is the unique key given to every domain name.

The domain name also has to be in an unlocked status. The lock and unlock feature of website is present in almost all registrars to prevent fraudulent transfers. Make sure that yours is not locked when proceeding with the transfer.

Next, go to the new registrar and begin the domain name transfer process. Input the EPP key that you have acquired from your current registrar. There will be a prompt asking you to key in the code. Do so when the step comes up.

After which, you will be sent an email by the gaining or the new registrar through the administrative contact email address of your domain name. The email is to confirm the transfer. You’ll be given 5 days to either approve or deny the transfer. The transfer may take up to a week depending on the registrar. Another confirmation email will be sent to you if the transfer is successful.

If your transfer returns unsuccessful, it could be due to a number of reasons. For one thing, the domain name might be in lock status. Or maybe you might have obtained the wrong EPP key. Or it could be due to the simple reason that you failed to access the administrative contact email address. In this case, you must contact the registrar and request that you be able to open the email address.

It is also possible that your domain name could have expired with your current registrar. As such, you cannot transfer it to a new registrar. You can still retrieve your domain name by paying the penalty charge.  You should also note that domain name transfers are forbidden during the first 60 days of preliminary registration or during the first 60 days after a transfer, which ever holds true.

A domain name transfer could be processed even without the permission of the losing registrar. The current registrar must transfer the domain name except if there is proof of fraudulent transfer or if there is a court order. It could also be because the domain name is in lock or hold status, which in turn, is triggered due to a complaint or non-payment. Sometimes, there is also disagreement over the identity of the Registered Name Holder or Administrative Contact. It is very important that you iron out these problems so you’ll be able to successfully transfer your domain name from one registrar to another.