How to transfer a domain to another registrar: step by step
A domain transfer takes 5–7 days and is often cheaper than renewing with your current registrar. Here is the full process.
Why transfer at all
The most common reason is money: renewal at your current registrar often costs more than a transfer to another one (a transfer usually includes +1 year of renewal). Other reasons: clunky control panel, poor support, or consolidating all domains in one place.
Step by step
- 1. Unlock the domain. In the old registrar's panel, disable Transfer Lock (clientTransferProhibited).
- 2. Get the authorization code (Auth Code / EPP Code) — the old registrar must provide it for free.
- 3. Order the transfer at the new registrar — enter the domain and the code, pay (usually the price of one renewal year).
- 4. Confirm the transfer — the owner's email receives a confirmation link. Without it the process takes up to 5–7 days; with it, faster.
Good to know
- A domain cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer (ICANN rule).
- Don't start a transfer with less than 7 days left before expiry — you may not make it in time.
- DNS records usually survive the transfer, but back them up beforehand.
- Your site keeps working during the transfer if the NS servers stay the same.
What it costs
The transfer price ≈ one renewal year at the new registrar, and that year is added to your current term. Compare transfer prices per zone in our table — the "Transfer" column.