A registrar transfer moves domain management to another registrar. It does not automatically move your website files or email. Prepare the domain account, transfer requirements and DNS records before starting so you can keep existing services working.
Check transfer eligibility
Rules depend on the extension and registrar. For many generic top-level domains, recent registration, a previous transfer or certain registrant changes can create transfer locks. An expired domain is not automatically ineligible in every case; redemption status and registrar requirements matter.
Prepare access and DNS records
Confirm that you can sign in to the registrar account and receive approval messages. Record nameservers, website records and email records. Ask whether DNS hosting will continue after the transfer, since losing that service can interrupt the website or email.
Unlock and obtain the authorization code
Where required, remove the transfer lock and request the Auth/EPP code from the current registrar. Treat the code as sensitive and give it only to the intended receiving registrar through its official transfer flow. Do not post it publicly.
Start and approve the request
Submit the transfer with the receiving registrar, review the fee and follow the approval process. Track the status in the registrar account. Avoid unnecessary nameserver changes while the transfer is in progress.
Verify after completion
Check domain status, expiry date, nameservers, website and email. A registrar transfer alone does not migrate hosting files or mailboxes. If DNS remains correctly configured and available, changing registrars does not inherently require downtime.
Official references
Before requesting a transfer
- Record current nameservers and DNS records, especially website and email records.
- Confirm whether the old provider will continue hosting your DNS after the transfer.
- Check eligibility, fees and expected processing time with both registrars.
