Domain Name Registrar Transfer
Domain Name Registrar Transfer refers to the process of changing the company that manages your domain registration from one registrar to another. Here's a general outline of the process:
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1. Unlock the Domain: The domain must be unlocked at the current registrar. This is usually done through the domain management interface.
2. Obtain the Authorization Code: Also known as the EPP code, this unique string of characters authorizes the transfer to the new registrar.
3. Initiate the Transfer at the New Registrar: The new registrar will ask for the domain name and the authorization code.
4. Approve the Transfer: The current registrar will send an email to the registered domain owner asking for approval of the transfer.
5. Completion of Transfer: If approved, the transfer process will begin. It can take up to 5-7 days to complete.
Steps involved in a Domain Name Registrar Transfer.
1. Unlocking the Domain: This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized transfers. When you're ready to transfer, you'll need to disable this feature. The exact method varies by registrar, but it's typically found in the domain's control panel.
2. Obtaining the Authorization Code: The Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) code is a security measure to ensure that only the rightful owner can transfer a domain. Once again, the method to obtain this code varies by registrar, but it's usually found in the same area as the domain lock setting.
3. Initiating the Transfer at the New Registrar: You'll need to go to your new registrar's website and find their domain transfer page. From there, you'll be prompted to enter the domain name and the EPP code.
4. Approving the Transfer: This is usually done via email. The current registrar will send an email to the address associated with the domain. This email will contain a link that you'll need to click to confirm the transfer.
5. Completion of Transfer: After confirmation, the transfer process begins. It can take up to 5-7 days to complete. During this time, your website and email associated with the domain should continue to function as normal.
Additional considerations and potential issues that may arise during a Domain Name Registrar Transfer:
1. Domain Age: ICANN rules stipulate that a domain must be at least 60 days old before it can be transferred. This is to prevent domain slamming, a practice where domains are quickly transferred to different registrars without the owner's consent.
2. Domain Status: A domain can't be transferred if it's in certain statuses such as 'clientTransferProhibited'. This status can be checked via a WHOIS lookup.
3. Expired Domains: If a domain has expired, it may still be possible to transfer it, but the process can be more complicated. It's best to transfer domains well before their expiration date.
4. WHOIS Information: The WHOIS information for the domain, particularly the administrative contact email, must be up-to-date. This is because the transfer approval email will be sent to this address.
5. DNS and Nameservers: The new registrar may not automatically import your DNS settings from the old registrar. You might need to manually configure your DNS settings at the new registrar to ensure your website and email continue to function correctly.
Always ensure that you have access to the email address associated with your domain name as it is crucial for approving the transfer. Also, it's important to note that ICANN rules prohibit the transfer of a domain name that has been registered or previously transferred in the last 60 days.