How to transfer a domain to another registrar

How to transfer a domain between registrars: the 60-day rule, unlocking, auth codes, keeping your website and email working, pushes vs transfers, and common problems.

Transferring a domain means moving it from one registrar to another, usually to get a better price, better tools or to keep all your names in one place. You keep ownership the whole time. Here's how to do it without breaking your website or email.

Before you start

• Wait at least 60 days after registering or transferring the domain. Most registrars won't allow a transfer before then. ICANN has approved a recommendation to shorten this to 30 days, but check the current rules at your registrar.
• Make sure it's not about to expire. Leave at least a couple of weeks before the expiry date.
• Check your email address on the domain is current, because transfer notices go there.
• Note your DNS settings. Take a screenshot of all records in case anything needs rebuilding.

Step by step

1. Unlock the domain at your current registrar (turn off "registrar lock" or "transfer lock").
2. Get the authorization code, also called an EPP code, auth code or transfer code.
3. Start the transfer at the new registrar: enter the domain and the code, and pay. Most .com transfers include an extra year of registration.
4. Approve any confirmation email.
5. Wait. Transfers usually complete within a few days. Some registrars let you approve the release early to speed it up.
6. Check DNS and email once it arrives, and turn the lock back on.

Keeping your site and email working

If your DNS is hosted somewhere other than the registrar, like Cloudflare, the transfer doesn't touch it and nothing goes down. If your DNS is hosted by the old registrar, copy every record to the new one before the transfer finishes.

Transfers vs "pushes"

A push moves a domain from one account to another at the same registrar. It's instant and often used when buying or selling domains between people at the same company, like GoDaddy to GoDaddy. A transfer moves it to a different registrar.

Common problems

• "Domain is locked": unlock it at the current registrar.
• Wrong auth code: request a new one and paste it carefully.
• Within 60 days of registration: wait, or ask both registrars about options.
• Some country endings (like .uk) use different transfer methods. Check the registry's rules.

Comparing registrars? See TLD-List for renewal prices and how to buy a domain name for what to look for.

Sources

• Safenames: Proposed changes to ICANN's Transfer Policy (2025)