What happens when you transfer a domain

A domain transfer moves your registration from one registrar to another, or from one owner to another person or organisation. The domain itself — the web address — stays the same. What changes is which company holds the registration and bills you for it each year.

The process takes between three and seven days. During that time, your website and email keep working normally. You do not lose anything, and you do not have to take your site offline.

You will need an authorization code (also called an auth code or transfer code) from your current registrar, proof that you own the domain, and a registrar willing to accept it. If you are transferring to a new owner — a family member, a business partner, or a buyer — the process is similar but involves extra verification steps.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an authorization code from your current registrar before you can move your domain anywhere else.
  • Your domain must not be locked, and it must be at least 60 days old (some registrars require 90 days) before transfer is possible.
  • The receiving registrar will send you a confirmation email; you must click the link in that email to complete the transfer.
  • If you are transferring to a new owner, you will need to provide proof of ownership and the new owner will need to verify their identity.
  • Your website and email continue to work throughout the transfer; there is no downtime if you follow the steps in order.

Getting the authorization code from your current registrar

Log into your account with your current registrar — the company where you registered the domain or have been paying the renewal fees. Look for a section called Domain Management, My Domains, or Account Settings.

Find your domain in the list and look for an option to unlock it or request a transfer code. The exact wording varies: GoDaddy calls it an "authorization code", Namecheap calls it an "auth code", and some registrars call it a "transfer code" or "EPP code". Request it and the registrar will email it to you, usually within minutes. Save this code somewhere safe — you will need it in the next step.

Before you proceed, check that your domain is not locked. Most registrars lock domains by default to prevent accidental transfers. You will see a lock icon or a setting that says "Domain Lock" or "Transfer Lock" — turn it off. This is separate from the authorization code and must be done first.

Starting the transfer at your new registrar

Go to the registrar where you want to move the domain. This might be a different company entirely, or it might be a different account at the same company. Most registrars have a button or link that says "Transfer Domain" or "Move Your Domain Here" on their homepage.

Enter your domain name and the authorization code you received from your old registrar. The new registrar will check that the code is valid and that the domain is not locked. If both are correct, you will be asked to confirm the transfer and pay any applicable fees. Some registrars offer the first year free or at a discount; others charge a standard renewal fee.

After you pay, the new registrar sends a confirmation email to the address on file with your old registrar (the registrant email). This is a critical step: you must click the link in that email within a set time — usually 5 to 15 days — or the transfer will be cancelled. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within an hour.

Completing the transfer and what to expect

Click the confirmation link in the email from your new registrar. This tells your old registrar to release the domain and tells the new registrar to take over the registration. The transfer then moves through the domain registry system, which typically takes 24 to 72 hours but can take up to seven days.

During this time, your website and email work normally. The domain name system (DNS) does not change unless you tell it to. If your website is hosted elsewhere, you do not need to do anything — it will keep pointing to the same place.

When the transfer is complete, your new registrar will send you a confirmation email. From that point on, you renew your domain with the new registrar, and your old registrar has no further claim to it. You can log into your new registrar's account and manage DNS records, renewal settings, and privacy options from there.

Transferring a domain to a new owner

If you are selling a domain or giving it to someone else, the process is similar but requires extra steps. The new owner will need their own registrar account. You cannot simply hand over the authorization code — the registrar needs to verify that both the old owner (you) and the new owner have agreed to the transfer.

Most registrars require you to initiate the transfer from your account and specify the new owner's email address. The registrar then sends a confirmation email to both you and the new owner. Both of you must approve it before the transfer proceeds. Some registrars also require a signed document or a notarized letter proving the sale or transfer.

If you are selling the domain, ask the buyer what registrar they want to use. They will then start the transfer process on their end, and you will receive a confirmation request from their registrar. Approve it, and the transfer will complete within a few days. Do not release the authorization code to the buyer until you have received payment.

What can go wrong and how to fix it

The most common problem is a missed confirmation email. Check your spam folder, your email provider's promotions tab, and any email filters you have set up. If you cannot find it, log into your new registrar's account and look for a "Resend Confirmation" or "Pending Transfers" section. You can usually request the confirmation email again from there.

If your domain is locked at the old registrar, the transfer will fail. Go back to your old registrar's account, find the domain lock setting, and turn it off. Then start the transfer again at the new registrar.

If the authorization code is wrong or expired, request a new one from your old registrar. Codes are usually valid for 30 days, but some registrars issue new ones on request.

If your domain is less than 60 days old, most registrars will not allow a transfer. Wait until the 60-day window has passed, then try again. A few registrars require 90 days; check your registrar's policy if you are unsure.

Transferring a domain with DNS records and email forwarding

Your DNS records — the settings that point your domain to your website, email server, or other services — do not transfer automatically. They stay with your old registrar until you change them. This is actually a safety feature: it means your website keeps working even while the registration is moving.

After the transfer is complete, log into your new registrar and look for DNS Management or Name Servers. You have two options: keep using your old registrar's name servers (which means your DNS records stay where they are), or switch to your new registrar's name servers and recreate your DNS records there.

If you have email forwarding set up through your old registrar, that will stop working after the transfer unless you recreate it at the new registrar. Write down all your DNS records and email forwarding rules before you transfer, so you have them handy. Most registrars have an export or backup option that lets you download this information as a file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a domain if I still owe money on it?

No. Your account must be in good standing and all fees must be paid. If your domain is about to expire, renew it first, then transfer it. Some registrars will not transfer a domain that expires within 30 days.

Will my website go down during the transfer?

No. Your website and email continue to work throughout the transfer as long as your DNS records do not change. The transfer only changes who manages the registration, not where your site is hosted.

How much does it cost to transfer a domain?

Costs vary by registrar and by domain extension (.com, .org, .co.uk, etc.). Most transfers cost between $8 and $15 per year. Some registrars offer discounts or free transfers for the first year. Check the new registrar's pricing before you start.

What if my old registrar will not give me the authorization code?

Contact their support team and explain that you want to transfer the domain. They are required by ICANN (the organisation that oversees domain registration) to provide the code. If they refuse, file a complaint with ICANN or switch to a registrar that will cooperate.

Can I transfer a domain that someone else registered for me?

Only if you are listed as the registrant (owner) on the domain record. If someone else registered it under their name, you will need them to either transfer it to you first, or to provide you with the authorization code and permission to transfer it. Ask your registrar for a copy of the WHOIS record to see who is listed as the owner.