How to Transfer a .com Domain

The .com extension is more than three letters; it’s the internet’s most recognized stamp of credibility. Despite the rise of new extensions like .io or .ai, .com remains the gold standard for businesses, creators, and individuals who want a domain people trust.

But where you manage your .com domain matters. Many registrants stick with traditional providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains without realizing the limitations: steep renewal fees, frequent upselling, and very little innovation.

That’s where  Freename comes in. By combining traditional Web2 domains with Web3 capabilities, Freename allows you to manage your .com in the same place you manage blockchain-based identities, wallets, or even your own custom TLD. It’s the same .com you’ve always known, but with more possibilities.

Why Move Your .com Away from Traditional Registrars

If your .com works, why bother transferring? For many domain owners, the answer comes down to cost, control, and future readiness.

• Cost savings: Many registrars charge over $20 a year for .com renewals. Transfers to Freename typically reduce these costs.
• Fewer upsells: Tired of seeing ads for hosting, email, or add-ons every time you log in? Moving your .com removes that friction.
• Web3 integration: Freename gives you the option to connect your .com to blockchain tools. You don’t lose DNS or traditional use cases; you just gain more options. With Freename, you can manage standard DNS settings while also unlocking tools that traditional registrars don’t provide.

What to Do Before Starting the .com Domain Transfer

A transfer isn’t complicated, but it’s smoother if you prepare. Before starting, check the following:

• Your .com domain is at least 60 days old (ICANN requirement).
• The domain is unlocked in your current registrar’s dashboard.
• Your admin/registrant email is up to date; all transfer confirmations will go there.
• WHOIS privacy is off or properly forwarding to your real email.
• DNSSEC is disabled for now (you can turn it back on later).
• Save a copy of your DNS records so you can restore them quickly if needed.

Step-by-Step: Transfer a .com Domain to Freename

1. Get Your Authorization Code

Log in to your current registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, or another). Find your .com domain settings and request the Authorization (EPP) code. It may arrive by email or be shown in your dashboard.

2. Start the Transfer in Freename

Create a Freename account if you don’t already have one. Go to Domain Transfers, type in your .com domain, and paste the EPP code.

3. Approve the Transfer Request

Check your admin email for a confirmation link. Some registrars also let you speed things up by manually approving the transfer from their dashboard.

4. Keep or Change Nameservers

You can:

• Keep your current nameservers so your website and email keep working during the transfer.
• Or switch to Freename’s nameservers, but make sure you’ve recreated your DNS records first to avoid downtime.

5. Wait for Completion

Most .com transfers finish within 5–7 days. Once approved, the domain will appear in your Freename dashboard. Your registration term usually extends by one year after the transfer (up to a 10-year maximum).

What Makes Freename Different for .com Owners

Freename is the only registrar where Web2 and Web3 domains meet. That means your .com can live alongside Web3 domains and even your own custom TLDs.

Plenty of registrars can host your .com, but Freename does more:

• Unified management: Control .com domains alongside Web3 names.
• Custom TLDs: Launch your own extension, like .studio or .gamerz, and earn royalties when others register under it.
• Wallet integration: Your .com can resolve to a crypto wallet if you choose.
• Built-in privacy and security: Features that cost extra elsewhere come by default.

With Freename, your .com is still your website and email anchor, but it can also function as part of your digital identity in Web3.

Avoiding Domain Transfer Roadblocks

Even with clear steps, domain transfers can hit snags. The most common issues include:

• Starting too early: You can’t transfer a domain under 60 days old.
• Wrong contact info: If your admin email is outdated, you won’t receive approval links.
• Forgetting to unlock: Registrar locks are often enabled by default.
• WHOIS privacy interference: If it masks your contact email, the transfer can stall.
• DNS mistakes: Downtime happens if DNS records aren’t copied before changing nameservers.

By double-checking these, you’ll avoid the headaches that slow down transfers.

Best Practices

• Back up DNS settings before the transfer.
• Lower TTL values a day in advance if you plan to switch nameservers.
• Re-enable DNSSEC and WHOIS privacy after the move.
• Double-check email settings if you use your domain for business communication.

FAQs

• How long does a .com transfer take?

On average, 5–7 days. Some registrars let you manually approve to complete it faster.

• Will I lose the remaining time on my .com?

No. Successful transfers usually add one year to your existing expiration date.

• Will my website or email go down during the transfer?

Not if you keep your current nameservers. Downtime only happens if DNS records aren’t set up before changing nameservers.

• Can I transfer from any registrar?

Yes. Whether your .com is with GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, or others, the steps are nearly identical: unlock, get the EPP code, start the transfer, confirm, and wait.