Transfer a Web2 Domain to Us

Overview

You can transfer a Web2 domain from your current registrar to us, so billing, DNS, and renewals are managed in one place. Most generic TLDs (e.g., .com, .net, .org) follow a similar flow. Some country code TLDs have different rules, so always review the specific TLD notes shown during search and checkout.

Before You Start: A Checklist

• The domain is older than 60 days from initial registration, or from the most recent registrant change.

• The domain is unlocked at the current registrar, and clientTransferProhibited is off.

• You have the Auth or EPP code from the current registrar.

• WHOIS contacts are accurate and reachable, especially the registrant email.

• WHOIS privacy is disabled or properly forwards transfer emails.

• No active holds for billing, fraud, UDRP, or legal disputes.

• DNSSEC is disabled if you plan to change nameservers during/after the transfer.

• The domain is not in Redemption or Pending Delete.

• You understand how nameservers will be handled (keep unchanged for zero downtime).

Tip: If the domain is mission critical, renew it at the current registrar first, then transfer to avoid timing risks close to expiry.

Starting the Transfer

• Open Transfer a domain in our dashboard and enter your domain name.

• Enter the Auth/EPP code exactly as provided.

• Choose nameserver handling:

• Keep current nameservers – safest for live sites and email.

• Use our nameservers – pre-create DNS records and allow propagation time.

• Submit the order and complete payment.

• Watch for confirmation emails from the losing registrar.

• Monitor status in both dashboards. Most transfers finish in 5–7 days.

What Happens During a Transfer

The gaining registrar requests the transfer from the registry, and the losing registrar is notified. If no objection is raised within the allowed window, the registry auto-approves it. The domain then appears in your account.

The expiration date usually extends by one year (subject to the 10-year max). If auto-renewed recently at the losing registrar, that renewal may be reversed by the registry.

Service Continuity

If you keep the same nameservers, DNS continues without interruption. If you change nameservers, allow minutes to hours for record edits and up to 48h for full delegation propagation.

After the Transfer

• Verify domain contacts and ownership details.

• Enable auto renew and add a valid payment method.

• Review DNS (lower TTL, switch safely, then raise TTL back).

• Enable DNSSEC only after the zone is stable and publish the correct DS record.

• Turn on 2FA and re-enable the standard transfer lock.

Fees, Renewal, and Timing

• Transfer fee usually includes a 1-year renewal (exceptions apply).

• Expired domains can often transfer in Grace, not in Redemption or Pending Delete.

• Most transfers complete in 5–7 days, some ccTLDs in hours.

• Max registration term is 10 years; if already at cap, no extra year is added.

Nameservers, DNS, and DNSSEC

Keep Nameservers Unchanged – safest for live services, switch later with low TTL.

Change to Our Nameservers – pre-create all required records (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, DMARC, SRV, etc.) and allow time for propagation.

DNSSEC – disable before changing nameservers, then re-enable and publish the correct DS after the new zone is signed. Incorrect DS data can cause immediate resolution failures.

Special Cases by TLD

• Some ccTLDs require registry-specific codes, provider tags, or paper approvals.

• Some TLDs enforce eligibility rules (residency, corporate presence).

• Recent registrant changes may trigger a 60-day transfer lock.

Troubleshooting, Quick Answers

• Invalid Auth/EPP code: Request a fresh code, paste carefully.

• 60-day lock: Wait until it ends.

• Privacy blocks emails: Disable privacy or confirm forwarding.

• Transfer rejected: Ask losing registrar for reason (unpaid balance, policy lock, explicit reject).

• No progress: Some registrars allow manual approval—request it.

• Site/email down: Check DNS propagation or old provider’s zone status.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my site/email go offline? Not if you keep nameservers unchanged.

• Can I transfer an expired domain? Often yes during Grace, not Redemption or Pending Delete.

• Do I always get an extra year? Usually yes, subject to 10-year cap.

• Can I cancel a transfer? Sometimes within the first days, varies by TLD.

• Can I speed it up? Many losing registrars allow manual approval.

• Will I be charged twice? Rarely—registries reverse recent auto-renewals.

Glossary

• Auth/EPP code: Authorization code required to transfer.

• Gaining registrar: Provider you’re moving to.

• Losing registrar: Provider you’re moving from.

• Nameservers: Authoritative DNS servers for your zone.

• DNSSEC: DNS Security Extensions, requires DS record at registry.

• Grace period: Short window after expiry for renewal.

• Redemption: Recovery window with fee, transfers blocked.

Summary

To transfer a domain, gather the Auth/EPP code, unlock it, confirm contacts, and start the transfer from our dashboard. Keep nameservers unchanged for continuity, switch DNS later if needed. Most transfers complete in 5–7 days and add one year to the expiry. Enable auto renew, keep payment details current, and secure your account with 2FA.