Are you going to move your website to a new server and have to transfer your domain? Perhaps you have found a better deal for domain registration. In any case, transferring your domain is a simple process; however, it will generally take several days to complete while you wait for all parties involved to approve the transfer. Most of the work is done behind the scenes; you will only have to fill out some forms.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Leave your old domain registrar
Step 1. Make sure your contact information is up to date
During the transfer process, your old and new registrar will contact you. They will use the contact information that is registered on your domain. You can update your contact information from your current registrar's domain control panel.
If you don't remember who your current registrar is, you can find out by doing a WHOIS lookup for your domain
Step 2. Set up an email with another service
Many people use an email service that is linked to the domain. During the domain transfer process, you may lose access to your email service for your domain name. Make sure you have another email account, such as a Gmail or Yahoo! account, that you can use as a secondary means of communication.
Make sure to set this email as your contact email in your domain registration information
Step 3. Request that your domain be unlocked
The process for unlocking varies depending on the registrar you currently use; however, you can generally unlock your domain from the Domain section of your domain's control panel. Make this request to your current domain registrar.
Step 4. Request the authorization code
Each domain must give you this code within five days of your request. Some registrars allow you to generate your code in the control panel, while others will send it to you by email. You can usually request the code from the same section of the control panel that you used to unlock the domain.
You will need this code to transfer your domain
Step 5. Make sure you have not recently transferred your domain
You will not be able to transfer your domain if it was created or transferred in the last 60 days. It is a requirement of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers or ICANN, which is the organization that manages addresses on the Internet.
Part 2 of 2: Transfer your domain
Step 1. Read the support pages for your new registrar
The actual process of transferring your domain will vary depending on the service you are transferring it to. Be sure to read the transfer instructions posted on the new registrar's support pages for exact instructions.
Step 2. Visit the transfer page of the new registrar
You may need to create an account with the registrar before you can access this page. You can usually find the Domain Transfer section in your new registrar's control panel or you may be given the option to start the process when you create your account.
You may need to contact the registrar's support staff to start the transfer if there is no option available on the website
Step 3. Enter the domain you are transferring
Make sure to include the TLD (.com,.net,.org, etc.). You may be able to transfer multiple domains at the same time. You don't have to include the www part. of the address.
Step 4. Enter your authorization code
When prompted, enter the code you received from your old registrar. Make sure you enter the code exactly or else the transfer will not be processed correctly.
Step 5. Verify that you are authorizing the transfer
Your old registrar will contact you to ask if you authorize the transfer. You will be emailed or called, using the information you provided to your old registrar.
This is where having the correct contact information is important. If you are not registered as the owner of the domain, they will not be able to contact you to inquire about the transfer, even if you are the real owner
Step 6. Pay for the transfer
Usually you will have to pay to have your domain transferred. Some services require you to automatically renew for an additional 1 year when you transfer. You could get a free transfer by registering with the new registrar.
Step 7. Wait for your settings to transfer
Your new registrar will configure the DNS and name servers for you once the transfer has been authorized. After the new registrar has configured the transfer, it may take a few days to recognize DNS changes around the world. Your website should still be available.
The actual process will vary depending on the registrar you choose. This could include an additional round of authentication from the new registrar. See the new registrar's support pages for more details
Step 8. Decide if you want a private domain
Some domain registrars allow you to hide your domain registration information so that your contact information is not available to the general public when doing a WHOIS search. Instead, the registrar's information will be displayed, hiding the name, phone number, address, and email. Private registration generally has an additional cost.
Step 9. Cancel your old service
Once the transfer is complete, you can cancel the service with your old registrar. Make sure the transfer has been completed successfully before doing so or your website may crash until the transfer goes into effect worldwide.