Here, we’ll talk about why you might want to transfer your domain and how to initiate a domain transfer in the first place. We’ll also answer all your other most asked questions!
So, why would you want to transfer a domain in the first place? Well—there could be a few major reasons, among them:
- You’re selling your domain: just because you’re selling your domain to someone else, doesn’t mean that it’ll be transferred automatically. In many cases, you, as the seller, need to initiate the domain transfer process (more on that later).
- You found another registrar that offers better services: as we like to say, cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to choosing domain registrars. If your current registrar only offers the basics, you may find yourself wanting to move to a provider that offers— say—24/7 live support, professional email accounts, or more advanced security and privacy features.
- You want to save money and/or bundle services: quite often, domain registrars will bundle in additional services, like web hosting or website builder tools. So, it can save you some cash and create more simplicity by moving everything to the same provider.
No matter the reason for transferring your domain, we will walk you through the process below!
Table of contents:
How to transfer a domain
Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of how you actually transfer your domain! We’ll guide you through the process step-by-step:
Step 1: confirm domain transfer eligibility
First, make sure your domain is eligible to transfer! If you’ve registered or transferred your domain within the last 60 days, you won’t be able to carry out the transfer process.
Step 2: unlock your domain
Unlock your domain by looking for an “unlock domain” option in your registrar account control panel or settings menu. You can also contact your registrar directly and request your domain (or multiple domains) be unlocked.
Step 3: request a domain transfer authorization code
Next, you’ll need an authorization code (some registrars may call it an “auth-code” or EPP code) for your domain name. Once you request the code, your registrar must provide it to you within five days.
The authorization code request must be made from the administrative contact’s email address listed on the domain profile. If you don’t receive your authorization code within five days, you can contact CIRA for assistance.
Step 4: provide authorization code to new registrar
Once you’ve received your authorization code, create an account with your new registrar. Then, navigate over to their “domain transfer” page and enter your domain name, followed by the authorization code.
If the code doesn’t match, your transfer won’t go through!
Step 5: confirm domain transfer and pay fee
Once you’ve plugged in your authorization code—and assuming it works—you’ll be contacted by your old and new registrars. From here, you will need to confirm the transfer, along with your contact information.
Now, you’ll need to pay the transfer fee (to your new domain registrar). Usually, this isn’t a huge sum of money and sometimes comes with a free year of registration.
A pair of friendly reminders as you finalize the transfer:
- Make sure that your contact information is fully up to date and accurate, as the new registrar will need to get in touch with you during the transfer process.
- Once you’ve transferred your domain, you won’t be able to transfer it again for another 60 days.
Cost of a domain transfer
The cost of transferring your domain depends on your domain registrar. Some registrars won’t charge you a transfer fee at all but will charge you for a year of domain registration. Other providers might charge you a small domain transfer fee—usually somewhere between $10-$20 CAD but throw in a free year of registration.
In any case, you’re not looking at a major expense to transfer your domain. And—you don’t even need to tip a moving crew or reward your long-suffering friends with dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I initiate a domain transfer?
Start your domain transfer journey by requesting an authorization code from your current domain registrar and let them know that you wish to transfer your domain. Your registrar should then supply you with the authorization code needed to carry out the transfer process.
Depending on your domain provider, you may also be able to start the transfer process by clicking the “unlock domain” option found in your registrar account’s control panel. This will also trigger a request for your authorization code with the registrar.
How long does the domain transfer process typically take?
The domain transfer process typically takes between five and seven days, on average. Of course, this timing can depend on a few things, like:
- Ensuring that your domain is unlocked
- Your old registrar providing you with your authorization code within five days of your request
- The authorization code being correct.
If you need a more specific timeline, you can contact your new registrar to confirm when they’ll attempt your transfer request.
What happens if my domain transfer fails?
If your domain transfer fails, you’ll typically receive an email that explains the issue. From here, you can either try re-initiating the transfer (an authorization code may have been mis-typed) or contact your registrar for further assistance.
What should I do if I encounter any issues during the domain transfer process?
If you encounter any issues during the domain transfer process, start by checking that you have the correct authorization code and that you’re entering the code properly. Just a slight slip of the keyboard is all it sometimes takes.
You can also contact your current registrar to ensure that no transfer locks have been applied to the domain. Usually, the registrar you’re transferring should be able to shed some light on why the transfer is failing—be it a technical snafu or an issue on your end.
Will I still have access to my domain’s DNS settings after transferring it to another registrar?
Yes—if you’re still with your original web hosting provider, then you will still be able to access your domain’s DNS settings after transferring to a new registrar.
What is an authorization code, and how do I obtain it for my domain transfer?
An authorization code (also known as an auth-code) is created by your registrar and used to identify you as the holder, or registrant of your domain. More importantly, an authorization code ensures that only you can transfer your domain.
To obtain your authorization code, you’ll need to contact your registrar and request it. Though, some registrars will allow you to generate and access your authorization codes through your account settings.
If you don’t receive an authorization code within five days of making the request, your pals at CIRA can give you a hand!
Can I transfer multiple domains at once, and if so, how?
Yes, you absolutely can transfer multiple domains at once! This is what’s known a “bulk transfer.”
Keep in mind—every registrar’s process will be slightly different. In general, initiating a bulk transfer would involve going into your account, selecting the domains you’d like to transfer and then requesting the required authorization codes.
Once you have the authorization codes, you would then provide them to your new registrar and proceed with the transfer.
What happens to my domain’s expiration date when I transfer it to another registrar?
In most cases, transferring your domain to another registrar automatically adds on another year to whatever time you have left on your current domain registration.
“Ah,” you might say. “But what if my domain has expired?”
You can still transfer an expired domain, as long as it’s still within the domain renewal grace period, which lasts about 30 days.
Are there any restrictions on which domains I can transfer?
There are a few restrictions and rules governing domain transfers. Here are the ones worth remembering:
- Your domain must be valid and currently registered with another registrar.
- The domains need to have been registered for at least 60 days and unlocked with your current registrar.
- You need to have your authorization code from the registrar you’re transferring your domain away from.
- You can’t transfer domains that have expired AND are past the “redemption grace period,” (30-45 days past the expiry date).
Do I need to keep my current hosting provider if I transfer my domain to another registrar?
Domain transfers typically don’t affect your web hosting at all. So, yes, you can keep your current hosting provider, which is the most straightforward route.
Can I transfer a domain that is currently locked or in a redemption period?
If the domain is locked, it cannot be transferred. And while it is possible to transfer an expired domain, you can only do so if it’s in the “redemption grace period” —which can be up to 45 days. However, once that domain enters the redemption period, it can no longer be transferred.
Will my website experience downtime during the domain transfer process?
By itself, the domain transfer process doesn’t involve changing the nameservers of the domain. Provided you’re not also changing your hosting provider, you shouldn’t experience any website downtime.
If you do happen to switch nameservers (web hosting providers), it can take up to 24-48 hours for your website to be back online.
Hopefully this guide answered all your questions about transferring domains. Thinking of adding more domains to your portfolio? Check out our blog on ways you can use additional domain names to your advantage.