How to Transfer a Domain Name

A domain name transfer refers to a change ofAt this point, your registrar sends an email notifying
ownership of a domain name. Some of the reasonsboth parties of the transfer initiation. The email sent
to transfer a domain are:to the new owner usually contains a set of security
1. You have just sold or purchased that domain.keys combined with other information related to the
2. You are dissatisfied with your current registrar.domain transfer.
3. You need to renew a domain.To complete the transfer the new owner follows the
Sometimes it is cheaper to renew a domain name bysteps outlined in the email sent by the registrar.
paying for a transfer, then by paying the renewalAt Godaddy these steps can be summarized as
fee. For example, GoDaddy domain transfers costfollows (other registrars follow a similar set of steps,
around $7 and include a 1 year domainrenewal. Ifcheck their FAQ for details):
your domain is registered with Moniker where1. New owner logs into their registrar account.
renewals cost $10, it is cheaper to transfer to2. New owner accesses their account pending
Godaddy and get the inclusive 1 year extension. Youchanges screen.
will save $3. A $3 saving per domain renewal equates3. New owner enters the domain security codes as
to a lot of cash, especially if you own hundreds ofprovided in the email they received from the
domains.registrar.
It is important to keep in mind that registrars do not4. New owner completes the transfer process.
allow the transfer of domains to another registrar2. Transferring a domain from one registrar to
within a set period of time following the registrationanother.
of a brand new domain name. For example GodaddyThis type of transfer can be summarized by the
allows transfer away of a domain 60 days after anfollowing steps:
initial registration. Transferring a domain from one1. Owner of domain name removes registrar lock
account to another account within the same registrarplaced against the domain name. This is done by
can be done at any time.using the "Remove lock" feature of your account's
Some registrars enforce an external transfer lock ondomain administration interface. Note: A registrar lock
a domain for a set time period if you make anyis placed by the owner of a domain name in order to
alterations to contact information. Again, up untilprevent any attempts of transferring that domain
recently Godaddy placed a 60 day transfer lock ifname.
any changes were made on contact info on a2. New owner logs into their account at their
domain. This was a security feature which wasregistrar.
implemented to help prevent domain theft.3. New owner accesses the transfer domain screen
There are two types of domain name transfers.and initiates transfer of said domain.
1. Ownership transfers within the same registrar.4. Their registrar informs the present domain owner
The following steps summarize such a transfer at(email retrieved via WhoIs information of domain)
Godaddy (other registrars follow a similar procedure,that a transfer has been initiated.
check their FAQ for details ):5. Present owner confirms transfer via their registrar
1. Log-in to your registrar user account.account.
2. Access your domain list.6. Transfer is completed.Note: Transfer may take a
3. Access the change account details / transferfew hours to show up in your registrar account.
domain feature (different depending on registrar).Most registrars follow a similar pattern as above, but
4. Enter new owner account details, including theto be sure, check their FAQs or contact them
email / username of the new owner.directly.
5. Complete the transfer request.