How to Transfer Your Domain to Another Registrar Without Downtime

On this page

1. Transfer vs changing nameservers
2. Before you start
3. Step 1: Prepare DNS so nothing breaks
4. Step 2: Unlock the domain
5. Step 3: Get the authorisation code
6. Step 4: Start the transfer at the new registrar
7. Step 5: Approve and wait
8. Step 6: Check everything after
9. Common problems

You might want to move your domain to a registrar with better prices, a cleaner dashboard, or simply to get it out of an old developer's account. Transferring a domain is straightforward, but a careless transfer can take your website and email offline.

Transfer vs changing nameservers

These are different things. Transferring moves where the domain is registered and renewed. Changing nameservers or DNS changes where your website and email point. You can do either without the other. If you only want to move hosting, you may not need a transfer at all; see domain, hosting and SSL explained.

Changing to a different domain name altogether is a bigger job; see how to change your domain name without losing SEO.

Before you start

• Check eligibility: most registrars block transfers for a period (often 60 days) after registration or a previous transfer
• Check expiry: don't leave it until the last few days before expiry
• Check the contact email: transfer approvals may go to the registrant email, so make sure you can receive it
• Copy your DNS records: take screenshots or export all records, especially website (A/CNAME), email (MX) and verification (TXT) records

Step 1: Prepare DNS so nothing breaks

If your DNS is managed at the current registrar, it may stop working when the domain leaves. Either recreate all records at the new registrar before the transfer, or move DNS to an independent provider (like your host or Cloudflare) first. Then the transfer won't affect your website or email.

Step 2: Unlock the domain

Turn off the transfer lock (sometimes called registrar lock) at your current registrar.

Step 3: Get the authorisation code

Request the auth code (also called EPP code or transfer key) from your current registrar. Treat it like a password.

Step 4: Start the transfer at the new registrar

Enter the domain and auth code at the new registrar and pay the transfer fee. For many extensions, this includes a one-year renewal.

Step 5: Approve and wait

Approve any confirmation emails. Transfers often take a few days to complete, and some registrars let you speed it up by approving at the old registrar.

Step 6: Check everything after

• Website loads correctly, with HTTPS
• Email sending and receiving works
• Auto-renew is on at the new registrar
• Transfer lock is turned back on
• Contact details are correct and in your business name

Common problems

• Invalid auth code: request a fresh one
• Transfer rejected: domain still locked, too recently registered, or the old registrar declined it
• Email stopped working: MX records weren't recreated

Moving hosting as well? See WordPress migration and the website ownership checklist.