How long does a domain transfer take?

A standard domain transfer takes 5–7 calendar days from initiation to completion under ICANN policy. The timeline begins when the receiving registrar validates your EPP auth code and initiates the transfer request. Your current registrar has 5 days to explicitly deny or approve; if they take no action, the transfer automatically completes. You can speed up the process by immediately approving the transfer email from your registrant address, rather than waiting for the 5-day window to expire passively.

What is an EPP code and where do I find it?

An EPP code (Extensible Provisioning Protocol authorization code) — also called an auth code, transfer secret, or authorization key — is a unique alphanumeric string that proves you are the authorized owner of a domain and have authorized its transfer. You obtain it from your current registrar's control panel, usually under domain settings, security, or transfer options. Most registrars display it instantly or email it to the registrant address within minutes. The code is case-sensitive and typically expires in 30 days if unused.

Will my website go down during a domain transfer?

In most cases, your website will not go down during a domain transfer if you keep your DNS settings intact. During a transfer, only the domain's registrar record changes — your DNS nameservers, A records, and other settings are preserved. However, if you change nameservers at the same time as a transfer, DNS propagation can cause 1–48 hours of intermittent access. Best practice: complete the registrar transfer first, confirm everything is working, then update nameservers separately if needed.

Can I transfer a domain that expires soon?

Most registrars will not process a transfer for a domain that expires within 15 days. ICANN recommends initiating transfers at least 30 days before expiration to avoid complications. When a domain is transferred, the new registrar typically adds one year to the expiration date (you pay for that year upfront). If your domain is close to expiry, renew it at your current registrar first, then initiate the transfer.

Does transferring a domain cost money?

Most registrars charge a transfer fee equivalent to one year's registration cost — which simultaneously extends your domain's expiration by one year. Cloudflare Registrar charges at-cost (approximately $9.15 for .com). Namecheap charges approximately $13.98 for .com transfers. Porkbun charges approximately $10.98. GoDaddy charges approximately $17.99 for incoming .com transfers. A few registrars (like Hover) include the transfer year in their standard pricing with no markup.

How to Transfer a Domain Name: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about transferring a domain between registrars in 2026 — the complete 10-step checklist, registrar-specific instructions for GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare and Squarespace, timeline stages, pricing comparison, and troubleshooting for common transfer failures.

11 min read Updated March 2026 Names.Center Editorial Team

Transferring a domain name is one of the most common — and most anxiety-inducing — tasks for website owners. Whether you're moving away from GoDaddy's high renewal fees, consolidating domains at a single registrar, or completing a domain purchase from a seller, the process follows a well-defined ICANN-mandated procedure.

The good news: domain transfers are entirely routine when done correctly. The bad news: several common mistakes can cause transfers to fail, get stuck for days, or — in worst-case scenarios — trigger a domain lock that delays your transfer by weeks.

This guide walks through every step, covers the major registrars individually, explains what happens to your DNS during a transfer, and provides a troubleshooting reference for every common transfer problem.

Table of Contents

Domain Transfer Process Overview
10-Step Transfer Checklist
Registrar-Specific Instructions
7-Stage Transfer Timeline
Transfer Fee Comparison (6 Registrars)
What Happens to DNS During a Transfer
Common Transfer Problems & Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions

Domain Transfer Process Overview

A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one ICANN-accredited registrar to another. The transfer process is governed by ICANN's Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy, which sets minimum standards that all accredited registrars must follow. Key points:

Only the registrar changes — your domain name, DNS settings, and website content remain unchanged during a transfer.
Transfers add 1 year — most transfers include one year of registration extension, paid at the new registrar's rate.
60-day lock policy — domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer (ICANN requirement).
5-7 day process — standard transfers complete within 5–7 calendar days once initiated.
EPP auth code required — your current registrar must provide an authorization code (EPP code) to authorize the transfer.

Most common reason to transfer: Avoiding renewal price increases. GoDaddy charges $21.99/year for .com renewals. Moving to Namecheap ($13.98) or Porkbun ($10.98) saves $8–$11 per domain per year — meaningful savings across a portfolio of 20+ domains.

10-Step Domain Transfer Checklist

Verify Transfer Eligibility (60-Day Rule)

Your domain must be at least 60 days old from its initial registration date and at least 60 days since any previous transfer. Log into your registrar and check the domain's registration date. If you registered or last transferred within 60 days, you must wait before initiating a new transfer.

Check Expiration Date (Minimum 15 Days Remaining)

Most registrars refuse to process transfers for domains expiring within 15 days. ICANN recommends at least 30 days of remaining registration. If your domain expires soon, renew it at your current registrar first, then initiate the transfer. The renewal year will carry forward to your new registrar.

Update WHOIS Registrant Email to an Active Address

The registrant email in your WHOIS record is where transfer approval emails are sent. This must be an email address you can access immediately. If you use WHOIS privacy, the proxy service forwards emails — but some privacy services filter or delay them. Consider temporarily disabling privacy and setting a direct email to ensure reliable delivery.

Disable WHOIS Privacy (If Required)

Some receiving registrars require WHOIS privacy to be disabled before they can validate domain ownership. Not all registrars require this step — Namecheap and Porkbun can transfer without disabling privacy. GoDaddy-to-other-registrar transfers generally work with privacy enabled. Check your specific receiving registrar's requirements.

Unlock the Domain (Disable Registrar Lock)

The "Registrar Lock" or "Transfer Lock" is a security setting that prevents unauthorized transfers. You must disable it before initiating a transfer. Find this in your domain management panel under "Security," "Domain Lock," or similar. The domain should show status "ACTIVE" (not "clientTransferProhibited") in WHOIS before proceeding.

Obtain the EPP Authorization Code

Request your EPP code (also called auth code, transfer secret, or authorization key) from your current registrar's control panel. Most registrars display this instantly. GoDaddy emails it within minutes. Some send it only to the registrant email address. Copy the code exactly — it is case-sensitive, contains letters and numbers, and typically looks like: A1b2C3d4E5.

Initiate the Transfer at Your New Registrar

Go to your new registrar's transfer page, enter your domain name and EPP code, and complete the checkout process. You will pay the transfer fee (which includes one year of registration). The receiving registrar will verify the EPP code with the current registrar's WHOIS database and then formally request the transfer.

Approve the Transfer via Email

Within minutes to hours, you will receive an email from your current registrar asking you to approve or deny the transfer. Click the approval link immediately. This is the single most important step for speed: approving right away skips the 5-day waiting window and can complete the transfer within 24 hours rather than the full 7 days.

Monitor Transfer Status

Both your current registrar and new registrar provide transfer status dashboards. Check daily. "Pending" is normal for 1–5 days. "Pending Approval" means you need to take action in the approval email. "Failed" requires troubleshooting (see section below). You'll receive confirmation emails from both registrars once the transfer is complete.

Reconfigure and Re-Lock at New Registrar

After the transfer completes: (a) re-enable the registrar lock, (b) enable auto-renewal, (c) verify DNS settings (nameservers and records) transferred correctly, (d) enable WHOIS privacy if desired at your new registrar, (e) update any billing or contact information. Your website should continue operating without interruption if DNS settings were preserved.

Registrar-Specific Transfer Instructions

Transferring Away from GoDaddy

Log into your GoDaddy account → My Products → Domains
Select the domain → click "Manage"
Under "Additional Settings," find "Domain Lock" → toggle to OFF
Scroll to "Authorization Code" → click "Get Authorization Code" → GoDaddy emails the code to your registrant address within 5 minutes
Disable "Privacy + Protection" temporarily if required by your receiving registrar
Use the emailed auth code to initiate the transfer at your new registrar
Check for the transfer approval email from GoDaddy — approve to expedite

GoDaddy Note: GoDaddy's checkout process for domain renewals will repeatedly offer discounts to keep your domain with them during an outgoing transfer. These are retention tactics — if your goal is to move to a lower-cost registrar, proceed with the transfer regardless of their promotional offers.

Transferring Away from Namecheap

Log into Namecheap → Domain List → click "Manage" next to your domain
Go to the "Sharing & Transfer" tab
Toggle "Transfer Lock" to OFF
Click "AUTH CODE" → the code is displayed immediately on-screen (no email required)
Disable WhoisGuard (WHOIS privacy) if your receiving registrar requires it — in the "Sharing & Transfer" tab
Initiate the transfer at your new registrar using the auth code displayed

Namecheap Note: Namecheap is considered one of the most transfer-friendly registrars. The auth code is displayed instantly, the unlock process is straightforward, and they do not use retention tactics to discourage outgoing transfers.

Transferring Away from Squarespace (formerly Google Domains)

Log into your Squarespace account → Domains (in the left menu)
Select the domain you want to transfer
Click "Advanced Settings" or "Transfer out"
Squarespace will automatically unlock the domain and generate an authorization code
The auth code is emailed to your registrant address (typically within 24 hours)
Disable WHOIS privacy from the domain settings if required
Use the emailed auth code to initiate the transfer at your receiving registrar

Note: Google Domains was acquired by Squarespace in 2023 and all domains migrated to Squarespace Domains. The process is slightly different from classic Google Domains — use the Squarespace dashboard, not the legacy Google interface.

Transferring Away from Cloudflare Registrar

Log into your Cloudflare dashboard → select your account → go to "Registrar"
Select the domain to transfer
Click "Configuration" → "Transfer Out"
Cloudflare will unlock the domain and display or email the auth code
Note: Cloudflare Registrar does not charge for incoming transfers but charges standard at-cost pricing for outgoing transfer years
Cloudflare is transfer-out friendly with no retention tactics

7-Stage Domain Transfer Timeline

Stage	Typical Duration	What Happens	Action Required?
Stage 1: Initiation	Minutes	You submit domain + EPP code at new registrar; payment processed	Yes — complete checkout
Stage 2: EPP Validation	Minutes–1 hour	New registrar validates your auth code against WHOIS records	No — automatic
Stage 3: Transfer Request Sent	Hours	New registrar formally notifies current registrar of transfer request	No — automatic
Stage 4: Registrant Notification	Hours	You receive email from current registrar asking to approve/deny	Yes — approve email
Stage 5: Current Registrar Review	Immediate (if approved) or up to 5 days (passive)	Current registrar processes approval or waits for 5-day window	No — unless denied (escalate)
Stage 6: Domain Transferred	Hours after approval	Domain moves to new registrar's system; WHOIS updates	No — automatic
Stage 7: Post-Transfer Setup	Immediate	Re-lock domain, verify DNS, enable auto-renewal, update billing	Yes — complete setup steps

Domain Transfer Fee Comparison (6 Registrars)

Transfer fees below are for incoming .com transfers (what you pay at the receiving registrar, which includes one year of registration extension):

Registrar	.com Transfer Fee	Years Added	Free WHOIS Privacy	Transfer-Friendly Rating
Cloudflare Registrar	~$9.15 (at-cost)	+1 year	Yes	Excellent
Porkbun	$10.98	+1 year	Yes	Excellent
Namecheap	$13.98	+1 year	Yes	Excellent
Hover	$14.99	+1 year	Yes	Very Good
Google / Squarespace	$12.00	+1 year	Yes	Good
GoDaddy	$17.99–$19.99	+1 year	$9.99/yr extra	Fair

What Happens to DNS During a Domain Transfer

One of the most common concerns about domain transfers is whether a website will go down during the process. The short answer: your website should not go down if you do not change your nameservers during the transfer.

Here is exactly what happens to each layer of your domain configuration:

Configuration Element	What Happens During Transfer	Action Needed?
Registrar Record	Changes from current to new registrar	None — automatic
Nameservers (NS records)	Preserved unchanged unless you manually change them	None — do not change during transfer
A Records / CNAME / MX	Preserved unchanged — DNS records stay at your current DNS host	None — verify after transfer
Website / Hosting	Completely unaffected by registrar change	None
Email (MX Records)	Preserved — email delivery continues uninterrupted	Verify MX records post-transfer
SSL Certificate	Unaffected — SSL is tied to hosting, not registrar	None

Important Exception: If you are moving your DNS management to the new registrar (e.g., switching from GoDaddy DNS to Namecheap DNS), wait until the transfer completes before changing nameservers. Changing nameservers at the same time as initiating a transfer can cause propagation delays and temporary site downtime.

Common Transfer Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: "Invalid or incorrect auth code"

Solution: Request a new auth code from your current registrar — codes can expire or contain copy-paste errors. Ensure the code is entered exactly as provided, including correct capitalization. Some registrars use special characters; copy from the source rather than typing manually.

Problem 2: "Domain is locked / clientTransferProhibited"

Solution: Return to your current registrar and disable the Registrar Lock or Transfer Lock. After unlocking, wait 15–30 minutes for the status change to propagate to WHOIS before retrying the transfer.

Problem 3: Transfer approval email never arrived

Solution: Check spam/junk folders first. Verify the registrant email in your WHOIS record is correct and accessible. If using WHOIS privacy, check that the proxy service is forwarding emails properly. Contact your current registrar's support to resend the approval email or manually approve via the control panel.

Problem 4: Transfer stuck in "Pending" for over 7 days

Solution: Contact your current registrar's support team. By ICANN policy, if a registrar has not explicitly denied a transfer within 5 days, it must be approved. If your registrar is artificially blocking or delaying the transfer, file a complaint with ICANN at https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/transfers-2017-02-15-en.

Problem 5: "Domain not eligible for transfer" (60-day lock)

Solution: Wait until the 60-day lock period expires. You can check the domain's registration date in WHOIS. The lock applies from the initial registration date or the date of the most recent previous transfer. There is no way to bypass this ICANN-mandated requirement.

Problem 6: Domain transferred but expiration date not extended

Solution: Most registrars add 1 year automatically and this appears in the new registrar's dashboard within 24–48 hours. If the expiration date looks incorrect after 48 hours, contact your new registrar's support with your transfer order number to verify the year was added correctly.

Problem 7: Website went down after transfer

Solution: Check if your nameservers changed during the transfer. Log into your new registrar, find the domain's DNS settings, and verify the nameservers match what was set at your previous registrar. If they changed, update them to point back to your hosting provider's nameservers. DNS propagation after nameserver changes takes 1–48 hours.

Problem 8: Current registrar denied the transfer

Solution: Registrars can legally deny transfers only if: the domain is less than 60 days old, the registrant contact information has changed within 60 days, there is a pending dispute, or the domain is expired. If none of these apply, contact the registrar in writing demanding the reason for denial and file an ICANN complaint if the denial is not justified within 2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard domain transfer takes 5–7 calendar days under ICANN policy. The current registrar has 5 days to respond. If you approve the transfer email immediately (rather than letting the 5-day window expire), most transfers complete within 24–48 hours. The fastest transfers happen when you approve promptly and both registrars process quickly.

An EPP code (also called auth code, transfer secret, or authorization key) is a unique alphanumeric string that authorizes a domain transfer. Find it in your current registrar's control panel under domain settings, security, or transfer options. It's case-sensitive, typically 8–16 characters, and expires in 30 days if unused.

No, if you keep your DNS settings unchanged. A domain transfer only changes the registrar record — your nameservers, A records, MX records, and hosting connection remain intact. Only change nameservers after the transfer completes, not during, to avoid any potential DNS propagation delays.

Most registrars won't process transfers for domains expiring within 15 days. Best practice: initiate transfers at least 30 days before expiration. If your domain expires soon, renew it at your current registrar first — the renewal year carries forward to the new registrar, and the transfer adds another year on top.

Yes — transfer fees vary by registrar and include one year of registration extension. Cloudflare Registrar: ~$9.15 (at-cost). Porkbun: $10.98. Namecheap: $13.98. Google/Squarespace: $12.00. GoDaddy: $17.99–$19.99. The transfer fee replaces your next renewal payment at the new registrar.

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Transfer Checklist

Domain is 60+ days old
15+ days until expiration
Update registrant email
Disable WHOIS privacy
Unlock the domain
Get EPP auth code
Initiate at new registrar
Approve transfer email
Re-lock at new registrar

Related Guides

.com Transfer Fees 2026

$9.15Cloudflare (at-cost)
$10.98Porkbun
$12.00Google/Squarespace
$13.98Namecheap
$14.99Hover
$17.99+GoDaddy

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