Moving a domain to another registrar is routine, but a missed step can stall it for days or, worse, break your email. Done in the right order, visitors never notice.
Before you start
- Make sure the domain is more than 60 days old and has not been transferred in the last 60 days. Most global endings do not allow a transfer inside that window.
- Check that the contact email on the domain is one you can read. Transfer confirmations go there.
- Confirm the domain is not close to expiry. Renew first if it expires within a couple of weeks.
Step 1: write down your DNS records
A transfer moves the registration, not necessarily your DNS. If your DNS is hosted by the old registrar, copy every record (A, CNAME, MX, TXT) before you begin. Our DNS checker shows what is currently published.
Step 2: unlock the domain and get the code
At your current registrar, turn off the registrar lock and request the authorisation code (also called EPP or auth code). Treat the code like a password.
Step 3: start the transfer
Order the transfer at the new registrar and enter the code. Most transfers include a year of renewal, added to your current expiry date, so you do not lose the time you already paid for.
Step 4: approve and wait
You may receive an email asking you to approve the transfer. Approve it to speed things up. Depending on the ending, transfers complete within a few hours to about five days.
Step 5: check everything
When the transfer finishes, confirm the nameservers and records are correct, test your website and send yourself an email. Then turn the registrar lock back on.
Moving to IDX
Order a transfer from the IDX domains page. Our team can check your DNS before the move so your website and email keep working, and new domains come with DNS management, free WHOIS privacy and registrar lock on by default.
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