How to Transfer Your Domain to a New Registrar, Step by Step

Your domain name is your website’s address. Moving it from one registrar to another is common, for example to get better support or pricing, but it needs care. A mistake can take your website or email offline.

Before you start

• Make sure you can log in to your current registrar and that the contact email on the domain is one you control.
• Check the domain is not within a lock period. Many domains cannot be transferred soon after they were registered or last transferred.
• Record your current DNS settings, especially email (MX) records.
• Turn on two-factor authentication on both registrar accounts.

Step by step for most domains (.com, .net and similar)

1. Unlock the domain at your current registrar.
2. Request the authorisation (EPP) code.
3. Start the transfer at the new registrar and enter the code.
4. Approve the transfer when emails arrive.
5. Wait for the transfer to complete. It can take from minutes to several days.
6. Check that your DNS records and email still work.

UK domains (.uk and .co.uk)

UK domains use a different process. Instead of an authorisation code, you ask your current registrar to change the IPS tag to your new registrar’s tag, using the registrar’s system or Nominet’s tools. The details are on your new registrar’s help pages.

Keep your DNS and email working

If your DNS is hosted at your old registrar, copy all records to the new provider before the transfer, or change nameservers only when you are ready. Missing email records are the most common cause of lost email after a move.

Renewal and costs

Transfers often include a one-year renewal. Check what you will be charged and when your domain now expires.

Protect the authorisation code

The code can be used to move your domain, so only enter it on your new registrar’s website. Never give it to anyone who contacts you unprompted. See common scams.

Need a hand?

We can guide you through the process, without needing your passwords. See our migration service and our guide to moving hosting without downtime.