DNS & Domain Guides

Transferring a Domain Between Registrars: Step-by-Step

Learn how to transfer a domain between registrars, unlock the domain, request the EPP/Auth code, approve the transfer and avoid DNS or ownership problems.

By CheckDomainHealth Editorial Team Reviewed by Dionis Ceban Updated Jun 28, 2026 8 min read Beginner

Introduction

Transferring a domain means moving the domain registration from one registrar to another. The registrar is the company where the domain is registered, renewed and managed.

A registrar transfer is not the same as moving website hosting or email hosting. In many cases, the website, email and DNS records can continue working during the transfer if nameservers are not changed. The key is to prepare carefully, confirm domain eligibility, unlock the domain, get the EPP/Auth code and verify the domain after the transfer completes.

Quick answer

Quick answer

To transfer a domain between registrars, confirm the domain is eligible, unlock it at the current registrar, request the EPP/Auth code, start the transfer at the new registrar, approve any confirmation emails, wait for completion and verify WHOIS, nameservers, DNS, website and email afterward.

What domain transfer means

Transferring a domain means moving the domain registration from the current registrar to a new registrar.

Example 
Current registrar: OldRegistrar
New registrar: NewRegistrar

After the transfer, the new registrar manages domain renewal, registrar lock, contact details and nameserver settings.

The transfer does not automatically move website files, mailboxes, DNS hosting or SSL certificates.

Registrar transfer vs hosting migration

Registrar transfer

  • Moves domain registration to another registrar
  • Changes where the domain is renewed
  • May keep the same nameservers
  • Usually does not move website files or email mailboxes

OldRegistrar → NewRegistrar

Hosting migration

  • Moves website files, database or server
  • May require A/CNAME DNS changes
  • May affect SSL and redirects
  • Does not require registrar transfer

Old host → new server IP

Email migration

  • Moves mailboxes or mail provider
  • Requires MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC checks
  • Does not require registrar transfer

Old mail host → new MX records

Do not change nameservers during the registrar transfer unless you intentionally want to move DNS too.

Before starting a transfer

  • confirm the domain is active and not expired
  • confirm the domain is eligible for transfer
  • check whether registrar lock is enabled
  • make sure you can access the current registrar account
  • make sure the domain owner/admin email is accessible
  • request or prepare the EPP/Auth code
  • check current nameservers
  • save a copy of important DNS records
  • confirm whether DNSSEC is enabled
  • avoid making unnecessary DNS changes during the transfer

If the domain is close to expiry, on hold, in redemption, recently registered or recently transferred, transfer may be blocked or risky. Check with the registrar before starting.

Domain transfer checklist

StepWhat to checkWhy it matters
Eligibility Domain is active and transferable Some domains cannot transfer immediately after registration, transfer or expiry.
Registrar lock Domain can be unlocked Locked domains usually cannot transfer.
EPP/Auth code Authorization code is available The new registrar usually needs this code to start transfer.
Owner/admin email Email is accessible Transfer approval or confirmation may be sent there.
Nameservers Current nameservers are known Keeping nameservers unchanged can prevent DNS disruption.
DNS records Important records are documented Useful if nameservers or DNS settings change accidentally.
DNSSEC DS records and DNSSEC state are known DNSSEC mismatch can break resolution after changes.

Why this matters

Why this matters

A domain transfer matters because it affects where the domain is renewed and managed. If the transfer is handled poorly, you may lose access, miss approval emails, interrupt DNS management, or accidentally change nameservers. For business domains, transfer preparation is important because the domain controls website access, email identity and brand trust.

A registrar transfer should be planned like an ownership and management change, not like a simple DNS edit.

How to check readiness

Use WHOIS Lookup to review registrar, expiry date, status codes and nameservers before starting a transfer.

When checking readiness, review

These five areas help confirm the domain is ready before you start a transfer.

Current registrar

The company currently managing the domain.

Expiry date

Whether the domain is active and safely before expiry.

Domain status

Look for transfer lock or hold statuses.

Nameservers

Confirm which DNS provider currently controls the domain.

Updated date

Recent changes may affect transfer timing or eligibility.

Check domain status now

Use WHOIS Lookup to review registrar, expiry, status and nameserver details before transferring.

Run WHOIS Lookup →

Common transfer problems

Domain is locked

Medium

Registrar lock is enabled, often shown as clientTransferProhibited.

Next step: Unlock the domain only if you intentionally want to transfer it.

EPP/Auth code is missing or wrong

High

The transfer cannot start or may fail if the authorization code is invalid.

Next step: Request a fresh code from the current registrar.

Admin email is inaccessible

High

Transfer approval or confirmation may be sent to an email address you cannot access.

Next step: Update contact email before starting, then wait if the registrar requires a change period.

Domain is too close to expiry

High

Transfer may fail or become risky if the domain expires during the process.

Next step: Renew first or confirm transfer timing with both registrars.

Domain is recently registered or transferred

Medium

Some domains cannot be transferred shortly after registration or previous transfer.

Next step: Check transfer eligibility with the registrar.

DNS changed accidentally during transfer

High

Nameservers or DNS settings may have been changed unintentionally.

Next step: Compare current nameservers and DNS records with the pre-transfer values.

DNSSEC mismatch after transfer

High

DS records or DNSSEC settings may not match the current DNS provider.

Next step: Review DNSSEC at the new registrar and DNS provider.

Transfer completed but domain not visible in new account

Medium

The domain may be in another account, pending processing or using reseller-level management.

Next step: Contact the new registrar with transfer confirmation details.

How to transfer safely

  1. Check domain status

    Use WHOIS Lookup to confirm registrar, expiry date, status and nameservers.

  2. Prepare registrar access

    Make sure you can log in to the current registrar and access the domain owner or admin email.

  3. Unlock the domain

    Disable registrar lock only when you are ready to transfer.

  4. Request the EPP/Auth code

    Get the authorization code from the current registrar. Keep it private and share it only with the new registrar.

  5. Start transfer at the new registrar

    Enter the domain and EPP/Auth code at the new registrar and pay any required transfer or renewal fee.

  6. Approve transfer emails

    Watch for approval emails from the current or new registrar and confirm the transfer if required.

  7. Wait for completion

    Transfers can take time depending on registrar and registry rules. Avoid unnecessary DNS changes during this period.

  8. Verify after transfer

    After completion, check WHOIS, nameservers, DNS records, website, email and SSL.

  9. Re-enable registrar lock

    After the domain is active at the new registrar, enable transfer lock again if it is not already enabled.

Transfer review example

Before and after transfer 
Before transfer:
Domain: example.com
Current registrar: Old Registrar Inc.
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Expires: 2027-05-12
Nameservers:
  ns1.provider.com
  ns2.provider.com

Transfer preparation:
- domain unlocked
- EPP/Auth code requested
- owner email accessible
- DNS records documented
- DNSSEC status checked

After transfer:
New registrar: New Registrar Inc.
Status: clientTransferProhibited
Nameservers unchanged
Website and email verified
Check commands 
whois example.com
dig example.com NS
dig example.com MX
dig _dmarc.example.com TXT

Domain transfer rules vary by registrar, registry and domain extension. Always confirm important steps inside your registrar account.

What to verify after transfer

Post-transfer verification

Check registration, DNS, website and email after the transfer completes.

Registration

Registrar changed correctly, domain is active, expiry date is correct, registrar lock is enabled and contact details are correct.

DNS

Nameservers are expected, DNS records still resolve and DNSSEC/DS records are correct if used.

Website

Root domain loads, www loads and SSL certificate is valid.

Email

MX records are correct, SPF, DKIM and DMARC still resolve and test email delivery works.

Transfer safety tips

  • Do not start transfer without registrar account access.
  • Do not share EPP/Auth codes casually.
  • Do not change nameservers unless needed.
  • Do not transfer very close to expiry without checking registrar advice.
  • Document nameservers before transfer.
  • Keep registrar lock enabled after transfer.
  • Check DNSSEC before and after the transfer.
  • Verify email and website after completion.

Frequently asked questions

Does transferring a domain move my website?

No. A registrar transfer moves domain registration. Website files and hosting do not move automatically.

Does transferring a domain affect email?

Usually not if nameservers and DNS records stay the same. Email can be affected if DNS or nameservers change accidentally.

What is an EPP/Auth code?

It is an authorization code used to approve a domain transfer to another registrar.

Why is my domain transfer blocked?

Common reasons include registrar lock, recent registration or transfer, expired status, wrong EPP/Auth code or inaccessible approval email.

Should I unlock my domain before transfer?

Yes, but only when you intentionally want to transfer it. Re-enable lock after the transfer completes.

Should I change nameservers during transfer?

Usually no. Keeping nameservers unchanged helps avoid website and email disruption.

How long does a domain transfer take?

Timing depends on the registrar, registry and domain extension. Some transfers are quick, while others take several days.

What should I check after transfer?

Check WHOIS, expiry date, registrar lock, nameservers, DNS records, website, email and SSL.

Use these free tools to verify your configuration after applying changes.

WHOIS Lookup Domain Expiry Checker DNS Lookup Domain Health Checker MX Lookup SSL Checker
Registrar Lock: Preventing Unauthorized Domain Transfers 7 min read What Is WHOIS and Why It Matters 8 min read How to Check Domain Expiry and Avoid Problems 8 min read Changing Nameservers: Step-by-Step Guide 9 min read DNSSEC for Beginners: Signing Your Zone for Integrity 7 min read
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