Domains
How to Transfer a Domain Safely
Check registry requirements and preserve DNS and ownership records during a registrar transfer.
A registrar transfer changes the company managing registration. It does not automatically move the website or email. Registry rules differ between extensions, so obtain the current requirements for your exact domain before starting.
Practical steps
- Confirm the registered owner, expiry date, administrative contact access and any transfer restrictions. Resolve expired or disputed ownership issues before scheduling the move.
- Ask the destination registrar which approvals or authorisation codes are required for that extension. Share sensitive codes only through the approved account process.
- Export DNS records and establish whether the old provider will keep hosting DNS after transfer. Prepare replacement DNS before ending a service that currently supplies it.
- Approve the transfer through verified channels, monitor its status and retain receipts. Avoid simultaneous website and email changes unless a coordinated plan requires them.
Check the result
Check the new registrar account, contact details, nameservers and renewal dates. Test the website and both inbound and outbound email, especially if DNS hosting changed.
Before you proceed
Do not promise a universal transfer duration or fee. A registry lock, missing approval or provider-specific dependency can change the process and timing.