6 Steps To Transfer Domain Name to New Registrar

If you have more than one domain name, consolidating to a single registrar is a preferred approach. This article will explain the high level steps to transfer a domain name from one registrar to another. In this example, I transfered a domain name from Network Solutions (current registrar) to Go Daddy (new registrar).

1. Purchase and request domain transfer at the new registrar

When you purchase a domain transfer, some of the registrars may let you to keep all the time remaining on your existing registration, plus you may get a FREE 1-year extension. After the payment is processed, the status of the domain at the new registrar will be set to Authorization Required. You will also receive an email from the new registrar containing Transaction ID and Security Code.

2. Request authorization code at current registrar.

Login to your current registrar account and request for “authorization code request”.  You have to turn off the domain protection before you can request authorization code from the current registrar. Following screen shows the link from my current registrar that gave the option to request authorization code.

3. Authorization code received from current registrar.

You’ll receive an email from current registrar with Authorization code.

We received your authorization code request on 07/02/2008
for your domain name thegeekstuff.com.
Your authorization code is: 12345678911

4. Begin the transfer from the new registrar using the authorization code.

Go to the new registrar and begin the transfer process. At this stage, the new registrar will display the Status as “Authorization required” and the Recommended Action as “Authorization – Begin transfer authorization”

Fig: Domain Status at new registrar before the transfer process

Enter the authorization code that was received from the current registrar and complete this process. After this step, the new registrar will display the Status as “Pending Current Registrar approval” and the Recommended Action as “Accept transfer at current registrar”

Fig: Domain status at new registrar after the transfer process is initiated

5. Email Notification from current registrar.

You will get an email from the current registrar confirming your transfer request. You don’t need to take any action if you want to accept the transfer. If you wish to cancel the transfer, follow the link from the email.

We received notification on July 1, 2008 7:21:44 PM EDT that you have requested to transfer
to another domain name registrar. If you would like to proceed with this transfer you do
not need to respond to this message. If you wish to cancel the transfer please contact
us before July 5, 2008 7:21:44 PM EDT by visiting our secure website https://

If we do not hear from you by July 5, 2008 7:21:44 PM EDT, this transfer will proceed.
We are committed to providing you with the solutions, services, and support to help
you succeed online. We hope to continue serving you in the future.

6. Domain Transfer completed to new registrar

A final confirmation email from new registrar was received approximately 4 days after initiating the transfer at the current registrar. Please note that the current registrar has up to 5 days to release the transfer of the domain

References:

ICANN – Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, coordinates the domain name across the internet to make sure they are unique.  FAQ for Domain-Name Holders clarifies lot of questions about domain name transfer.
 

If you’ve transfered a domain name to a new registrar, please share your experience. If you are planning to transfer your domain name to a new registrar, what is your primary reason for transferring?