Step-by-Step Domain Transfer Guide: How to Move Your Domain Without Downtime
Auth-Codes, 60-Day Locks, and Zero-Downtime Migration Best Practices
Key Takeaways
- Transferring a domain automatically adds 1 full year to your existing registration expiration date.
- ICANN enforces a mandatory 60-day lock following initial registration or registrant contact changes.
- Your website and email will experience zero downtime if you configure third-party nameservers before initiating the transfer.
- You must unlock the domain at your current registrar and retrieve the EPP/Auth-Code prior to checkout.
The 5-Step Domain Transfer Protocol
Step 1: Unlock your domain at your current registrar's control panel.
Step 2: Generate and copy the EPP Authorization Code (Auth-Key).
Step 3: Enter your domain and paste the Auth-Code at the new destination registrar.
Step 4: Complete the 1-year transfer payment and approve the transfer confirmation email.
Step 5: The transfer finishes automatically within 5 to 7 days.
Preventing Website & Email Downtime
Migrate your DNS zone to an independent Anycast DNS provider (like Cloudflare, Route 53, or DNSimple) before beginning the transfer. Because nameservers remain unchanged during the transfer, your site never goes offline.
Common Questions
Do I lose the remaining time on my current domain registration when transferring?
No. ICANN rules explicitly state that an inbound transfer extends your current registration by +1 year without forfeiting existing months.