What happens if you’re unhappy with your current domain registrar? Is it possible to transfer a domain name – or are you stuck forever?
In this article, we’ll explain it all. First, we’ll look at why you might want to switch between registrars. Then, we’ll look at how the domain transfer process works.
Why Move a Domain
There are three main reasons why people select transferring a domain:
Better Value
As a business owner, it makes sense to seek out the best value. Domain registration fees can vary between providers, so transferring can be a great way to save money.
Better Service
Cheap domain registrations are great, but what happens if you need a little help? Not all domain registrars offer reliable and expert customer support. Transferring can be the best way to access better service.
Combined Domain Registration and Hosting
You can register a domain with one company and pay for web hosting with another. Sometimes, there are good reasons for doing this, but choosing combined domain registration and hosting makes things simpler.
The Domain Transfer Process
Many people believe that it’s difficult to change domain registrar. In fact, the process is as simple as 1,2,3!
How Do I Transfer a Domain to Another Registrar?
- First, get an Auth Code to allow the transfer.
- Then head over to your new registrar’s website, enter your domain and Auth Code, and buy a domain transfer.
- Your new registrar might contact you for confirmation – the confirmation email will complete the domain transfer process.
What is an Auth Code?
An Auth Code is a unique code that unlocks a domain. This allows a domain name transfer to go through. Auth Codes are known by a few different names, including Auth-Info Codes and authorisation codes. Some domain registrars also call them EPP codes, while others call them transfer secrets.
Learn More: Wikipedia’s article on Auth Codes includes technical details on how they work.
How Can I Get an Authorisation Code for My Domain?
If you have a generic top-level domain (like a .com, .net or .info domain), you’ll need to get the authorisation code from your current registrar.
If you have a .ae or .emarat domain, you can get your authorisation code here.
Learn More from ICANN
ICANN is the global organisation that manages domain names. ICANN has created a page to answer many frequently asked questions about transferring your domain name.
Transfer to tasjeel.ae
Here at tasjeel.ae, we’re passionate about great value – and great service. If you switch to us, you’ll benefit from both.
Transferring Your Domain Name: FAQs and Troubleshooting
Is Transferring a Domain Free?
When you transfer a domain name, you’ll need to pay the equivalent of a one-year domain registration fee. But we’ll automatically add one extra year on the end of your current registration period. That means you won’t lose out by moving a domain to us.
How long is a domain transfer?
A domain transfer can take around 5 to 7 days, but it can be a bit longer if your information is older or if they can’t verify your identity quickly.
How do I find my DNS registrar?
You can use tools such as the ICANN lookup Tool to find it. If you look under “REGISTRAR INFORMATION” in the top bar you can then find your registrar information.
I can’t transfer my new domain to another registrar?
If you just purchased your domain name but you can’t transfer it, it’s likely your DNS registrar has placed your domain under a 60-day change registrar lock. Or, if you bought the domain and moved it you won’t be able to change registrar for the next 60 days.
How do I get an authorization code?
All domain registrars are different, we’ve listed the most helpful links to finding Auth-Codes from the most popular suppliers.
Why has my Registrar denied my transfer request? What should I do?
There are some possible reasons for why this might have happened:
- Your information might not match up to the domain name owner. They may not be able to verify that you’re the owner. Or, your contact information (email address, address and phone number) isn’t up to date. Make sure you send all the information they requested and that information is correct and in date.
- The owner of the domain may have sent a transfer objection. If you’re not the owner of the domain make sure you contact them to help resolve the issue.
- If you have unpaid fees with the registrar you may need to settle these before the domain name transfer.
- The domain may still be “locked” in your control panel. Make sure you change this to unlocked.
- Lastly, you may still be under the 60 day change registration lock. You’ll have to wait 60 days before you’re able to complete the transfer.
Can I transfer an expired domain name?
If your domain name expired recently you can still transfer the domain to a new registrar. You’ll need to renew with the current registrar and start the transfer after.
Contact your provider and confirm you’re still in the Redemption Grace Period, this is up to 60 days after expiration. If you’re not within this time zone then the domain name is publicly available to purchase.
Come and Join Us
You can switch to us easily, using the 3-step domain transfer process listed above. We’ve even created handy guides for switching from specific registrars.
It takes less than a week to complete most transfers. .ae transfers are even faster and usually take just 48 hours.
To learn more or start the process, visit our domain transfer page.
