Your website might have functionality and look amazing, but that only matters if the server that hosts it is reliable. Maybe you’ve worked with a company that has been great in the past, but now it isn’t the company it used to be. While they may have been good at everything before, now you experience hacks, slowdowns, and inconsistent upload rates – and on top of all of that, they’re charging you more money for all of it. At this point, you’re probably considering taking your business elsewhere. To do this, you have to transfer your domain name to a new host. Today, we’re going to walk you through the process of a domain name registry transfer.
Registry Transfers Explained
What is a registry transfer? It’s the process of moving your domain from one registrar to another. Once the transfer is complete, the new registrar will have all of the important information needed to host your website.
If you are planning on transferring your registry, you must have been with your current host for at least 60 days before doing so, according to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.
Things You Need to Know About Registry Transfers
You should have a thorough understanding of how transfers work before deciding to proceed. A transfer is a critical decision that could potentially affect how your website functions.
Why Would You Transfer Your
There are many reasons you might want to consider transferring your registry. Some might be more pertinent than others, but these are just a few reasons you might want to consider transferring to a new registrar.
Customer Service – It’s vital that as your website grows, your registrar should be able to grow with you and help you every step of the way. Not only is it essential that they can handle your website as it grows, but you also need access to customer service that can answer any questions you may have.
Security – The more security measures there are in place, the less likely it is that your website can be hacked. You want a registrar that offers the relevant security measures you need.
More to Offer – A new registrar may be offering more features that you’re looking for than what your current registrar offers.
Expertise – As previously mentioned, your website must be able to grow. Having a registrar that specializes in supporting small businesses and domain management can be an asset to you.
Saves Money – No two registrars are the same. In some cases, you might find that going with a registrar that costs less is the way to go. You might even be able to find a registrar that saves you money while providing you with more features and services than what you currently have.
Transferring a Domain Name
First, you need to reach out to the registrar to whom you want to transfer to begin the process of moving your domain name over. Some things can prevent this from happening, like if you have a 60-day Change of Registrant Lock on your domain.
The registrar you wish to transfer to should provide you with an Authorization Form to fill out, and your current registrar should confirm the transfer using the Confirmation of Registrar Transfer Request form.
How Long Will a Domain Transfer Take?
The transfer itself will take anywhere from 5 to 7 days. It may take longer if your identity can’t be verified or if you have any out-of-date information on file.
Are There Any Extra Fees Involved with Transferring?
There are no extra fees attached to this process, outside of a normal domain extension fee and any renewals that may be relevant.
What If I Don’t Know Who My DNS Registrar Is?
Don’t panic. There’s an easy way to find this out if you don’t know or can’t find it. You can use the ICANN lookup tool and look up your domain name under REGISTRAR INFORMATION.
How Do I Acquire an Authorization Code?
Your registrar usually provides you with an authorization code. This code ensures that no fraudulent transfers occur. You’re going to need this authorization code if you want to transfer from one registrar to another.
Some registrars give you the ability to generate your authorization code through an online tool. You can also contact them directly to get your authorization code. Your registrar must give you an authorization code within 5 days.
Why Would a Transfer Request Be Denied?
You might be denied the ability to transfer for any of the following reasons:
You’re still within the 60-day window from a previous transfer or your initial registration.
Your domain status is locked. You’ll need to get it unlocked.
There is evidence of fraud
There’s a dispute over the verification of your identity. As long as your information is up-to-date, this shouldn’t be an issue.
There is an express written objection from the domain name holder.
There’s a hold placed on the domain name due to back payments that haven’t been paid.
If My Domain Is Expired, Can I Still Transfer It?
If your domain has recently expired, you can still transfer it to a new registrar. You’ll have to renew it with your current registrar first before any transfers can take place. You need to make sure it hasn’t been deleted by them first and that you’re still within the 60-day grace period to renew it.
