How to Transfer a Domain to a Different Host

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Transferring a domain to a different host means moving your domain’s DNS management and registration to a new provider without losing your website or email. You’ll need access to your current registrar account, the domain’s authorization code (EPP code), and a plan with the new host. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step.

What You’ll Need

Access to your current domain registrar account (where you bought the domain).
The domain’s authorization code (also called EPP code or transfer code).
A new hosting or registrar account that supports domain transfers.
An email address that can receive verification emails (usually the registrant email on file).
Your domain must be at least 60 days old and not recently transferred or renewed (most registrars enforce this).

Step-by-Step

Unlock your domain. Log in to your current registrar’s control panel, find the domain settings, and look for a “Registrar Lock” or “Transfer Lock” option. Turn it off. This is required for the transfer to proceed.
Obtain the authorization code. In the same domain settings area, look for “Get EPP Code” or “Authorization Code.” Click it and note the code. It’s usually a long string of letters and numbers. Keep it private—only share it with your new host.
Disable privacy protection (if enabled). If you have WHOIS privacy, temporarily turn it off. The transfer verification email must reach your registrant email address, and some registrars block transfer emails when privacy is active. You can re-enable privacy after the transfer completes.
Set up your new hosting account. Before starting the transfer, make sure your new host is ready. If you’re moving to a new web host, create an account and choose a plan. If you’re just changing registrars, you may not need hosting yet, but you’ll need an account with the new registrar.
Initiate the transfer at the new host. In your new host’s dashboard, find the “Domain Transfer” or “Transfer Domain” option. Enter your domain name and the EPP code when prompted. You’ll also need to pay the transfer fee (usually covers a one-year renewal).
Confirm the transfer request via email. The new host will send a confirmation email to the registrant email address on file. Click the link in that email to approve the transfer. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder.
Approve the transfer at your old registrar. Your current registrar may also send a confirmation email or show a pending transfer notice in your dashboard. Some registrars automatically approve after a few days, but you can often speed it up by clicking “Approve Transfer” or “Accept” in your old account.
Wait for the transfer to complete. Transfers typically take 5–7 days. During this time, your domain continues to resolve normally—your website and email won’t go down. You’ll receive confirmation emails from both registrars when it’s done.
Update DNS settings at the new host. Once the transfer is complete, set your DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, etc.) at the new host to match what you had before. If you’re moving to a new web host, they’ll provide you with the correct nameservers or DNS records to use.
Verify everything works. After DNS propagation (which can take up to 48 hours), check that your website loads and your email sends/receives correctly. If something’s broken, double-check your DNS records against your old settings.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to unlock the domain. If the domain is locked, the transfer will fail or be rejected automatically.
Transferring too soon after registration or a previous transfer. ICANN rules require a 60-day wait. If you try earlier, the new registrar will reject it.
Leaving WHOIS privacy on. This can block the verification email, causing the transfer to stall.
Not updating DNS after the transfer. Your domain might point to the old host’s nameservers, which could break your website or email if the old host cancels service.
Using the wrong EPP code. Codes are case-sensitive and expire. Double-check you’re copying the correct one.
Assuming the transfer is instant. It’s not. Plan for a week of downtime in your expectations, even though there usually isn’t any.

Tips

Start the transfer right after renewing your domain. Transfers add a year to your expiration date. If you renew first, you’ll get that year plus the transfer year—two extra years total.
Keep your old registrar account active until the transfer is fully complete. Don’t cancel anything early.
Use a dedicated email address for the transfer. Make sure the registrant email is one you check regularly. If you’ve lost access to it, update it at your current registrar before starting.
Back up your DNS records. Take a screenshot or export your current DNS settings before you change anything. You’ll need them to replicate at the new host.
Do the transfer at a quiet time. Avoid peak business hours if you’re moving a live site. Even though downtime is rare, it’s safer to do it when traffic is low.

Troubleshooting

Transfer fails with “invalid EPP code.” Re-check the code at your old registrar. It may have expired—generate a new one. Also ensure you’re not including spaces or extra characters.
Transfer stuck in “pending” for more than a week. Contact your old registrar and ask them to approve it manually. Sometimes they need a nudge.
Verification email never arrives. Check spam/junk folders. If it’s not there, update your registrant email at the old registrar (this may take a few days to take effect) and restart the transfer.
Domain locked again after transfer. Some registrars automatically re-lock domains. That’s normal—just unlock it if you need to transfer again.
Website or email goes down after transfer. This is almost always a DNS issue. Log into your new host’s DNS manager and ensure all records (A, MX, CNAME) match what you had before. If you’re using custom nameservers, point them to the new host’s nameservers.
Transfer rejected because domain is under 60 days old. You’ll have to wait. Mark your calendar and try again after the 60-day mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a domain transfer take?

Most transfers complete in 5–7 days. The process is automated but includes a mandatory waiting period to prevent unauthorized transfers. You can often speed it up by approving the transfer at your old registrar.

Will my website go down during the transfer?

No. The transfer only changes the registrar, not the DNS settings. Your website and email continue to work as long as your DNS records remain unchanged. The only potential downtime is if you update DNS incorrectly after the transfer.

Can I transfer a domain that’s about to expire?

Yes, but it’s risky. If the domain expires during the transfer, the process may fail. It’s safer to renew it first, then transfer. That way you also get an extra year added.

Do I need to transfer my hosting too?

No. You can transfer just the domain registration while keeping your current web host. However, if you’re moving to a new host, you’ll need to move your website files and databases separately.

What’s the difference between transferring a domain and changing nameservers?

Transferring a domain changes the registrar (the company that manages the domain registration). Changing nameservers only changes where your DNS records are hosted. You can change nameservers without transferring the domain.

Can I transfer a domain with an active website?

Yes. The transfer doesn’t affect your website’s content or DNS settings. As long as you keep your DNS records intact, your site will remain live throughout the process.

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