Transferring Domain Names
Transferring domain names refers to the process of switching domain name registrars. Transferring domain names has nothing to do with the process of transferring ownership. The transfer of ownership is typically referred to in terms of buying and selling.
Why would you want to transfer a domain name from one registrar to another?
It simply comes down to three things:
1)Where do you like to shop
2)Customer Service
3)Services
You may decide that Registrar X has a better user interface than Registrar Y. Registrar X may have policies that you disagree with or has lousy customer service. Registrar X may have a better price than Registrar Y, but Registrar Y does not make it a hassle to manage your domains. The reasons for switching domain registrars are similar to switching grocery stores. This is a business and domain name registrars need to treat you as a valued customer.
Transferring a domain name is a two step process. First, unlock your domain at the registrar you are transferring from. Second, authorize the transfer at the registrar you are transferring to.
Unlocking A Domain
Unlocking a domain can be a very simple two step process. Some registrars have a “lock†or “unlock†option when the domain name is viewed within their management tool. Choose the unlock option. Second, set the domain password. This password will be used later as an authorization code. The example that follows below is a little more sophisticated. It is similar, but involves a few other steps. Login to your account with the registrar you want to transfer from.
Typically, clicking on the domain name will bring up options for that domain name. In this case, one of the options is Domain Protect:
The option is currently set to “On†(this is the same as “lockedâ€Â). We now have the option to “Turn off or Request Authorization Codeâ€Â. We want to turn domain protection off as well as request an authorization code. So checking the appropriate radio buttons and check boxes produces:
Clicking save at this point sets the domain to an unprotected or unlocked status. It also, with this registrar, generates the production of an email with an authorization code. This code will be needed to complete the transfer process at the other registrar.
At this point, all the information needed to begin the process at the new registrar has been gathered.
Completing the Transfer Process
For this portion of the example, Moniker will be used as the new registrar. Remember, this process is similar at most registrars though certain elements may be different. Consult the help pages of your registrar of choice if you get stuck.
Moniker has Transfer Domains as menu item on their navigation bar:
Clicking “Transfer Domains†leads to a page with the following box:
Enter the domain you desire to transfer and click the GO button.
The registrar then determines if this domain is available to be transferred:
If the domain is eligible to be transferred, click the Transfer button:
At this point an authorization screen is displayed:
This screen requires two inputs: an EPP Transfer Code and the Moniker Authorization Code. The latter is generated by Moniker and is sent out via email. Copy and paste this code from the email. This email is usually generated and sent immediately upon arriving at this screen.
The EPP Transfer Code can be one of two things. First, it can be the authorization code sent from the registrar you want to transfer from. Our little demo fits this case. From the email above, the authorization code should be copied and pasted into the EPP Transfer Code line. Second, if the registrar does not send out an authorization code, the password used to protect the domain should be entered here. If no password is set, set one now and then enter that password into this field.
Once the codes are entered, click Transfer again. The user is then taken to the shopping cart to checkout.
Domain Transfers typically cost a little more than a new domain registration or renewal. However, the new registration time is added to the domain. For example, a domain with an expiration of 04-01-2007 is transferred on 10-01-2006. It is transferred to the new registrar with a one year registration. The new expiration date is not 10-01-2007, but rather 04-01-2008.
This post is excerpted from my Domain Name Handbook: Choosing, Registering and Managing Domain Names.
Posted by Paul Flyer on Friday, February 9th, 2007 in Domain Names
