Transferring a domain: how to move to another registrar safely

A domain is yours no matter where it is registered, and you have every right to move it to another registrar — for a better renewal price, better support, or simply to keep everything in one place. A transfer sounds risky, but it is a routine operation if you follow the steps. Here is how to do it without losing the domain and without site downtime.

Why move a domain at all

The most common reasons are a high renewal price at the current registrar, slow or poor support, and wanting the domain and hosting on the same account for easier management. A transfer generally extends the registration by one year, so you do not lose the time you already paid for — it is added on.

Conditions the domain must meet

• 60 days old: the domain must not have been registered or previously transferred in the last 60 days (the rule for most extensions).
• Unlocked domain: turn off the registrar lock (Transfer Lock) in the current registrar panel.
• EPP / Auth code: request the authorisation (EPP) code from the current registrar — it is the password that approves the transfer.
• WHOIS privacy off: temporarily disable privacy protection so the verification email can arrive.
• Correct admin email: the confirmation goes to the domain contact address; make sure you can access it.

The transfer steps

The process is similar everywhere: at the new registrar you start "Transfer a domain", enter the domain name and EPP code, and pay for the transfer (which includes a one-year renewal). A confirmation email then arrives at the owner address — you click and approve. The old registrar has a window to decline or release the transfer; if it does nothing, it usually auto-approves within a few days. The whole process most often takes 5–7 days.

.rs domains have their own rules

National domains (.rs, .срб, co.rs, org.rs) go through RNIDS and accredited registrars. Instead of a classic EPP code, you get an AuthID/authorisation code from the current accredited registrar and hand it to the new one. The principle is the same, but check the exact name of the code and any extra steps with the new registrar. If you are unsure which extension to pick, see .rs or .com domain.

How to keep the site and email running

This is the most important part: a domain transfer is NOT a hosting transfer. Your site and email depend on DNS records and name servers, not on which registrar holds the domain. Before the transfer, note the current DNS records (A, MX, CNAME, TXT) and make sure the name servers will stay the same or be set at the new registrar immediately. If you do not touch the name servers, the site and email keep running throughout the transfer. How it all works is explained in DNS explained.

When NOT to start a transfer

Avoid a transfer in the last 10–15 days before the domain expires — if something stalls, you risk the domain expiring mid-process. Do not start one right after registration either, because of the 60-day rule. Otherwise, a transfer is a safe way to bring the domain where it suits you. If expiry is coming up, check domain renewal before you begin.