Complete guide to transferring your domain

Selecting a reliable domain registrar is vital for efficient and secure management. However, there are occasions when transferring your domain to a different registrar becomes essential. Reasons for this transfer vary, including the pursuit of superior service, access to additional features, more competitive pricing, or changes in your personal or business requirements.

Understanding each step of the process is essential to keep your website and online services running without interruptions during the transition. This guide is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of how to effectively and efficiently transfer your domain. From the importance of choosing a good domain registrar to the technical details of the transfer, each aspect is crucial to ensure a smooth and uncomplicated transition.

Before proceeding with the transfer, the first step is to verify that your domain is eligible for transfer. There are several requirements that your domain must meet before it can be transferred, which you can detect with a simple WHOIS search:

• Domain unlocking: make sure that the domain is not locked. In this case, in the WHOIS it would be shown as Registrar-Lock / Registry-Lock or ClientTransferProhibited. If the domain is locked, you must access the control panel of your current registrar to deactivate this protection. This process varies depending on the provider, but it is generally found in the domain administration section.
• Domain expiration: the domain must not be expired nor less than 6 days from its expiration date. A domain that is in a Registrar-Hold / Registry-Hold, ClientHold, or even RedemptionPeriod status means that the domain is already inactive and expired, so you must first renew it.
• Post-expiration renewal: if the domain was renewed after expiring, 45 days must pass from that renewal.
• Time since creation or last transfer: 60 days must have passed since the domain was created or since the last transfer.

Once unlocked and verified that it meets all the requirements, it is essential to obtain the authorization code. This code, also known as AUTH CODE, Secret Code, Auth Info, Auth ID, Key Info, or EPP Code, is an additional security measure and is required by the new registrar to initiate the transfer process.

It is a unique code assigned to your domain and can generally be obtained through the control panel of your current registrar or by requesting it directly from them. Remember that there are some domains that do not need this code, such as .es, .co.uk, and .cc.

The process may vary depending on the provider, but the first step is to provide your domain’s AUTH CODE to the destination registrar. This step is essential for the new registrar to formally request the transfer.

If you want to transfer your domain to cdmon, remember that there are several blog entries detailing the necessary steps to carry out this process. For specific domains, the process may vary slightly, so it is important to follow the registrar’s specific instructions.

Some TLDs (Top Level Domains) such as .es or .co.uk have unique transfer procedures. For example, .es domains do not require an AUTH CODE but it is necessary to verify through an email sent to the administrative contact, while .co.uk domains use a TAG system whereby the process must be initiated by the registrar losing the domain.

Regardless of the type of domain, stay attentive to communications from both registrars. They may need additional confirmations to complete the transfer.

The waiting time for the transfer can vary. While most domains are transferred within a period of 5 to 7 days, domains with special processes may have different times.

It is important to know that some providers may stop offering DNS service as soon as you initiate the transfer to a new provider. Also, during the transfer process, DNS servers cannot be modified.

This means that if you initiate the transfer and still depend on the DNS servers of the old provider, your website, email, and related services could stop being operational if the old provider suspends its DNS service. Therefore, it is essential to plan ahead and configure the DNS at the new registrar before starting the transfer, to avoid any interruption of your online services.

Once the transfer process is complete, you will be able to review your DNS configuration. If you have migrated hosting to a new provider, it is necessary to review and possibly reconfigure settings such as subdomains, emails, and redirects at the new registrar. If the hosting remains with the same provider, it will not be necessary to change these configurations.

This focus on the technical details will ensure a trouble-free transition of the domain to your new registrar, minimizing the chances of service interruptions or technical problems. Remember that you can contact the registrars at any time to clarify any doubts and help you during the process.

The transfer of a domain is an important process that can have a significant impact on your online presence. Having addressed the critical steps from preparation to the completion of the transfer, it is clear that the process requires detailed attention and careful planning. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the transfer of your domain is successful and free of complications, keeping your website and associated services in optimal operation.

Remember that the choice of a good registrar and the efficient management of technical details are fundamental for transferring your domain. Do not hesitate to seek assistance and clarify any doubts with the registrars involved in the process.