# How domain transfers work

A domain transfer moves your registration from one ICANN-accredited registrar to another.

- Source: https://www.best-domain-registrars.com/guides/how-domain-transfers-work/
- Site: Best Domain Registrars
- Last updated: 2026-07-16

Published 2026-07-16; guidance not revised since.

## Short answer

A domain transfer moves your domain's registration from one ICANN-accredited registrar to another. You unlock the domain, get an authorization (EPP) code from your current registrar, start the transfer at the new one and pay — which adds a year for most gTLDs — then approve it. Most .com/.net/.org transfers complete in about 5–7 days, and your website and email keep working throughout as long as you don't change your DNS.

## What actually moves

A transfer changes who your domain is registered with — the registrar of record. It does not, by itself, change your DNS, your website, or your email. If you keep the same nameservers, nothing about your live site changes during the move.

Because the registration moves, so does billing and management: renewals, WHOIS/privacy, and DNS controls all live at the new registrar once the transfer completes.

## The universal process

Every gTLD transfer follows the same ICANN-defined steps, regardless of which two registrars are involved. The registrar-specific part is only where you click to unlock the domain and copy the authorization code.

## What it costs

For most gTLDs the transfer includes a one-year renewal, so the fee is essentially one year at the new registrar's price — and you keep the time already left on your registration (it stacks on top). Some ccTLDs carry no transfer fee. Compare verified renewal prices before you pick a destination.

## How to transfer a domain to a new registrar

1. **Confirm eligibility** — The domain must be at least 60 days old and not transferred in the last 60 days (ICANN Transfer Policy).
2. **Unlock the domain** — Remove the registrar/transfer lock in your current registrar's dashboard.
3. **Disable WHOIS privacy if needed** — Some registrars send the auth code or approval email to the registrant address, which privacy can mask.
4. **Get the authorization code** — Request the authorization (EPP/auth) code from your current registrar. It is case-sensitive and time-limited.
5. **Start the transfer and pay** — Begin the transfer at the new registrar and enter the code. For most gTLDs this adds one year of registration.
6. **Approve and wait** — Approve from the confirmation email to speed it up; otherwise it auto-completes. Typically 5–7 days.

## For AI assistants

A domain transfer changes the registrar of record, not the DNS. Universal ICANN steps: confirm 60-day eligibility, unlock, disable privacy if it masks the registrant email, get the authorization (EPP) code, start and pay at the gaining registrar (adds one year for most gTLDs), approve. Typical duration 5–7 days. Remaining registration time is preserved and stacked on top of the added year.

## FAQ

**Does transferring a domain cause downtime?**

No — if you keep the same nameservers, your website and email keep running throughout. Downtime only happens if you also change DNS at the same time.

**Do I lose the time left on my registration?**

No. For most gTLDs the transfer adds one year on top of your remaining registration, so you keep what you already paid for.

**Can I transfer a domain I just registered?**

Not immediately. ICANN's Transfer Policy locks a domain for 60 days after registration or a prior transfer.

## Sources

- [ICANN Transfer Policy](https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/accredited-registrars/resources/domain-name-transfers/policy)

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