How to Transfer a Domain? Safe and Fast Domain Transfer Guide

The domain name is the address of your website on the internet. Domain transfers, which are performed to obtain better or more affordable services, take place under certain rules and security measures. During the domain transfer process, attention must be paid to both technical and security aspects.

Domain Transfer Rules

Some basic rules must be followed to perform a domain transfer:

Authorization and Time Restrictions

• If the domain name is newly registered, at least 60 days must have passed.
• The transfer process can only be carried out with the permission of the domain owner.

Locked Domains and Waiting Periods

• If the domain has a transfer lock (clientTransferProhibited), the transfer will not take place.
• This lock must be removed before the transfer process begins.

How to Transfer a Domain?

Domain transfer is a process that should be carried out carefully and with planning.

Preparation Steps Before Transfer

• The domain must be active and its registration must not be expired,
• There must be no transfer lock on the domain,
• Transfer code (also known as AuthInfo or EPP) must be ready,
• The domain's Whois information must be up to date and accurate.

Authorization Approval and Starting the Transfer

• The transfer is always initiated through the new domain provider.
• The domain and transfer code are entered.
• The Whois status is updated to 'PendingTransfer'.
• The transfer is usually completed automatically within 5-7 days.

What is an EPP Code (Authcode) and How to Obtain It?

Definition and Function of the EPP Code

• EPP code (AuthInfo or Authcode) is a unique security number that proves you have the authority to transfer the domain name.
• With this code, only the domain owner or authorized person can initiate the transfer process.

Methods to Obtain the Code

• You can easily obtain it from your current domain provider’s control panel.
• In some cases, you may obtain the code manually by creating a support request.

Transfer Processes and Waiting Periods

Approval and Waiting Periods

• After the Whois status is updated to 'PendingTransfer', the transfer is usually completed within 5-7 days.
• Your current provider may send a confirmation email to your contact email address within 24 hours after the transfer process is initiated.
• Some registrars may ask you to click a confirmation link in this email to complete the transfer immediately.

Possible Interruptions and Solutions

• Once a domain transfer is initiated, its NS (Name Server) records cannot be changed.
• If you need to make an urgent NS change, you should do this before the transfer begins.

Recommendations for Transfer Security

Domain Locking (Registrar Lock)

• If you do not want your domain to be transferred by unauthorized parties, the transfer lock should be enabled.
• Before the transfer, the lock should be temporarily removed and then re-enabled after the process.

Two-Factor Authentication

• You can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for the account where the domain is held.

Preventing Unauthorized Transfers

• You can hide your domain Whois information to prevent malicious attempts.
• You should create a strong password for the account where the domain is held and ensure access only from trusted devices.