A domain transfer moves the registration of a domain from one registrar to another. The domain keeps working the whole time and you keep ownership; only the company you pay and manage it with changes. Most generic TLDs follow the same ICANN process.
Key terms
- EPP code (auth code, transfer key): a password for the domain, issued by the current registrar, that proves you may move it.
- Registrar lock (
clientTransferProhibited): a status that blocks transfers until you remove it. - Losing / gaining registrar: the old and the new registrar.
How a transfer works
- Prepare at the old registrar: make sure the registrant email is valid, turn off the registrar lock and request the EPP code.
- Order at the new registrar and enter the EPP code. For a
.comor similar, the transfer usually includes one year of renewal added to the current expiry date, so you lose no paid time. - Approval: the request reaches the old registrar, which may email you to confirm or cancel.
- Completion: the transfer finishes automatically within up to 5 days, or sooner once approved.
To move a domain to MdmHost, see register or transfer a domain with MdmHost or start at domain transfer.
What blocks a transfer
- The domain was registered or transferred in the last 60 days.
- A change of registrant (owner name, organisation or email) in the last 60 days triggered a transfer lock, unless you opted out at the time.
- The domain is expired, in redemption or locked by the registry because of a dispute.
- The EPP code is wrong or expired.
Tip: Transfer the registration, not the DNS. If your nameservers stay the same, the website and email keep working without interruption. Change nameservers separately when you are ready.
Country-code TLDs such as .uk or .de often use different processes (for example a registrar tag change or a code issued by the registry). Check before you start.