Do you want to transfer your domain name to another registrar? Maybe you are not satisfied with your current provider's service, you have found a better offer, or you want to bring all your domains together with the same party. Whatever the reason: transferring a domain name is easier than you might think. In this article we take you step by step through the whole transfer process.

What does transferring a domain name mean?

Transferring a domain name (also called a domain transfer) means that you move the management of your domain name from one registrar to another. A registrar is the company with which you registered your domain name and that manages the domain for you with the registry (such as SIDN for .nl domains).

It is important to understand the difference between transferring a domain name and migrating a domain. When transferring, you change registrar: the party that administratively manages your domain. When migrating your hosting, you move your website and email to another server, but the domain can stay with the same registrar. In our article about migrating a domain name we explain that in detail.

In a transfer your domain name stays exactly the same. Nothing changes about your web address or email addresses. Only the party that manages the domain for you changes. Compare it with switching banks: your money (your domain name) stays yours, but from now on it is managed by another party.

Reasons to transfer your domain name

There are various valid reasons why you might want to switch to another registrar for managing your domain name:

  • Better prices - renewal costs can differ greatly between registrars. Some providers raise the price considerably after the first year.
  • Better service - not all registrars offer the same quality of customer service. Dutch-language support can make a big difference.
  • More functionality - some registrars offer more advanced DNS options, WHOIS privacy or better management tools.
  • Consolidation - it is handy to have all your domains with the same registrar for clear management.
  • Reliability - if your current registrar has regular outages or threatens to stop, switching is wise.

Whatever your reason: you always have the right to transfer your domain name to a registrar of your choice. This right is laid down by ICANN (for international domains) and SIDN (for .nl domains).

Step-by-step plan: transferring a domain name to another registrar

Here follows the complete step-by-step plan for transferring your domain name. The exact process differs slightly per extension, but the basic steps are the same.

Step 1: check whether your domain is ready to transfer

Before you start transferring your domain name, you have to check a few things:

  • No recent registration or transfer - most extensions have a lock period of 60 days after registration or a previous transfer
  • The domain has not expired - an expired domain cannot be transferred in some cases
  • You have access to the admin email address - for international domains you receive a confirmation email at the admin contact address

Step 2: note down your current DNS settings

This is a crucial step that many people skip. Before you start the transfer, note down all your current DNS records. These include A records, CNAME records, MX records (for email) and any TXT records. If these settings are lost during the transfer, your website or email can temporarily become unreachable. Read more about DNS in our article DNS explained.

Step 3: request a transfer code or token

To transfer your domain name you need an authorization code. Its name differs per extension:

  • .nl domains - SIDN uses a token system. You request a transfer token from your current registrar. This token is valid for 30 days.
  • International domains (.com, .net, .org) - you need an EPP auth code (also called an auth-info code or transfer code). You request this from your current registrar.
  • .eu domains - EURid uses an auth code system similar to international domains.

The transfer code is, as it were, the key that proves you are the rightful owner and gives permission for the transfer. Without this code no one can transfer your domain.

Step 4: turn off the transfer lock

Many registrars set a transfer lock on your domain by default. This is a security measure that prevents your domain from being moved without authorization. Before you can start the transfer, you have to turn off this lock in your current registrar's management dashboard.

Step 5: start the transfer with your new registrar

Go to your new registrar, for example Theory7, and start the transfer process. You enter your domain name, enter the transfer code or token, and pay the transfer costs. With most registrars the transfer costs equal one year of renewal of your domain.

Step 6: confirm the transfer

For international domains (.com, .net, .org) you receive a confirmation email at the email address registered as the admin contact. Confirm this email as quickly as possible to speed up the transfer process. For .nl domains this is not needed, as the token system arranges the authorization automatically.

Step 7: wait for processing

The turnaround time differs per extension:

  • .nl - usually completed within 1 working day
  • .com / .net / .org - 5 to 7 days (unless the old registrar approves the transfer sooner)
  • .eu - on average 5 working days

Step 8: check your DNS after the transfer

As soon as the transfer is complete, check whether all DNS settings have been taken over correctly. Compare them with the notes you made in step 2. Adjust any discrepancies immediately. Read more about changing your nameservers if that is needed.

Transferring the .nl domain: the SIDN token system

The Netherlands has a unique and efficient system for transferring .nl domain names. SIDN (Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland) manages all .nl domains and has developed a token-based transfer system that considerably simplifies the process.

Here is how it works in practice:

  1. You request a transfer token from your current registrar
  2. You receive the token by email (usually within a few hours)
  3. You pass the token to your new registrar
  4. The new registrar carries out the transfer with SIDN
  5. The transfer is usually processed within 1 working day

The big advantage of the SIDN system is the speed. While an international domain transfer can take 5-7 days, a .nl transfer is often arranged within a day. Moreover, the system is very secure: without the right token no one can transfer your domain.

The token is valid for 30 days. If you do not use it within that period, it automatically expires and you have to request a new token. This is an extra security measure to prevent misuse.

Transferring international domains: the EPP auth code

For international domains such as .com, .net and .org the transfer process works differently. Here the EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) auth code system is used, which was established by ICANN.

The main difference from .nl is that there is a confirmation round by email. After starting the transfer, both the current and the new registrar receive a notification. The current registrar can approve the transfer (which speeds up the process) or let the standard waiting time of 5 days elapse, after which the transfer is automatically approved.

Note: the EPP auth code is a one-time code. As soon as it has been used for a transfer, a new code is automatically generated by the new registrar. Keep the code confidential, because anyone with the code and access to the admin email address can transfer your domain.

What happens to your website and email during a transfer?

This is the question that concerns most people: does my website go offline during the domain name transfer? The short answer is: no, provided you approach it correctly.

During a transfer only something administrative changes, namely which registrar manages the domain. Your website and email run on servers that are separate from the registrar. As long as your DNS settings stay correct, no one notices anything of the transfer.

There are a few points of attention:

  • Preserve DNS settings - make sure your new registrar sets the same DNS records as your current registrar
  • Check nameservers - if you used nameservers from your old registrar, you may have to change these to those of your new registrar or your hosting provider
  • MX records for email - check the MX records specifically, because an error here means you no longer receive email
  • TTL values - lower the TTL (Time To Live) of your DNS records a day before the transfer if needed, so that changes are applied faster

Common mistakes when transferring a domain name

Mistakes are regularly made when transferring a domain name. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:

Not noting down DNS settings - the number one mistake. If you forget to note down your current DNS records, you can run into problems with your website or email after the transfer. Always make a screenshot or copy of all your DNS records before you start.

An expired admin email address - for international domains you receive a confirmation email at the admin contact address. If this email address no longer works, the transfer cannot be confirmed. Check and update this address in advance.

Forgetting to turn off the transfer lock - a common mistake that blocks the transfer. Always check whether the transfer lock has been disabled with your current registrar.

A domain name that is almost expired - do not start a transfer if your domain expires within a few days. The transfer process can take longer than expected, and an expired domain can cause complications.

Starting too soon after registration - many extensions have a lock period of 60 days after registration. So plan your transfer with enough margin.

Costs of a domain name transfer

The costs of transferring a domain name vary per registrar and extension. In general the following applies:

  • .nl domains - the transfer itself is free with most registrars. You may pay the renewal costs for the new year.
  • International domains - with a transfer you usually pay the cost of one year of renewal with the new registrar. The registration period is extended by a year.

At Theory7 the transfer costs are transparent and fair. You pay no extra costs on top of the standard renewal price. See our current prices for more information.

Transferring your domain name to Theory7

Do you want to transfer your domain name to Theory7? The process is simple and we guide you through every step. Here is how it works:

  1. Request a transfer code or token from your current registrar
  2. Start the transfer on our website
  3. Enter your domain name and transfer code
  4. We arrange the rest, including setting up your DNS correctly

If you have questions, you can always turn to our Dutch-language customer service. We are happy to help you transfer your domain name and make sure everything goes smoothly. You can also find more information about migrating your domain to another registrar in our article about migrating a domain to another registrar.

Frequently asked questions about transferring a domain name

How long does it take to transfer a domain name?

Transferring a .nl domain name usually takes 1 working day thanks to SIDN's token system. International domains such as .com and .eu take an average of 5-7 days because of the required confirmation period.

What does it cost to transfer a domain name?

Most registrars charge the cost of one year of renewal for a transfer. So you actually pay for an extra year of registration. With some registrars the transfer itself is free and you only pay the renewal costs.

Does my website go offline during the transfer?

No, if you keep the DNS settings correct or set them up well in advance with the new registrar, your website stays reachable. Make sure you note down the current DNS records before you start.

What is the difference between transferring and migrating a domain name?

Transferring a domain name means that you switch registrar, the party that manages the domain. Migrating a domain can also mean that you only move your hosting but keep the domain with the same registrar.

Can I transfer a domain name that was just registered?

No, most extensions have a lock period of 60 days after registration or a previous transfer. During this period you cannot transfer the domain to another registrar.

What if my old registrar does not cooperate with the transfer?

If your registrar refuses the transfer code or blocks the transfer without valid reason, you can file a complaint with SIDN (for .nl) or ICANN (for international domains). You have the right to transfer your domain.

Common mistakes when transferring a domain name

When transferring a domain name, mistakes are regularly made that slow down or complicate the process. The most common mistake is forgetting to disable the transfer lock with your current registrar. Without disabling this security, every transfer request is automatically refused. Log in to your current registrar and look for options such as "Domain Lock", "Transfer Lock" or "Registrar Lock" to disable it.

Another common mistake is not renewing the domain in time before the move. If your domain expires during the transfer process, this can lead to complications. Make sure your domain is valid for at least 15 days at the moment you start the transfer. Some registrars block transfers of domains that expire within 15 days as a protective measure.

Also do not forget to document your current DNS settings before you start transferring your domain name. Make screenshots or export your DNS zone with all A records, CNAME records, MX records and TXT records. After the transfer you have to reconfigure these records with your new registrar. Without this documentation you run the risk that your website or email is no longer reachable after the transfer.

Theory7 is an accredited SIDN registrar and an accredited EURid registrar. As an accredited registrar you register domain names directly at the source, without an intermediary. This gives you faster processing times and full control over your domain management.

Minimizing DNS changes and downtime during a domain transfer

Minimizing downtime is a top priority when transferring a domain name. The key is lowering the TTL (Time to Live) of your DNS records at least 48 hours before the transfer. Lower the TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes) so that DNS changes are applied worldwide quickly after the transfer. After the full migration you can raise the TTL back to the default value.

Consider having your DNS managed by an external DNS provider such as Cloudflare during the transfer period. By changing your nameservers to an external provider, you make your DNS independent of the registrar. The transfer of the domain then has no effect on your DNS resolution, so that your website and email stay reachable during the whole process.

Plan the transfer at a quiet moment, preferably at the weekend or outside office hours. The transfer process takes an average of 5-7 days for generic domains (.com, .net, .org) and 1-2 days for .nl domains. During this period your domain functions normally, but it is wise to plan the extra time in case a delay occurs. Inform your team and any customers if there is a chance of brief interruptions.

After the transfer: verification and optimization

After successfully completing the transfer of your domain name, there are a number of important verification steps. First check whether all DNS records have been transferred correctly by performing a DNS lookup. Verify that your A record points to the right IP address, that your MX records are correct for email reception and that your SPF and DKIM records are present for email authentication.

After the transfer, re-enable the transfer lock with your new registrar. This protects your domain against unauthorized transfers. Also configure automatic renewal to prevent your domain from expiring by accident. An expired domain can be registered by third parties, which can lead to brand misuse and loss of your online identity.

Finally, evaluate whether the transfer is a good time to optimize your domain portfolio. Do you have multiple domains spread across different registrars? Consider consolidating them with a single provider for easier management of multiple domains. Central management simplifies the administration, billing and tracking of expiry dates. An organized domain portfolio saves you a lot of time in the long term and prevents domains from expiring unintentionally.

With the right preparation and a systematic approach, transferring a domain name is a routine operation that you can carry out with confidence. Plan ahead, document your current settings and communicate in time with everyone involved.

Want to know whether a domain name is still available? Use our free domain name checker to check this instantly.

Free tool: Use our WHOIS lookup tool. Check the registration details, nameservers and expiry date of any domain instantly.

Sources and references

  • Cloudflare - Learning Center (cloudflare.com/learning)
  • SIDN - Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland (sidn.nl)
  • ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (icann.org)