Transferring a domain name: complete guide
Transferring your domain name to another registrar does not have to be difficult. In this guide we explain step by step how to arrange your domain name transfer, which pitfalls to avoid and what you need to complete the process quickly.
Transferring your domain name to another provider seems complicated, but it is actually quite simple. Perhaps you are not happy with the service, find it too expensive, or want to keep everything with a single party. In this guide we explain step by step how to transfer your domain safely.
Why would you transfer your domain name?
There are several reasons to transfer your domain:
- Better price: your current provider has become too expensive
- Better service: you want faster support or a more user-friendly dashboard
- Everything with one party: managing hosting and domain together is clearer
- Extra features: some registrars offer free WHOIS privacy or better DNS options
- Reliability: your current provider has too many outages
Preparation for the transfer
Before you start transferring, there are a few things you need to check and prepare.
Check the transfer conditions
Not every domain can be transferred right away. There are a few restrictions:
- The domain must have been registered for at least 60 days
- The domain must not be locked (transfer lock)
- Your contact details at the current registrar must be correct
- For .nl domains: you need a token instead of an EPP code
Note down your current DNS settings
Make a screenshot of, or write down, your current DNS records before you transfer. Think of:
- A records (pointing to your server IP)
- MX records (for your email)
- CNAME records (for subdomains)
- TXT records (for SPF, DKIM and verifications)
If you do not note down these settings, your website or email can be temporarily unreachable after the transfer.
Transferring your domain step by step
Step 1: unlock the domain
Log in at your current registrar and look for the option to unlock your domain. This setting is often called "transfer lock", "domain lock" or "registrar lock". Switch it off.
Step 2: request the transfer code
For most extensions you need an EPP code (also called auth code or transfer code). You can request this code in the dashboard of your current registrar. For .nl domains it works differently: you request a transfer token through the SIDN system or your registrar.
Step 3: start the transfer at the new registrar
Go to the website of your new registrar and choose "transfer domain" or "transfer". Enter your domain name and then the transfer code. You usually pay for one year of renewal; this year is added to your current registration period.
Step 4: confirm the transfer
You receive an email to confirm the transfer. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from stealing your domain. Click the confirmation link within the stated period.
Step 5: wait for completion
The transfer usually takes 1 to 5 days, depending on the extension. For .nl domains it is often done within a day. International extensions such as .com can take up to 5 days.
Transferring .nl domains
For .nl domains the transfer works slightly differently than for international extensions. SIDN, the manager of .nl, uses a token system instead of EPP codes.
The transfer token
You request a transfer token at your current registrar. This token is valid for 14 days. Your new registrar uses this token to start the transfer. No email confirmation is needed; the token is sufficient authorisation.
Instant transfer
A big advantage of .nl domains is that the transfer is usually completed within a few hours. Your website stays reachable during the transfer, provided you copy the DNS settings correctly.
DNS settings after the transfer
After the transfer you have to configure the DNS settings at your new registrar. This is important to keep your website and email working.
Option 1: change the nameservers
If you have hosting with another party, you can set the nameservers to those of your hosting provider. You then do not have to manage individual records; everything is handled by your hosting party.
Option 2: set DNS records manually
If you want to manage the DNS yourself, copy over the records you noted down earlier. After setting them, check whether everything works with a tool such as whatsmydns.net.
Solving common problems
Website not reachable after transfer
This is usually caused by incorrect DNS settings. Check whether the A record points to the correct IP address of your server. DNS changes can take up to 24 hours before they are applied everywhere.
Email no longer works
Check your MX records. They must point to your mail server. Also do not forget SPF and DKIM; without these records your emails can be marked as spam.
Transfer is refused
The most common reasons are: the domain is still locked, the transfer code has expired, or the domain was registered or transferred too recently. Contact your current registrar to solve the problem.
Tips for a smooth transfer
- Do not plan the transfer just before an important launch or campaign
- Keep your old registrar account for a while until everything works well
- Test your website and email thoroughly after the transfer
- Want to cancel the transfer? That is usually possible within the confirmation period
- Choose a registrar with good support in case something goes wrong
Transferring to Theory7
Do you want to transfer your domain to Theory7? The process is simple:
- Request the transfer code at your current registrar
- Go to our domain transfer page and enter your domain name
- Enter the transfer code and complete the order
- Confirm the transfer through the email you receive
When you transfer to Theory7 you get immediate access to our user-friendly DNS management and you can combine your domain with our hosting plans.
Special situations when transferring
Transferring with an active website
If your website is linked to your domain, it keeps working during the transfer. The DNS settings are copied over, provided you indicate this during the transfer. Test afterwards whether everything still works correctly.
Transferring with email
Email is more sensitive to transfers. Check whether your MX records have been copied over correctly. If your email is with another provider (such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365), you only need to check the MX records.
Bulk transfer
Do you have several domains to transfer? Most registrars offer bulk transfer options. This saves time and you often get a discount when transferring several domains at once.
Costs and timing
A domain transfer usually costs one year of renewal. This year is added to your existing registration period, so you do not pay twice. The price is equal to the normal renewal price at the new registrar.
Do not plan your transfer just before your domain's expiry date. If something goes wrong during the transfer and your domain expires, this can lead to problems. Transferring while you still have at least 30 days is wise.
After the transfer
When the transfer is completed, you receive a confirmation by email. Log in at your new registrar to check whether all details are correct. Set up automatic renewal if needed and check whether the registrar lock is active for extra security.
At Theory7 you can easily transfer your domain while keeping your DNS settings. Our support helps you through the process and makes sure your website and email keep working without interruption. A transfer does not have to be a stressful experience if you follow the right steps and choose a reliable partner.
With good preparation, a domain transfer is arranged in a few hours.
Transferring takes some effort, but afterwards you have your domain at the registrar of your choice.
A domain transfer does not have to be a stressful experience. With the right preparation and a clear step-by-step plan, the process runs smoothly and your domain is at your new registrar within a few days.
Transferring a domain name: overview per extension
The process of transferring your domain name differs per extension. Below is a comparison of the most important extensions.
| Extension | Transfer time | Auth code needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| .nl | Within 24 hours | Yes (token) | Free - €10 |
| .com | 5-7 days | Yes (EPP code) | €10-15 |
| .eu | 5-7 days | Yes (auth code) | €10-12 |
| .org | 5-7 days | Yes (EPP code) | €10-15 |
Tips for a successful domain name transfer
- Request an authorisation code from your current registrar in good time for the domain name transfer
- Register your domain through our domain name checker
- Make sure your domain name is not locked (switch off the lock)
- Choose a new web hosting provider with good domain support
- Plan the domain name transfer at a quiet moment to limit any downtime
- After the domain name transfer, check whether your SSL certificate is still valid
With the right preparation you can transfer your domain name without worries. The process is easier than you think and completed within a few days.
Transferring a domain name: frequently asked questions
Transferring a domain name raises many questions. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions for a worry-free transfer.
Can I always transfer my domain name?
In principle yes, but there are exceptions. A domain cannot be transferred if it was registered or transferred less than 60 days ago, if a transfer lock is active (you have to switch this off first), or if the domain is in a legal procedure. Check these conditions before you start the transfer to avoid disappointment.
Do I lose my email during the transfer?
No, if you handle it correctly. Make sure your email accounts have already been created at your new provider before you change the nameservers. Configure the same email addresses with identical settings. During DNS propagation (24-48 hours), emails are delivered alternately to the old and new server. So keep both accounts active for a few days and check them regularly. Use IMAP so that messages stay available on both servers.
How long does a domain transfer take?
The duration differs per extension. A .nl domain is usually transferred by SIDN within a few hours. International extensions such as .com and .net take five to seven working days because of the confirmation period. Some exotic extensions can take up to two weeks. Always start the transfer well before the expiry date, at least 30 days beforehand.
Transferring a domain name without downtime
It is possible to transfer your domain name without your website being offline for even a second. This requires careful planning.
Step by step: zero-downtime transfer
- Copy the website - set up a complete copy of your website at the new hosting provider
- Test on a temporary address - check whether everything works on the temporary URL or IP address
- Lower the TTL - lower the TTL of your DNS records to 300 seconds, at least 48 hours before the transfer
- Adjust the DNS - point your A record to the IP address of the new server
- Transfer the domain - start the domain transfer to the new registrar
- Monitor both servers - keep both servers active until DNS propagation is complete
Avoiding pitfalls when transferring a domain
- Missing the expiry date - an expired domain cannot be transferred; renew first if the date is near
- Not requesting the EPP code - without an authorisation code you cannot start the transfer
- Email at the old provider - do not forget to migrate your email as well
- Not deactivating DNSSEC - switch off DNSSEC at the old provider before you transfer
- Not making a backup - always make a full backup before you start
Transferring a domain name to Theory7
Transferring your domain name to Theory7 is simple and fast. Request the authorisation code (EPP code) from your current registrar. Start the domain transfer through the Theory7 customer portal by entering your domain name and EPP code. For .nl domains, SIDN usually processes the transfer within a few hours. International domains (.com, .net, .org) take five to seven working days. After the transfer you manage your domain fully through the Theory7 dashboard: DNS settings, nameservers, contact details and automatic renewal. Theory7 offers free DNS management, DNSSEC support and Dutch customer service that helps you at every step of the transfer process.
Transferring a domain name: summary and tips
Transferring a domain name is a routine procedure that runs smoothly with the right preparation. The most important tips summarised: request the EPP code well in advance, set up your new hosting environment completely and test everything before the transfer, lower the DNS TTL beforehand, make sure email accounts are already in place at the new provider, and keep the old provider active for at least a month. Do not plan the transfer on a Friday afternoon; do it at a quiet moment so you have time to solve any problems. With this approach your domain transfer runs smoothly and without downtime.
Transferring a domain name: specific extensions
Transferring a domain name differs per extension in lead time and procedure. For .nl domains, SIDN processes the transfer within a few hours after approval; this is the fastest procedure. For .com, .net and .org domains it takes five to seven working days because of the mandatory five-day confirmation period. For .eu domains, EURid processes the transfer within one to two working days. Exotic extensions (.io, .co, .dev) can take up to two weeks. For all extensions, the domain may not be transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer. Always plan your transfer well before the domain expires, at least 30 days beforehand.
Transferring a domain name: checklist
- EPP code requested - authorisation code received from the current registrar
- Transfer lock switched off - domain is free to transfer
- Contact details current - confirmation emails arrive at the correct address
- Website copied - a full copy runs on the new server
- Email prepared - accounts created at the new provider
- DNS records documented - all current records noted for the new configuration
- TTL lowered - DNS TTL set to 300 seconds
- Backup made - a full backup of website, database and email
- DNSSEC deactivated - switched off at the old provider before you transfer
- Expiry date checked - at least 30 days before the expiry date
Theory7 is a SIDN-accredited registrar and an EURid-accredited 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.
Transferring a domain name: securing your email
When transferring a domain name, securing your email is a critical step that is often overlooked. Document all existing email addresses, aliases and forwards at your current provider. Create the same email accounts at the new provider before you start the transfer. Synchronise all existing messages via IMAP by linking both accounts at the same time in an email client such as Thunderbird or Outlook. Configure SPF, DKIM and DMARC records at the new provider for optimal email delivery. Test sending and receiving thoroughly before you change the MX records definitively to the new server.
Transferring a domain name: after the transfer
After completing your domain name transfer there are important follow-up steps. Check whether all DNS records have been transferred correctly and are functioning. Test your website on all pages, forms and features. Verify that email is sent and received correctly. Monitor your website traffic in Google Analytics for anomalies. Check your position in Google Search Console for indexing problems. Switch DNSSEC back on at the new registrar if you had configured it before. Keep the old hosting active for at least 30 days as a safety net in case problems occur. Keep the confirmation email of the transfer as proof of ownership.
Transferring a domain name: DNSSEC considerations
DNSSEC adds an extra layer of security to your DNS configuration, but requires special attention when transferring a domain name. Switch off DNSSEC at your current registrar before you start the transfer. Wait until the DS records have been removed from the parent zone (this can take 24 to 48 hours). Only then start the domain transfer. After completing the transfer you can configure DNSSEC again at the new registrar. Not deactivating DNSSEC before the transfer can lead to an unreachable domain because the signatures no longer match the new nameservers.
Transferring a domain name at Theory7
Theory7 makes transferring your domain name as simple as possible. Request the EPP code from your current registrar and enter it in the transfer form on the Theory7 website. Our systems automatically start the transfer process. You receive a confirmation email that you have to approve. After approval the domain is transferred within a few hours to five working days, depending on the extension. Our customer service guides you through the whole process and helps you set up all DNS records correctly after the transfer.
Transferring your domain name does not have to be a stressful experience. With the right preparation and this step-by-step plan, the transfer runs smoothly and without loss of data, email or website traffic.
