What is a domain transfer? A guide to moving your domain

Understanding domain transfer

Domain transfer involves moving a domain name from one registrar to another, solely focusing on the domain name itself. Other services like web hosting and emails stay with the current provider. Understanding the meaning of domain transfer is crucial; it's about changing the registrar, while ownership transfer involves changing the entity owning the domain.

Transferring a domain between registrars

Three key steps for a successful domain transfer:

Meet ICANN requirements

Ensure the domain has been with the current registrar for at least 60 days to overcome registrar lock, a prerequisite set by ICANN for domain transfers.

Unlock domain status

Ensure the domain is unlocked with the current registrar to generate a transfer key; locked domains can't be transferred.

Update contact information

Ensure admin contact and registrant info are current to receive important transfer details. 

Here's the detailed process:

1. Update contact information.
2. Set up an email sending domain name.
3. Unlock the domain.
4. Request an authorization code.
5. Verify domain transfer eligibility.
6. Create an account with the new registrar.
7. Provide the authorization code.
8. Authorize the domain transfer.

Reasons for domain name transfer

Cost and value

The pricing structure of a domain registrar is determined by the range of products and services they offer. Some registrars include complimentary perks such as email forwarding and URL redirection with domain registration.

Domain management and user-friendliness

Effortless domain management is crucial for a stress-free experience. Opting for a registrar that prioritizes user-friendliness and provides additional features like email and hosting can simplify the process.

Customer support

Smooth handling of the domain transfer process, including obtaining the transfer key and executing subsequent steps like name server changes, is vital. Access to 24/7/365 support ensures assistance with any issues or queries that may arise during the domain transfer process. At Exabytes, our dedicated team is available round the clock to address all your concerns and provide support throughout the transfer journey.

Impact of domain name transfer on custom email addresses

When you move a domain name, it typically doesn't disrupt email hosting services. However, there might be an effect if your custom email address is hosted by the domain provider. To address this, it's important to transfer the email account's MX records along with the domain. This ensures the email account remains associated with the domain name. At Exabytes Singapore, we adhere to a policy of not altering domain name servers during transfers. We offer assistance with domain transfers, web hosting, email hosting, and various related services.

What's the duration of a domain transfer?

Typically, a domain transfer can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days. It's important to remember that transferring your domain won't impact your Nameservers. However, keep in mind that Nameserver updates can only be made once the domain transfer has been successfully completed.

Is domain transfer secure?

Transferring your domain is a secure process, but it's crucial to confirm that your domain is unlocked before starting the transfer. Additionally, some registrars might require you to disable Whois privacy protection before initiating the transfer for added security.

Modifying a domain during transfer: Is it possible?

During an ongoing domain transfer, no modifications can be made to the domain name. Furthermore, certain actions are restricted while the transfer is underway, including updating nameservers, altering WHOIS registration details, and renewing domain registration. Should immediate changes be necessary, the transfer process must be canceled by the current registrar. Otherwise, one must wait for the standard 5-7 business days for the transfer to conclude.