8 Things You Need to Know About Making A Registry Transfer

Paint this picture: You’ve created a functional, attractive website on a server owned by a company you once regarded as dependable. Then, a few weeks, months, or years on, their services become poor. It may be a question of slow load times, high prices, hacks, inconsistent uptimes, or unreliable customer support. Because of this, you’re considering hightailing to greener pastures. Doing that requires that you transfer your domain name to a new web host. This post will walk you through what you need to know about making a registry transfer.

Let’s get to it!

What Is a Registry Transfer?

A domain transfer refers to the process of changing the designated registrar of a domain name. Upon completing a transfer, the new registrar will maintain all the pertinent information regarding the registrant and the domain.

According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), for one to qualify for a registry transfer, they must have been with their current registrar for at least 60 days.

What You Should Know About Making a Registry Transfer

Making a registry transfer is a vital decision that may affect how a website functions. As such, it is essential that a website owner understands the ins and outs of this process before taking that step. Here is an outline of the things that website owners should be aware of about making a registry transfer:

1. Reasons why website owners make registry transfers

Put yourself in the shoes of a new business owner or one that is still learning the ropes. At some point, they will need to transfer their domain to a new registry. But why? Here are some of the reasons for this: 

• Cost-effectiveness: Paying high fees is never a good thing, and doing so to a company that offers poor services is even worse. Registrars aren’t created equal, and neither is their pricing. A website owner may want to switch to a registrar who offers quality services at considerable rates. 
• Security: One of the vital components of a website is security. Unsecure websites may result in domain name hacks. As such, you may want to shift to a registrar that offers relevant security features such as a domain name lock. 
• More included in the package: Registrars with a wide range of features appeal more. As such, website owners may want to transfer their domains to such registrars. 
• Customer service: If your website is growing, you’ll need to access support in many areas, including domain host, for it to function effectively.  As such, you will need a registrar who can support you through this growth process. 
• Expertise in both domain management and small business support: As a website owner, you may want to transfer your domain to a registrar who provides you with both business and domain management support.

2. How to transfer a domain name

Suppose you’ve opted to transfer your domain name between two ICANN accredited registrars, you’ll need to contact the registrar to whom you wish to make the transfer to activate the process.

Keep in mind that there are events that may prevent the domain name transfer. For instance, if the website is subject to a 60-day Change of Registrant Lock, the transfer won’t happen.

In the absence of any hindrance to the transfer, the registrar will validate your intent for the transfer of your domain name by furnishing you with the Form of Authorization—Initial Authorization for Registrar Transfer. Failure to return it to the registrar results in your transfer not being processed. The registrar you currently work with should also confirm your intention to transfer by using the Confirmation of Registrar Transfer Request form.

3. How long does a transfer take?

Typically, the domain transfer process takes between 5-7 days. Even so, it can take longer if your identity can’t be verified or your information is out of date.

4. Are there transfer fees?

No. There are no extra fees that come with a domain transfer. You will only be charged a regular fee for most domain extensions. This includes domain renewal.

Some registrars even bundle both the transfer and renewal costs together. You also have the option of registering a domain name for free.

5. What can I do if I don’t know who my DNS registrar is?

Suppose you don’t know who your registrar is; you can look it up by performing a search on the ICANN lookup tool. You will find your domain name under the “REGISTRAR INFORMATION” title.

6. How can I get an authorization code? Where can I find it?

An authorization code is a code created by a registrar to help identify the domain name holder. It also helps prevent unauthorized transfers. An authorization code is needed for a domain holder to transfer a domain name from one ICANN registered registrar to another.

Your registrar may give you the authorization to generate and manage your own authorization code via an online interface. Alternatively, you may need to contact them directly to obtain the code. It is mandated that your registrar furnish you with the authorization code within 5 calendar days.

7. Why is my registrar denying my request for domain transfer? What should I do?

Your registrar may deny your request for transfer in the following circumstances: 

• Dispute (reasonable) over the identity of the person requesting the transfer: You can avoid this problem by ensuring that your information is up-to-date. Also, ensure that you send all the documents that will confirm your identity. 
• Evidence of fraudulent activities: Steer away from any activities that may prevent you from making a registry transfer. 
• Express written objection from the holder of the domain name: If you’re not the domain owner, you should contact the owner to resolve the issue. 
• The domain name is in lock status: Make sure to change this setting to unlocked. 
• The initial registration time of 60 days hasn’t passed: Wait for 60 days to make the transfer. 
• The domain name is still within 60 days of its previous transfer: Wait for 60 days to make the transfer. 
• A hold has been placed on the domain name because of a payment owed for a previous registration period: Ensure that you settle any outstanding payments.

8. Can I transfer my domain even if it has expired?

Suppose your domain name expired recently; you’re still allowed to transfer it to another registrar. However, you’ll need to renew it with your current registrar before initiating the transfer. Ensure that the domain name hasn’t been deleted by your current registrar and that it is still within the 60-day redemption grace period.

Are you looking to transfer your domain name to a reliable registrar? NameSilo is that registrar for you. We offer a wide range of solutions, including hosting, domain registration, API, and domain reseller programs. Contact us today to learn more about our services.