How to Transfer a Domain Away from Namecheap
To transfer a domain away from Namecheap, log into your account dashboard, select your domain, and turn off the "Registrar Lock." Next, click "Auth Code" to have your EPP transfer password emailed to your registrant address. Finally, submit this authorization code at your new registrar to initiate the domain transfer process.
What Is the ICANN Transfer Process?
Domain transfers follow a standardized ICANN protocol:
Step | Who Acts | What Happens |
1. Unlock domain | You (at current registrar) | Remove transfer lock |
2. Get Auth Code | Current registrar | EPP code sent to registrant email |
3. Initiate transfer | New registrar | Submit domain + Auth Code |
4. Approve release | You (via email) | Confirm transfer request |
5. Complete | Registries | Domain moves to new registrar |
Timeline: Most transfers complete within 5-7 days. Some registrars offer expedited approval.
What transfers: Your domain registration, remaining time, and WHOIS data. Nameservers remain unchanged during transfer.
Why It Matters: Save Money and Consolidate
Reasons to transfer:
- Lower renewal prices at new registrar
- Better bulk management tools
- Consolidate portfolio under one account
Cost comparison: Namecheap renewals can exceed $15/year. NameSilo offers competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
Moving 50+ domains saves hundreds annually.
Decision Framework: When You Can Transfer
Condition | Can Transfer? |
Domain registered 60+ days ago | Yes |
Domain registered within 60 days | No (ICANN lock) |
Domain transferred within 60 days | No (ICANN lock) |
Registrant contact changed within 60 days | No (ICANN lock) |
Domain expired (grace period) | Yes |
Domain in redemption | No |
The 60-day rule: ICANN prohibits transfers within 60 days of registration, previous transfer, or registrant changes.
Check eligibility: If unlock or Auth Code buttons are grayed out, your domain isn't eligible yet.
Implementation Steps: Transfer from Namecheap
Step 1: Verify Registrant Email Before anything, check that your registrant email is current and accessible. The Auth Code goes to this address, not your account email. Update it in Namecheap's WHOIS settings if needed.
Step 2: Sign Into Namecheap Go to Domain List → Click "Manage" next to your domain.
Step 3: Navigate to Transfer Settings Click "Sharing & Transfer" from the top menu.
Step 4: Unlock the Domain Scroll to "Transfer Out" section. Click "Unlock" for Domain Lock. Confirm when prompted.
Step 5: Request Auth Code Click "Auth Code" button. Select a reason for transfer (required). Click "Send Code."
Step 6: Retrieve Auth Code Check your registrant email for the EPP code. Copy it exactly, it's case-sensitive.
Step 7: Initiate at NameSilo Go to NameSilo's Domain Transfer page. Enter your domain and Auth Code.
Step 8: Approve Release Email You'll receive confirmation emails. Approve the transfer to expedite, otherwise it completes automatically in 5 days.
Common Mistakes
Wrong email on file: Auth Code goes to registrant email, not account email. If outdated, you won't receive the code.
WHOIS privacy blocking emails: Ensure proxy email forwards to you or disable privacy before requesting the code.
Not waiting 60 days: Recently registered or transferred domains can't transfer yet.
Forgetting to approve: Ignoring confirmation emails adds days to the process.
What This Means for You
NameSilo's bulk transfer tool handles hundreds of domains simultaneously. Enter all Auth Codes at once and transfer your entire portfolio from Namecheap in one batch.
Check pricing to see your potential savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Namecheap domain transfer take?
5-7 days. Faster if you approve emails.
Does Namecheap charge a transfer out fee?
No. Outbound transfers are free.
How do I unlock my Namecheap domain?
Sharing & Transfer → Transfer Out → Unlock.
Where do I find my Namecheap Auth Code?
Sharing & Transfer → Transfer Out → Auth Code.
Why is my Namecheap transfer failing?
Locked, wrong code, or within 60-day restriction.
Do I lose my remaining domain time when transferring?
No. Time carries over plus one year added.
Can I transfer an expired Namecheap domain?
Yes, during the grace period. Not in redemption.
How do I transfer multiple domains from Namecheap?
Use NameSilo's bulk transfer tool.
NameSilo Staff
The NameSilo staff of writers worked together on this post. It was a combination of efforts from our passionate writers that produce content to educate and provide insights for all our readers.
