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Domain Transfer5 min
Transfer Out vs Transfer In: What Changes
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NameSilo Staff1/9/2026
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Domain transfer terminology creates confusion around which direction the domain is moving and who controls each step of the process. The distinction between "transferring in" and "transferring out" determines where you make payment, who initiates the transfer, and which registrar's interface you use to manage the process. Understanding this directional difference prevents mistakes that could delay transfers or leave you performing steps at the wrong registrar.
Defining Transfer Direction
"Transfer In" means bringing a domain TO NameSilo from your current registrar. When transferring in, you're the customer acquiring a new domain into your NameSilo account. You initiate the transfer through NameSilo's transfer tool, pay NameSilo's transfer fee, and NameSilo becomes your gaining registrar handling the incoming transfer request.
"Transfer Out" means moving a domain FROM NameSilo to a different registrar. When transferring out, you're leaving NameSilo for another provider. You initiate the transfer at your new registrar's website, pay them their transfer fee, and NameSilo serves as your losing registrar that must approve or deny the outbound transfer request.
The direction determines your action items. Transferring in requires obtaining your EPP code from your current registrar and completing payment at NameSilo. Transferring out requires obtaining your EPP code from NameSilo and completing payment at your new registrar. Mixing up the direction causes you to perform steps at the wrong place, wasting time before you realize the error.
Transfer In Process: Bringing Domains to NameSilo
When transferring domains to NameSilo, you control the initiation from our platform. Start by visiting the NameSilo transfer tool and entering the domain names you want to transfer. The system prompts you to provide EPP authorization codes for each domain, codes you must obtain from your current registrar before starting the transfer.
You pay NameSilo's transfer fee during this initiation process. This payment includes a one-year registration extension, meaning your domain gains an additional year beyond its current expiration date. Transfer pricing at NameSilo matches our standard registration rates for each extension, no premium charges for the transfer service itself.
After payment, NameSilo submits transfer requests to your current registrar on your behalf. You receive email confirmations and can monitor transfer status through your NameSilo account dashboard. The actual processing happens between NameSilo and your losing registrar, you simply wait for completion while checking email for any verification requests.
Your responsibilities when transferring in:
- Unlock your domain at your current registrar
- Obtain EPP codes from your current registrar
- Verify administrative email access
- Complete payment at NameSilo
- Respond to any verification emails from either registrar
NameSilo handles the technical coordination with registries and your losing registrar. The transfer typically completes within five to seven days unless your current registrar offers expedited approval options.
Transfer Out Process: Moving From NameSilo
When leaving NameSilo for another registrar, you initiate the transfer at your new registrar's website, not at NameSilo. Your new registrar's transfer tool functions the same way NameSilo's does, you enter domain names, provide authorization codes, and pay their transfer fees.
Before initiating at your new registrar, you must prepare your domain at NameSilo:
Unlock your domain: Navigate to Domain Manager, select your domain, and disable the transfer lock (ClientTransferProhibited status)
Obtain your EPP code: In Domain Manager, click on your domain name and select "Send Email" next to "Authorization Code." NameSilo emails the code to your account email address
Verify administrative email: Ensure you can access the email address listed as administrative contact in your WHOIS record, as you'll receive transfer verification emails there
NameSilo does not charge fees for transferring out. Unlike some competitors who impose "transfer-out fees," "release fees," or other exit charges, we allow you to move your domains freely without financial penalties. You pay only your new registrar's transfer fee, NameSilo adds no additional costs for releasing your domain.
After you've initiated the transfer at your new registrar using the EPP code from NameSilo, we receive the transfer request and send a verification email to your administrative contact. You can approve the transfer immediately through the transfer manager after receiving the verification email, or wait for automatic approval after five days if you take no action.
Your responsibilities when transferring out:
- Unlock your domain at NameSilo
- Request EPP code from NameSilo
- Initiate transfer at your new registrar
- Pay your new registrar's transfer fee
- Respond to NameSilo's verification email
DNS and Website Impact During Transfers
Domain transfers do not automatically disrupt websites or email. The transfer changes the registrar of record but does not modify nameservers or DNS settings unless you do so manually.
When transferring-in to NameSilo, existing nameservers remain unchanged. If your domain already uses third-party DNS, such as Cloudflare or a hosting provider, your site and email continue working throughout the transfer.
The same applies when transferring out from NameSilo or any registrar, with one important exception. If the domain uses the registrar’s default nameservers or registrar-hosted DNS zone, those services are commonly disabled once the transfer completes. In that case, the domain may stop resolving after transfer, even though the nameserver entries themselves did not change.
Downtime during transfers typically occurs only when registrar-provided DNS is removed, nameservers are changed mid-transfer, or DNS records are misconfigured. To avoid disruption, move DNS to a neutral provider before transferring if your domain relies on registrar-hosted DNS. If you already use third-party nameservers, no action is required.
What This Means for You
Always verify access to your administrative email address before initiating transfers in either direction. Both incoming and outgoing transfers send verification emails that may require your response. If you can't access this email, update it before starting the transfer to prevent delays.
When transferring out from NameSilo, appreciate that we don't charge exit fees or make the process difficult. Some registrars create obstacles to prevent customers from leaving, holding EPP codes hostage, requiring support tickets, or charging release fees. NameSilo provides EPP codes instantly via email and processes outbound transfers promptly without fees or unnecessary friction.
For transfer-in to NameSilo, prepare all requirements from your current registrar before beginning. Check whether they charge transfer-out fees, how to request EPP codes, and their typical approval timeline. Some registrars deliberately slow outbound transfers or require multiple verification steps, so account for potential delays when planning your transition.
Moving Forward
Understanding transfer direction prevents confusion about where to perform each step. Transferring in means you're NameSilo's customer bringing domains to us, complete the process through our transfer tool. Transferring out means you're leaving for another registrar, initiate at their website using the EPP code you obtain from NameSilo.
Both directions follow similar security protocols and verification steps, just with reversed roles for who acts as gaining versus losing registrar. Focus on the practical implications: where you pay, where you initiate, and where you obtain your EPP code. Getting these basics correct ensures smooth transfers regardless of direction.
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NameSilo StaffThe 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.
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