Domains & DNS

Domain transfer checklist

A complete checklist of everything to do before, during, and after transferring a domain name from one registrar to another.

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Transferring a domain takes a few days and has several steps that must happen in the right order. This checklist keeps everything on track so nothing gets missed and your site stays online throughout.

Quick summary

A successful domain transfer requires: unlocking the domain, obtaining the EPP/auth code, initiating the transfer at the new registrar, approving the transfer email, and confirming everything works after it completes. Use this checklist to work through each stage.

Before you start

Confirm the domain is older than 60 days (transfers aren't allowed within 60 days of registration)
Check that the domain is not expiring within 30 days — renew first if needed
Confirm you have access to the registrant email address on file — you'll need it to approve the transfer
Update the registrant email if it's incorrect or inaccessible (do this at the current registrar)
Note the current nameservers and DNS records so you can restore them if needed
Take a screenshot or write down your DNS records as a backup

At the current registrar

Log in to the current registrar account
Disable the transfer lock (also called domain lock or registrar lock) on the domain
Request the EPP code (also called auth code or authorization code) — it will usually be emailed to the registrant address
Save the EPP code somewhere safe — you'll need it within the next few days

See Unlocking a domain & getting the auth code for step-by-step instructions.

At the new registrar

Create an account at the new registrar (if you don't have one)
Find the "Transfer a domain" section
Enter your domain name and the EPP code
Review the transfer summary — confirm the domain name is spelled correctly
Pay the transfer fee (usually includes one year's renewal)
Complete the checkout

Approving the transfer

Check your registrant email for an approval email from either the new or current registrar
Click the approval link or follow the instructions to confirm the transfer
Wait for confirmation — transfers typically take 5–7 days

Don't change DNS during the transfer

Do not change your nameservers or DNS records while the transfer is in progress. This can disrupt your website and email unnecessarily. Wait until the transfer is complete.

After the transfer completes

Confirm the domain now appears in your new registrar account
Confirm the domain is no longer in the old registrar account (or is showing as transferred)
Turn on auto-renew at the new registrar. See Turning on auto-renew
Add WHOIS privacy if it's not already enabled. See Domain privacy protection explained
Set up two-factor authentication on the new registrar account
Verify that your website loads correctly
Verify that email is working (send a test email to yourself)
Verify that your DNS records are intact (nameservers should be unchanged)
Update any saved login details in your password manager

If something goes wrong

Problem	What to do
No approval email received	Check spam; contact the new registrar to resend
Transfer rejected	Check that the domain is unlocked and EPP code is correct; contact current registrar
Transfer taking more than 7 days	Contact the new registrar's support team
Website down after transfer	Check that nameservers haven't changed; contact us
Email not working after transfer	Check MX records are intact; see Common DNS problems & fixes

Need a hand?

If you're stuck, email support@chykalophia.com and we'll help. Include your website address and a screenshot if you can.

How to transfer a domain

A step-by-step guide to moving a domain name from one registrar to another, including what to prepare and how long it takes.

Unlocking a domain & getting the auth code

How to unlock your domain and obtain the EPP/auth code so it can be transferred to a new registrar.