How to Transfer a Domain Name With Zero Downtime

How to Transfer a Domain
with No Downtime

Here's a Handy Checklist to Transfer Your Domain with Zero Downtime

Figuring out how to transfer a domain name can be intimidating. Without taking the right steps in the right order, you run the risk of taking down your entire website - it can even cause email to stop being delivered.

By using this transfer checklist, you can be confident that you've completed each step of the domain transfer process. Following these steps will reduce the risk of taking your domain offline.

You can also share this page with your friends and colleagues to help them avoid downtime during domain transfers.

Before you start

You'll need to approve the transfer via an authorization email - so review your contact information and make sure it's up to date.

Expired domains cannot be transferred. However, if the domain expires after the transfer is issued at the new registrar, the old registrar is not allowed to deny the transfer for non-renewal.

Transferring a domain extends the expiration date by 1 year. You don’t need to renew a domain before transferring it.

SSL certificates are not affected by domain transfers. They'll continue working while the domain is transferring.

A domain transfer can take up to 5 business days to complete.

Some TLDs, like .CO.UK follow a different set of rules. Make sure you know your specific domain’s requirements before starting a transfer.

Step 1

Transfer the DNS

If the domain name system (DNS) for your domain is with your current registrar, you'll need to transfer it first. For example, if your domain is registered by GoDaddy, and you also manage the DNS there. This step allows your site and email to keep responding while the domain is transferring.

1. Import the DNS records at your new provider.
With DNSimple, it's easy – we auto-import them for you. We import the most common records. You complete the list by entering all your subdomains.

2. Verify DNS records.
Check that the DNS records respond correctly at the new provider. You can use a tool like dig. How to use dig.

3. Change the name servers at your current registrar.
Wait for propagation. You might need to wait up to 24 hours. If you are currently using DNSSEC, make sure to disable it at your registrar before changing the name servers.

Step 2

Transfer the domain

If the DNS for your domain is not managed by your current registrar, there will be no downtime while you transfer the domain. Below are the steps to move your domain to a new provider.

1. Unlock the domain at your current registrar.
Domains are usually locked to prevent unwanted transfers. Log in at your current registrar and disable the lock.

2. Disable Whois privacy.
This step only applies if you have disabled Whois privacy.

3. Request the authorization code.
This is often known as the EPP code or transfer authorization code. This code is sent to the email address listed as the contact on the domain. Make sure you're looking in the right inbox. It might be in your spam folder.

4. Start the transfer at the new registrar.
Log in at your current registrar and start the transfer process. You'll need to enter the authorization code provided in the previous step if prompted.

5. Approve transfer authorization email.
Your new registrar will send you a confirmation email to initiate the transfer. This email is sent to the email address listed as a contact on the domain. Make sure you're looking in the right inbox. It might be in your spam folder.

6. If the losing registrar allows immediate transfer approval, you'll receive an email approving the transfer at the new registrar.
If the losing registrar doesn't allow transfer approval, you'll need to wait up to 5 days before the transfer auto completes.

7. Verify that your domain was transferred.
The domain should appear as registered with your new registrar. A Whois query should display your new registrar. Sometimes registrars partner up, so you might see their partner's name.

Have more questions?

We hope that checklist helped, but if you still have questions, get in touch support@dnsimple.com. We'll be happy to help.