How do I transfer a domain and get its authorization code?

To transfer a domain to us, check its transfer requirements with your current registrar, unlock it if required and obtain an authorization code when its transfer process requires one. This may be called an EPP code or auth code. Enter it in Transfer authorization code when our cart asks for it. A code, cart selection or paid invoice does not by itself confirm that the transfer is complete. Requirements and timing depend on the domain extension. A registrar transfer does not move your website files or email. Review the nameservers in the transfer form before ordering; enter the domain's current nameservers if you are keeping your existing DNS setup.

Prepare the domain with its current registrar

Confirm that you own the domain and can receive messages at its registration contact address. Check its expiry date, transfer eligibility and any registrar lock before ordering.
Ask the current registrar for the authorization code and unlock the domain if its rules require that. For generic extensions such as .com, a recent registration, transfer or registrant change can prevent a transfer for 60 days. The rules and exceptions depend on the reason for the restriction.
Some country-code extensions use a different process. For example, .uk currently uses a registrar tag rather than the standard EPP-code process. Ask us to confirm the route for your extension if you are unsure. Do not guess a tag or enter an unrelated code.

Start an incoming transfer

1. Choose your currency before adding the domain to your cart. Open the Domains page and search for the full domain name.
2. If a Transfer option is offered for the registered domain, choose it. A Registered result does not establish that you own the domain or that a transfer will succeed.
3. Review the domain, transfer price, period and privacy selection. Open Nameservers · optional to check the values; the form may prefill our nameservers. If you are keeping your existing DNS setup, enter the domain's current nameservers. When Transfer authorization code appears, enter the code supplied by your current registrar.
4. Continue to checkout, sign in or create your account, then review the order and payment details. Follow any transfer approval requested by the registrar.
5. Check the domain status in your client portal under Domains. If the status is unclear or unavailable, contact us with the domain and order reference. Do not submit another transfer just because the first result is uncertain.

Moving a domain away from us

Sign in to the client portal, open Domains, select the domain and choose Contacts & renewal. When available, Request EPP / auth code asks the registrar for a transfer code. The response may show the code or say that it was sent to the registration contact email.
If Registrar lock controls are available, read the warning and use Confirm change before choosing Unlock domain. The available controls depend on the domain status, registrar and your permissions. If a button is missing or a request fails, ask support rather than assuming every domain follows the same route.

Keep your website and email working

A domain transfer changes the registrar responsible for the registration. Website migration, mailbox migration and DNS changes are separate tasks. Keep your existing hosting and email service active until any separate move has been checked.
Your DNS provider can be different from your hosting provider. Confirm that the DNS service will keep serving your records after the transfer. If you need to change DNS provider too, prepare the website and email records before changing nameservers, or ask us to help you plan the move.
The transfer form uses one set of nameservers for all domains in an order. If the domains need different nameservers, ask us before combining them in one order.
Treat the authorization code as confidential. Enter it only in the transfer form or the receiving registrar's secure process. If a saved cart is restored in another browser, you may need to enter the code again.
For help before ordering, use Contact. If the domain is already in your account, open Support and include the domain and the exact message. Never post the authorization code in chat or an ordinary ticket.