How to Transfer a Domain to Someone Else | A Guide For Beginners

So, you’ve got a domain name that you want to hand over to someone else. Perhaps you are selling your website, passing ownership to a business partner, or just giving a domain to a friend. Whatever the reason, you may be wondering, “How do I actually transfer this domain without messing anything up?” We get it. The process can seem confusing and the last thing you want is to accidentally lose control of your domain or face downtime.

The good news is that the domain transfer process is a lot simpler than it seems. In this guide, we will discuss the exact steps to do it without any hassle. 

What does it mean to transfer a domain?

Before we get started with the actual process, let’s first understand what it really means to transfer a domain.

When you transfer a domain, you either change its ownership to someone else, or move it from one domain registrar to another, or both. Let’s take a closer look at these scenarios:

• Changing ownership (same registrar): This is sometimes referred to as an “internal transfer.”  You essentially transfer the domain to a different account within the same registrar. Think of it like transferring a car title to someone else, but still keeping the same insurance company. 
• Moving to a different registrar: This is a true “domain transfer” in the more common understanding of the term.  You’re moving your domain from your current registrar to a new one. 
• Changing ownership AND registrar:  This is a combination of the two above. You are changing the owner of the domain and moving it to a new registrar at the same time. It’s like selling your car and having the new owner immediately switch insurance companies.

When do you need to transfer a domain?

Here are some situations in which you have to transfer a domain to someone else:

• If you simply no longer need the domain, a good idea would be to sell it to someone else.
• You’ve discovered Cloud.co.za and want to take advantage of our superior features, support, and pricing.
• You are selling your website or business, and the domain name needs to be transferred to the new owner.
• If you own multiple domains spread across different registrars, you may be looking to consolidate them to one place. 

What happens when you transfer a domain?

Here’s what happens after a domain transfer:

1. Once the transfer is complete, the new owner gains full control over the domain and its settings. 
2. Any associated website, emails, and DNS records will also need to be reconfigured. This is crucial.  A simple ownership transfer doesn’t automatically move your website or email.  The new owner (or you, if you’re managing the transition) will need to update the DNS settings to point to the correct hosting servers.
3. Some registrars charge a fee for domain transfers, especially if you are moving registrars. This cost varies depending on the provider.
4. Many registrars place a temporary lock (usually 60 days) after a transfer. This is done to prevent further changes or transfers in a short span.

Prerequisites for transferring a domain

Next, let’s consider the prerequisites for a smooth domain transfer:

1. Ensure that the domain is available for transfer. Most registrars don’t allow transfers if the domain was registered or transferred within the last 60 days. 
2. Unlock your domain. To prevent unauthorized transfers, domains are usually locked by default. You’ll need to log into your registrar’s account and manually unlock it.
3. Retrieve the EPP/Auth code. This is a unique authorization code provided by your current registrar. You’d need it to get the transfer approved. 
4. If required, disable WHOIS protection. Some registrars require WHOIS to be turned off for the domain transfer process. If that’s the case, you may need to temporarily disable it.
5. Double check that the domain has valid contact information. The transfer confirmation email will be sent to the email on which the domain is registered. Make sure the contact details are up to date.
6. Check if there are any pending payments or renewals. Most registrars don’t allow transfers if there are unpaid fees or if the domain is close to expiration.

How to transfer a domain to someone else

Now that you’ve met the prerequisites, it’s time to start the actual transfer process.

Step 1 – Unlock the domain for transfer

Follow these steps to unlock your domain:

1. Log in to your domain registrar’s website.
2. Navigate to the Domain Management or Domains section. 
3. Select the domain you want to transfer.
4. Look for an option like Domain Lock or Transfer Lock and disable it.

Step 2 – Obtain the EPP/Auth code

Perform these actions to get your EPP/Auth code:

1. In your registrar’s Domain Management panel, find the option to request the EPP/Auth Code (sometimes called a transfer key).
2. The code is usually sent to the email address associated with the domain. 

[Note: If you can’t find the EPP code anywhere on the portal, you may need to manually request it from customer support]

3. Copy this code and keep it safe—it’s required for the next step.

Step 3 – Provide the new owner with the transfer code

Once you have the EPP/Auth code, send it to the new owner.

1. The new owner must log in to their domain registrar (or create an account if they don’t have one).
2. Then, they will have to initiate a domain transfer request by entering the domain name and the EPP/Auth code. As an example, here’s the screen that users see when trying to transfer a domain name to HOSTAFRICA:

Step 4 – Approve the transfer request

After the new owner submits the transfer request, your current registrar will send an email to your email address for approval.

1. Open the email and look for the transfer confirmation link.
2. Click on the link and follow the instructions to approve the transfer.
3. If needed, log in to your account dashboard to confirm the transfer. 

Step 5 – Wait for the transfer to complete 

Once you approve, the transfer process begins. Transfers within the same registrar are usually instant or completed within a few hours. On the other hand, transfers between different registrars can take up to 7 days to finalize.

How to transfer a domain to a different hosting provider

Wish to switch to a new hosting provider but maintain ownership of your domain? Here’s a simplified guide for you:

Important points to note:

• Before starting, back up your website files and emails to prevent any chances of data loss during the transition. 
• For this guide, we will show how to transfer a domain to HOSTAFRICA. While the steps can differ based on your chosen registrar, the overall process will be similar.

1. Log in to your HOSTAFRICA client area.
2. Choose “Domains” from the menu bar at the top and click “Transfer Domains to Us”.

3. Enter the domain name you want to transfer. 

4. After the system completes its search, you should see the domain name in the results. There should be a “TRANSFER DOMAIN” button next to it. See below:

5. Carefully verify all information related to your domain.  Once you have, click the “Transfer Domain” button. This will display further information about the transfer process, including any associated fees and the authorization code. You can then adjust the auto-renewal setting, select options for domain privacy and warranty (if you wish), and finally, enter the authorization code you retrieved earlier.

6. Verify all the data in the “Payment information” section and then hit “pay now”.
7. After the payment has been processed, HOSTAFRICA will kickstart the transfer process.
8. Expect to receive an email from your current registrar regarding transfer approval. Do the needful to approve the transfer.

Troubleshooting common domain transfer issues

Sometimes, domain transfers don’t go as smoothly as expected. Here are some common problems you may face and how to fix them.

Transfer taking too long

Domain transfers can take anywhere from a few hours to 7 days, but if it’s taking longer, there might be a problem.

Troubleshooting:

• Check your email (including spam/junk folders) for any confirmation requests from your registrar that you may have missed.
• Log in to your registrar’s dashboard to see if there’s a pending approval step.
• Ensure that the domain is eligible for transfer (e.g., it hasn’t been transferred or registered in the last 60 days).
• Contact your current registrar’s support team to check for any issues.

Incorrect EPP/Auth code

If you enter the wrong EPP/Auth code, the transfer will fail.

Troubleshooting:

• Double-check the code in your email or registrar dashboard.
• Some registrars generate a new EPP code each time you request one, so make sure that you’re using the latest one.
• If the code isn’t working, request a new one from your current registrar.

Transfer request was rejected

Your transfer request is denied because of ownership issues or any outstanding fees. 

Troubleshooting:

• Ensure that the domain is unlocked in your current registrar’s settings.
• Check whether the domain has any active WHOIS privacy protection. If it does, and your new registrar needs it disabled to complete the transfer process, you will have to temporarily turn it off.
• Check if there are any unpaid renewal fees that may be blocking the transfer.
• If you are transferring to a new registrar, confirm that they support your domain extension.
• If nothing works, get in touch with the customer support team.

Domain is not eligible for transfer

A domain cannot be transferred if it was recently registered or transferred.

Troubleshooting:

• Check if your domain was registered or transferred within the last 60 days. If so, you’ll just have to wait.
• If your registrar has extra restrictions, contact their support for clarification.

Domain may expire during transfer

The domain is set to expire during the transfer process.

Troubleshooting:

• Renew the domain registration with your current registrar before starting the transfer process. Otherwise you run the risk of unnecessary complications.

Registrar blocking the transfer

Some registrars may try to keep you from transferring your domain.

Troubleshooting:

• Review the registrar’s transfer policy for any specific requirements.
• If they are violating ICANN rules, you have the right to file a complaint with ICANN.

Conclusion

Although the domain transfer process is straightforward, you must follow each step carefully to avoid delays or errors. We hope that this guide has provided you with the clarity and direction you need for a smooth transfer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! Need to transfer your domain quickly and securely? Start the process today at Cloud.co.za to transfer your domain now!