Q. What is a "domain transfer"?
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A. A domain transfer is more accurately described as a domain registrar transfer, because it involves the transfer of the name from one ICANN registrar to another, at the request of the domain owner. ICANN created the domain transfer scheme to enable domain registrants to easily move their domain names between different ICANN registrars. So even after your register your name, you are not locked in to the registrar you selected at time of registration.
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A. A domain transfer is more accurately described as a domain registrar transfer, because it involves the transfer of the name from one ICANN registrar to another, at the request of the domain owner. ICANN created the domain transfer scheme to enable domain registrants to easily move their domain names between different ICANN registrars. So even after your register your name, you are not locked in to the registrar you selected at time of registration.
Q. How do domain transfers actually work?
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A. It is the gaining registrar that is responsible for the transfer operation, so you need to apply to perform the transfer with them, not the losing registrar. Once you have made the application, the gaining registrar is responsible for ensuring that the transfer request is a valid request from the domain's owner. This validation normally comes in the form of an e-mail sent to the admin contact which requires a reply, though some registrars use signed faxes as an alternative. In addition, some losing registrars have decided that 'double-checking' is a good idea, so when you request a transfer away from them, they will perform additional security checks. They may require you to answer an e-mail within a short time period, or even send a notarized letter. After the transfer is complete, a year is always added to the end of the domain registration period.
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A. It is the gaining registrar that is responsible for the transfer operation, so you need to apply to perform the transfer with them, not the losing registrar. Once you have made the application, the gaining registrar is responsible for ensuring that the transfer request is a valid request from the domain's owner. This validation normally comes in the form of an e-mail sent to the admin contact which requires a reply, though some registrars use signed faxes as an alternative. In addition, some losing registrars have decided that 'double-checking' is a good idea, so when you request a transfer away from them, they will perform additional security checks. They may require you to answer an e-mail within a short time period, or even send a notarized letter. After the transfer is complete, a year is always added to the end of the domain registration period.
A Few Caveats
Transfers are normally quite smooth, but because several parties are involved, there can sometimes be delays. Here are a few things that you should bear in mind before starting a domain name transfer.
Transfers are only possible on names that have been registered for more than 60 days. Use a WHOIS tool to find out how long your name has been registered.
Most registrars will check with the name's current admin contact before giving the transfer go-ahead. If you are listed as the admin contact for the name, great. If you registered it through a web hosting company or similar, they may have listed themselves as the admin contact. If this is the case, email them before starting the process and make sure that they are willing to take part in the transfer process. If you are not sure whether you are the admin contact for your name, use a WHOIS tool - type your domain name into the box, and you will see who is listed as the administrative contact.
A domain name that is "on-hold" cannot be transferred. This "on-hold" condition can exist for many reasons, including payment or trademark dispute. But the single most common cause is that a domain has passed it's original expiry date. So don't even bother trying to transfer names if they have passed their expiry date.
Losing registrars sometimes sends out renewal invoices even after names have been transferred away from them. They put this down to administration errors. Whatever the reason, you can and must ignore these invoices. Once a name has been transferred, the only parties with a valid interest in it are you and the new registrar.
Losing registrars sometimes sends out renewal invoices even after names have been transferred away from them. They put this down to administration errors. Whatever the reason, you can and must ignore these invoices. Once a name has been transferred, the only parties with a valid interest in it are you and the new registrar.
But apart from that, go for it! By transferring your name to a discount registrar, you will most certainly save yourself dollars each and every year, and you may enjoy better customer service as well. And if you are worried your web site will be affected by all this domain transfer activity, don't be. DNS settings are not affected by the domain transfer so your web site and e-mail will be completely undisturbed.
