If your domain is at another registrar and you want to bring it over to us, the process is straightforward — you'll need an authorization code from your current registrar and about 5 minutes to start the transfer.
Before you start
Make sure your domain meets these conditions:
- Registered at least 60 days ago — ICANN rules prohibit transfers within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer.
- Unlocked at the current registrar — most registrars lock domains by default; you'll need to unlock for transfer.
- Not expiring within 14 days — if it's about to expire, renew at the current registrar first, then transfer.
- Authorization code in hand — also called an EPP code or transfer code. Get it from your current registrar.
The three 60-day locks
Most rejected transfers come down to a 60-day timer. There are three separate ones, and a domain has to be clear of all of them:
- 60 days from registration - a newly registered domain can't be transferred for its first 60 days. Discretionary under ICANN policy: the losing registrar may allow it, but most don't.
- 60 days from a previous transfer - if the domain changed registrars in the last 60 days, it has to wait. Also discretionary, and again usually enforced.
- 60 days from a registrant change - if the registrant name, organization, or email was changed in the last 60 days, the domain is locked. This one is mandatory under ICANN's Transfer Policy - no registrar can waive it, unless the owner opted out at the exact moment of the change.
If you recently updated your contact details, that last one is what catches people. For the full picture see Domain locks explained, and for why a transfer bounces, Why was my domain transfer rejected.
How to start the transfer
- Sign in and go to Marketplace → Domains.
- Enter the domain you want to transfer. We'll check it's eligible.
- Enter the authorization code from your current registrar.
- Pay the transfer fee (typically equal to one year of registration — your domain's registration is extended by a year as part of the transfer).
- Confirm.
We submit the transfer request to the gaining registrar (us), which contacts the losing registrar.
What happens next
- Confirmation email to your domain's WHOIS contact email — usually instant.
- Approval window — most registrars approve transfers automatically within minutes; some hold for up to 5 days unless you log in and approve manually.
- Transfer completes — the domain shows up in Domains in your account.
- DNS keeps working — we copy your existing DNS records as part of the transfer, so your site doesn't go down.
The whole process typically takes a few hours to a day or two depending on the losing registrar.
What we transfer over
- The domain registration itself (you become the registrant of record).
- The existing DNS records (so your site keeps loading).
- The current expiry date, plus one extra year added by the transfer.
What we don't transfer
- Email accounts at the old host — those are not part of domain transfer. If you're moving email too, see Free Transfer.
- Hosting service at the old host — domain transfer doesn't move your hosting. Order Flashcloud hosting separately if you don't have it yet.
- Privacy settings — we re-apply WHOIS privacy on transfer (free for most TLDs).
Common issues
- "Authorization code is invalid" — double-check you got the right code. Some registrars regenerate codes if you request them multiple times; use the most recent one.
- "Domain is locked" — log in at the current registrar and unlock. If you can't find the unlock toggle, contact their support.
- "Cannot transfer within 60 days of registration" — wait until the 60-day mark. ICANN-mandated, no exceptions.
- No confirmation email — check spam, then check your domain's current WHOIS contact email is one you actually access. If it's stale, update it at the current registrar first.
Multiple domains at once
You can transfer many domains in one go from the Marketplace. Each needs its own authorization code, but you can complete them all in a single checkout.
If you've got 50+ domains to move, open a ticket with our team — we can help script the transfer to keep your team's time minimal.