Domain Transfer: A Simple Guide
Recently IINET decided to stop it’s Hosted Email Exchange Service as of 30 April 2023 without providing an alternative email solution. This means business users will need to move at least their Email Hosting and it’s likely will want to shift their Web Hosting and their DNS servers. I have put together a guide on what it takes to move your DNS hosting
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the phonebook of the Internet. Humans access information online through domain names, such as perthcomputer-repairs.com.au or datarecoveryperth.net.au . Internet Protocol (IP) addresses enable browsers to access Internet resources. DNS translates domain names to IP addresses to enable browsers to load Internet resources.
When you want to change your domain registrar, you’ll need to perform a domain transfer . We will talk about the following in this post.
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How does a domain transfer work?
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Transferring a domain: How to do it
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Troubleshooting and FAQs for domain transfers
How does a domain transfer work?
ICANN enforces a 60-day Change of Registrant lock on domain transfers, so you must have been with your current registrar for at least 60 days to be eligible. Domain transfers occur all the time it’s possible your current registrar has suddenly increased its prices, or your website is taking longer to load. You might have found a better deal somewhere else and would like to consolidate multiple domains under one DNS provider. Or in the case of Iinet we need a specific service.
Domain Transfer Instructions
- Make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Set up your domain name for email sending.
- The third step is to unlock your domain.
- A code of authorization should be requested.
- Make sure your domain is eligible for transfer.
- Set up an account with your new registrar.
- The authorization code/password must be entered.
- The domain transfer must be authorized.
- Pay for the domain transfer.
- Transfer the domain to the new owner.
- You can cancel your previous service by following these steps.
- Make sure your domain is eligible for transfer.
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date.
You will need to provide up-to-date contact information to both the registrar you are leaving and the new DNS registry provider during the transfer process. Make sure your name, phone number, and physical address are all correct in your current registrar’s control panel. Any errors could delay or cancel the transfer.
The third step is to set up the domain name for your email sending.
You can send emails to and from addresses like [email protected] through your domain registrar’s email service.
It is common for these email accounts to be deactivated when you transfer to another registrar, so make sure you have a backup email address ready to go before starting the transfer process.
The fourth step is to unlock your domain.
There should be an option to unlock your domain under the “Domains” or “Security” section of your registrar’s control panel.If your domain is locked by default, you may be able to unlock it with a single click or you may need to contact your registrar directly to request manual unlocking. A domain name can be transferred to another registrar once it has been unlocked.
Then, request an authorization code or password.
In order to transfer your domain, you need an authorization code (also known as an Auth-Code, Auth-Info Code, or domain password). In addition, this code serves as the link between your old registrar and your new provider and must be provided within five days of your request.
Set up an account with your new registrar.
Once you’ve created an account with your new registrar, find its transfer service page and enter your domain name. The “www” isn’t required – simply enter your domain name and its suffix (e.g., .com, .org, .info).
The authorization code must be entered.
Double-check that you entered the authorization code exactly as provided by your previous registrar. If the code doesn’t match, your transfer may not be successful.
The domain transfer must be authorized.
Your old registrar and your new provider will contact you once you enter the authorization code. Make sure you provide the correct contact details to both registrars and be prepared to answer questions about why you are leaving your current service. You’ll be asked to confirm your contact details and approve the transfer.
The transfer of your domain must be paid for.
The next step is to transfer your domain name. Your new provider may charge you for a year of service, but there are often promotions offering the first year free.
Transfer the domain to the new owner.
As soon as your domain has been released by your original provider, your new registrar will need time to configure your domain and servers. This usually takes a few days to a week.
Your previous service should be canceled.
Deactivate your old registrar service once your new account is up and running, and your domain is fully transferred. Once you’ve confirmed that everything is working, cancel your old service.
FAQs and Troubleshooting for Transferring Your Domain Name
What is the average time it takes to transfer a domain?
Domain transfers usually take five to seven days, but they can take longer if your information is outdated or they are unable to verify your identity. Below is a table of typical transfer times
| Domain Extension | Time to Transfer |
| .au | 2 days |
| .com / .net / .org / .info / .biz | 5-7 days |
| .nz | 1 day |
| .co.uk | 5-7 days |
Can I transfer a domain for free?
The fee and structure vary, however.
For the transfer itself, some registrars charge a flat fee, while others charge a registration fee when your domain is up for renewal. Some bundle both costs (renewal and transfer fee) together. It is also possible to register a domain name for free with some registrars.
How do I find out who my DNS registrar is?
You can find your registrar’s name on the ICANN Lookup tool under the “Registrar Information” section.
Why can’t I transfer my domain to another registrar after buying it?
In addition, if you’ve recently made a previous transfer, you can’t change your registrar for 60 days following the transfer.
Where can I find an authorization code / Domain Password?
Why did my domain name registrar deny my request? What should I do?
Your request may have been denied for a number of reasons.
Make sure your contact information is current, and make sure to send them what they need (ID, domain purchase receipt, etc.). There could be a discrepancy between your information and that of the domain owner. It’s possible that the domain name owner objected to the transfer. If you’re not the domain name owner, be sure to contact them to resolve the issue. Your DNS registrar may have put your domain name on hold if you owe them any fees from previous domain purchases.
Make sure your domain name is set to “Unlocked” in your portal.
If you’re under the 60-day Change of Registrant lock, you’ll need to wait 60 days to make the transfer.
If your domain has recently expired, you can still transfer it to another registrar. You’ll need to renew it with your current registrar, then initiate the transfer. Check that your current registrar hasn’t deleted the domain name and that you’re still in the Redemption Grace Period (up to 60 days)
