domainTransfer

how to transfer a domain

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Transferring a domain is a common task for anyone managing websites and it is a fairly straightforward process. But as with  all things: easy—(only) when you know how! In answer to the question of how to manage a domain transfer to a different owner – we wrote up a quick breakdown as reminder or quick intro.

prepare for transfer

The current owner of the domain is the person or organisation who is on record for the domain registration and who therefore has access and control over the domain name settings1.

owner A actions

To change the ownership of the domain, the registration records will need to be updated: to show the new owner’s name and contact information; and the new registrar details (if applicable). This process involves the current and new owners as well as the registrars who will be required to ensure the appropriate and explicit permissions.

NOTE: it is vital to ensure that the domain’s current owner’s details are accurately registered as whois2 contact as any updates require specific permission from the current owner (A). Requests for permissions will use the email on file.

To initiate the transfer process – the current owner (A) will need to request the unlocking of the domain and the authorization code from the current registrar (Registrar ONE). This authorization code (EPP or UDAI transfer code) is required to authorise the change of registered details for the domain.

authorization code

The current owner (A) will then pass on the authorization code to the new owner (B) who can then request the transfer of the domain from their chosen registrar (this might or might not be the same) by passing on this code.

request transfer

domain transferred

With the authorization code in hand, Registrar TWO will then proceed with getting permission from Owner A to complete the transfer. Once completed, the new owner (B) will have ownership of the domain registration and control over the DNS settings.

  1. the domain name server is responsible for keeping record of the domain and IP address of the server
  2. a protocol used to retrieve details of internet sources, read more at Wikipedia