Domain Name Transfers part 2: transfer codes

So you’re transferring a domain name from one registrar to another. You know about the possibility of costs that goes along with that but you’re unsure of what the technical details are. Well here’s a rundown.

First off, in order for a domain name to be capable of transfer, it needs to be “unlocked”. This is done at the current registrar. Usually when a domain name is purchased, it’s automatically “locked” or protected from domain name transfers.

Once the domain name is unlocked, we can move into the confusing world of transfer codes. Some registrars call these transfer authorization codes. This code is a random alpha-numeric password that is generated by the current registrar which will allow the receiving registrar to access and transfer the domain name. The current owner needs to request this code, which will be emailed to the registered owner of the domain. Then the owner gives that code to the receiver, who then goes to their registrar and initiates the transfer. During this request for transfer, the receiving registrar will ask for this authorization code. If the code matches, the transfer then proceeds.

Some registrars add another step in the transfer authorization. The receiving registrar might also send an email to the current (or should we call them the old) owner of the domain with an ID and transfer code of their own. The old owner needs to then give that information to the receiving owner to also put into the transfer request. Once both the old registrar’s authorization code and the new registrar’s transfer code are verified, the domain transfer can proceed.

Once all of the registrar’s ducks are in a row, the time it takes for the domain name to transfer can take anywhere from a few hours to 3 days.