Introduction
A domain transfer moves the registration of a domain name from one registrar to another. Customers commonly transfer domains to manage their domains and hosting services in one place, simplify billing, or move to a registrar that better suits their requirements.
This article explains how domain transfers work, what to check before starting, how to transfer a domain to or away from Apexhost, and how to troubleshoot common problems.
A registrar transfer changes the provider that manages your domain registration. It does not automatically move your website, DNS hosting, email hosting, mailboxes, databases or other services.
What is a domain transfer?
A domain registrar is the provider responsible for managing a domain registration, including its renewal and registration records. During a transfer, that management moves from the current registrar to a new registrar. The domain normally remains active while the transfer is processed, provided it has not expired and its DNS settings remain correct.
A registrar transfer is different from changing name servers or editing DNS records. Name server changes determine where DNS is hosted, while DNS record changes control how services such as websites and email connect to the domain. These changes can be made separately from a registrar transfer.
Why transfer a domain?
Common reasons for transferring a domain include:
* Managing several domains and services in one account
* Simplifying renewals, billing and administration
* Moving to a different registrar
* Consolidating domains after a business or hosting change
* Ensuring a domain is managed under the correct account
Before you begin
Check the following before requesting a transfer:
* The domain is active and has not expired.
* The domain is unlocked, if the domain extension and current registrar require unlocking.
* You have the correct EPP code, transfer code or authorisation code, if one is required.
* The registrant or administrative contact email address is current and accessible.
* You know where the domain's DNS is hosted and who manages the website and email services.
* You understand any eligibility, ownership or transfer restrictions that apply to the domain extension.
For eligible Australian domains, an EPP code or transfer password may be required. Keep this code secure because it can be used to authorise a transfer.
How domain transfers work
Although the exact process varies between domain extensions and registrars, most transfers follow these steps:
1. Check that the domain is active and eligible for transfer.
2. Unlock the domain if it is locked.
3. Request or retrieve the EPP code or transfer code, if required.
4. Start the transfer with the new registrar.
5. Enter the domain name and authorisation code.
6. Approve any confirmation email or registry request.
7. Wait for the current and new registrars to complete the transfer.
After completion, the new registrar manages the domain registration and future renewals.
Transfer a domain to Apexhost
To transfer a domain to Apexhost, obtain the required code from your current registrar, submit a transfer order, and complete any approval steps.
1. Request the domain transfer password or EPP code from your current registrar. See Domain Transfer Password: Where to find it if you need help locating it.
2. Visit the Apexhost website and start a domain transfer order.
3. Enter the domain name you want to transfer.
4. Enter the EPP code where requested.
5. Review the name server settings carefully.
6. Complete checkout and submit the transfer request.
7. Approve any confirmation email or other verification request.
8. Wait for the transfer to be completed by the registrars and domain registry.
[Screenshot: Apexhost domain transfer order page, with any customer-specific information removed]
Note: If the name servers and DNS records remain unchanged, your website and email should usually continue working during the transfer. Avoid changing DNS at the same time unless you have prepared the new DNS zone.
Transfer a domain away from Apexhost
If you are transferring a domain away from Apexhost, request the domain's EPP code or transfer code and provide it to your new registrar.
1. Confirm that the domain is active and eligible for transfer.
2. Contact Apexhost Support to request the EPP code for an eligible domain.
3. Confirm whether the domain is locked and whether the lock must be removed.
4. Start the transfer with your new registrar.
5. Enter the domain name and EPP code when prompted.
6. Approve any confirmation request and wait for the transfer to complete.
Before transferring away, identify where your DNS is hosted. A registrar transfer does not move DNS, website files or mailboxes. Plan any separate service migration before changing name servers.
DNS, website and email considerations
A domain transfer does not automatically migrate your website, hosting account, DNS zone, databases or mailboxes. Your existing services should continue working if the domain's name servers and DNS records remain correct.
Pay particular attention to:
* A records and CNAME records used by your website
* MX records used for email delivery
* SPF, DKIM and DMARC records used for email authentication
* Any verification records used by Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or other external services
If you change name servers during the transfer, recreate all required DNS records at the new DNS provider before making the change. An incomplete DNS zone can make a website unavailable or interrupt email delivery.
Common transfer restrictions
A transfer may be refused or delayed when:
* The domain is locked.
* The EPP code or transfer code is incorrect.
* The domain has expired or entered a restricted recovery period.
* Registrant contact details require verification or are out of date.
* The domain is within a transfer lock period following registration or a previous transfer.
* The domain extension has additional policy or eligibility requirements.
Transfer rules differ between extensions, including .au domains, .com domains and other country-code domains.
Troubleshooting
The transfer will not start
Confirm that the domain is active, unlocked and eligible. Check the EPP code carefully, including capital letters, numbers and any hyphens. If the domain has recently been registered, renewed or transferred, a transfer lock period may apply.
The website or email stopped working
This is usually a DNS issue rather than a registrar-transfer issue. Check the name servers and confirm that the website, MX and email-authentication records are present at the active DNS provider. Do not delete the old DNS zone until the new zone has been tested.
I cannot obtain the EPP code
The domain may still be locked, may not yet be eligible, or may require contact verification. If Apexhost manages the domain, contact Apexhost Support for guidance on obtaining the code for eligible domains.
The transfer is taking longer than expected
Processing times vary by registry, domain extension and approval method. Check the registrant email address for an approval request, confirm that the transfer was submitted successfully, and contact the current or new registrar if the request remains pending.
Frequently asked questions
Will a domain transfer move my website hosting?
No. A transfer changes the registrar only. Website files, hosting accounts, databases and email services remain where they are unless you arrange a separate migration.
Will email stop working during a transfer?
Not necessarily. Email should continue working when the correct name servers and MX records remain in place. Problems can occur if DNS is changed or the required records are missing.
What is an EPP code?
An EPP code, also called a transfer code or authorisation code, is a security code used to approve a domain transfer for eligible domain extensions.
Can I transfer an expired domain?
Sometimes, but the domain may need to be renewed first. The answer depends on the domain extension, registrar and current domain status.
Related Articles
Domain Names Explained (Domains)
Registering Domains (Domains)
Managing Domains (Apexhost - Client Area)
How to transfer a Domain
How to Find your Domain Transfer Password (EPP Code)
How to renew a domain name
What is DNS?
Need More Help?
If you require further assistance, please contact Apexhost Support at support@apexhost.com.au.
