An EPP code is a domain transfer authorisation code used to approve the transfer of an eligible domain name from one registrar to another. It may also be called a transfer code, authorisation code, auth code or domain password.

If you are moving a domain to Apexhost or transferring it away from Apexhost, you may need an EPP code as part of the transfer process. The code is an important security measure because it helps confirm that the transfer has been authorised by the domain holder or an authorised contact.

EPP stands for Extensible Provisioning Protocol, a standard used by registrars and domain registries to manage domain registrations. An EPP code is a unique security code associated with a domain registration. For many domain extensions, the gaining registrar requests the code when a transfer is started.

The exact transfer process depends on the domain extension and registry rules. Some registries use different terminology or require additional approval by email or through the registrant contact details.

Note: Keep your EPP code secure. Anyone with access to the code may be able to start a transfer for an eligible domain.

You may need an EPP code when:

* You are transferring a domain from another registrar to Apexhost.

* You are transferring a domain away from Apexhost to another registrar.

* Your new registrar asks for an authorisation code during the transfer order.

You do not usually need an EPP code to renew a domain, change nameservers, update DNS records or edit contact information. These are separate domain management tasks.

Before starting a domain transfer, check the following:

* The domain is active and not expired.

* The domain is eligible for transfer under the rules for its extension.

* The registrant or administrative contact email address is current and accessible.

* The domain is unlocked if the current registrar or domain extension requires this before transfer.

* You know where the domain's DNS is hosted and who manages the website and email services.

Note: A registrar transfer changes who manages the domain registration. It does not automatically move your website hosting, DNS zone, databases or email service.

For eligible domains, the EPP code or transfer code may be available from the domain management area in the Apexhost Client Area.

1. Log in to the Apexhost Client Area.

2. Open My Domains.

3. Select the domain you want to manage.

4. Look for the option to view or request the EPP code, transfer code or authorisation code.

5. Complete any required verification steps.

6. Copy the code carefully and keep it secure until you provide it to the new registrar.

[Screenshot: Apexhost Client Area domain management page showing the EPP code or transfer code option]

For some domains, the code may not be displayed immediately. It may instead be sent to the registered contact email address or provided through a separate verification process.

Request the code from your current registrar through its client portal or support team. The provider may call it an EPP code, auth code, transfer code or domain password.

Before requesting the code, check whether the domain must be unlocked and whether the provider sends the code only to the registrant email address on file.

1. Obtain the EPP code from your current registrar.

2. Go to 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 nameserver settings carefully.

6. Complete checkout and submit the transfer request.

7. Approve any confirmation email or verification request.

8. Wait for the transfer to be completed by the registrars and registry.

[Screenshot: Apexhost domain transfer order page showing where to enter the EPP code]

1. Confirm that the domain is eligible for transfer.

2. Retrieve or request the EPP code from the Apexhost domain management area, where available.

3. Confirm whether the domain is locked and remove the lock if required.

4. Start the transfer with your new registrar.

5. Enter the domain name and EPP code when prompted.

6. Approve any confirmation email or registry request.

7. Wait for the transfer to finish.

* Keep the EPP code private and share it only with the registrar handling the transfer.

* Copy the code exactly as provided. Check for extra spaces, incorrect characters and similar-looking letters or numbers.

* Check that your registrant contact email address is working before starting the transfer.

* Read transfer confirmation emails promptly. Some transfers will not complete until you approve them.

* Do not change nameservers or DNS at the same time unless you have planned the change carefully.

* If your website or email depends on DNS hosted at the current provider, make sure those DNS records remain available during the transfer.

Note: If the nameservers and DNS records remain unchanged, your website and email will usually continue working during the transfer.

The domain may not be eligible for transfer, may be locked or may require registrant verification. Confirm the domain status and contact details, then try again. If the domain is registered with Apexhost and the code is not available in the Client Area, contact Apexhost Support.

Check that the code was copied exactly as provided and that it belongs to the correct domain. If the issue continues, request a new code from the current registrar and try again.

Processing times vary by domain extension, registrar and registry rules. Check the registrant email address for approval requests and confirm that the transfer was submitted successfully.

This is usually caused by DNS or nameserver changes rather than the registrar transfer itself. Check where your DNS is hosted and confirm that the required records still exist.

In many cases, yes. Registrars and registries may use terms such as EPP code, transfer code, authorisation code, auth code or domain password for the code used to approve a transfer.

No. The process depends on the domain extension and registry rules. Some domains require an EPP code, while others use a different approval method.

No. A domain transfer changes the registrar only. Hosting, website files, databases, DNS and email services remain where they are unless you arrange separate changes.

Only share it with the registrar handling your transfer. Treat the code as sensitive information because it can be used to authorise a transfer.

* Domain Transfers (Domains)

* Managing Domains (Apexhost - Client Area)

* Registering Domains (Domains)

* Domain Names Explained (Domains)

If you require further assistance, please contact Apexhost Support at support@apexhost.com.au.