Moving a domain between registrars follows one policy, set by ICANN, for every .com, .net and .org. The steps are the same whoever the registrars are.
Before you start
A domain cannot normally move within 60 days of its creation date, or within 60 days of a change of registrant (ICANN Transfer Policy, sections I.A.3.7.5 and II.C.2). Check the registration date first. Registrars may let the seller opt out of the second lock before changing the registrant details; ask yours.
The steps
- Seller unlocks the domain. The registrar's "transfer lock" (ClientTransferProhibited) comes off.
- Seller gets the authorisation code. Also called an EPP or AuthInfo code. The policy gives the registrar five calendar days to supply it and unlock the name after the holder asks (section I.A.5.2). Most do it on request in the dashboard.
- Buyer starts the transfer-in at their registrar, entering the domain and the code.
- Seller approves the confirmation email if the losing registrar sends one.
- The registry completes the transfer. Unless the old registrar rejects it, the registry completes it within five calendar days (section I.A.6.2). Many finish sooner.
- Renewal is added. A transfer adds one year to the registration, capped at ten years in total (section I.A.8). The buyer's registrar usually charges for it.
Where it stalls
- The domain is inside a 60-day lock.
- Privacy services hide the email that receives the approval message.
- A wrong or expired code. Request a fresh one.
- Different extensions (country codes such as .com.au) have their own rules. This policy covers generic top-level domains; check the registry for others.
On Market One
For domains we manage, the buyer pays at checkout through Stripe and we complete the transfer by hand once payment clears, usually within one business day. How we help shows the steps from our side.
Sources
Facts checked against these pages on 2 October 2026. Valuations and checklists are guidance, not advice.
