How Long Does it Take to Transfer a Domain? Understanding the Transfer Process

The domain transfer process might appear complex to those unfamiliar with it, but it's actually quite simple. Transferring a domain involves just a few steps, followed by a waiting period. However, before diving into the details, let's first explain what domain transfers are for those who may not be aware.

What is a Domain Transfer

A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one domain registrar to another. If you don't know, a registrar is a business that lets user register and manage domain names (such as Dynadot). An example of a domain transfer could include transferring a domain name from one registrar to Dynadot, or transferring a domain name away from Dynadot to another registrar. Transfers are as simple as that - they can be thought of as moving the home of the domain name. 

The reasons for transferring domains can vary depending on the situation. Perhaps one is unhappy with their current registrar, there's an opportunity to save money elsewhere, or someone is transferring a domain to another person to manage. Many times the reasons are either personal or situational. 

There are also ways to transfer a domain to another account within the same registrar, which is often referred to as a ‘Domain Push’. A domain push follows a different process then domain transfers and often changes from registrar to registrar. If you're interested in making a domain push, it's best to check the help files for your registrar.

How Long Does it Take to Transfer a Domain?

A domain name transfer typically takes between 5 and 15 days to complete, with many domain name transfers being closer to the 5 day mark. The reason for the wide range is due some registrars requiring more time to process the domain transfer. There are also security measurements in place which can impact the speed of the transfer.

The Domain Transfer Process

While the domain transfer initiation is straightforward, there are still requirements that need to be met. The transfer process can be broken into three categories.

Eligibility

Not all domains can have a transfer initiated, but luckily the restrictions are easy to understand. The domain must have been registered and under your account for atleast 60 days with your current registrar, and the domain name must not be on hold. You can typically check the status of your domain on the registrar where the domain currently resides.  

Setup

To proceed through the transfer process, the domain name must be unlocked on the domain’s current registrar and the authorization code (sometimes referred to as an 'EPP code' or 'auth code') needs to be acquired. Visit your registrar’s website for more details on where to find the authorization code and information on how to unlock the domain.

Submission

Once you’ve made sure the domain is eligible for a transfer, and you have the authorization code/the domain is unlocked, it time to simply initiate the domain transfer. Visit the domain transfer page on the registrar you want to transfer to (for example, here is Dynadot’s transfer page), enter the domain you’re transferring and the authorization code. From there, you’ll proceed through the checkout process and the domain will be submitted for transfer!

The domain transfer should complete in about 5 to 8 days, but may take up to 15 days. 
 

After the Domain Transfer has been Initiated

Once the domain transfer has successfully started, the 5-15 day waiting period begins. There isn’t a way to speed up the transfer process, so you’ll be waiting for the standard domain transfer process to complete. Domain transfers can occassionally be processed faster then this 5-15 day period, but will depend on the two registrars involved in the transfer.

Upon completion, you will be notified that the domain is in your account and you’ll have access to make any necessary changes to the domain itself.

Still Waiting for your Domain Transfer? Here’s Why:

Unfortunately, not all transfers are successful, and there are a few common occurrences that cause problems with the process.

The most common issue is payment related. Check your account on your current registrar and make sure your payment method is up to date. If the payment method is invalid or not sucessfully processed, the transfer will not initiate. Detection of fraud can also prevent a transfer from proceeding.

Another issue is related to the 60 day period, which will prevent the transfer from being processed. If you've had your domain in your account for under 60 days, the domain transfer will most likely be delayed or refused by your registrar. 

If you're still not sure why you domain hasn't transferred, it's best to contact the registrar you're transferring away from for more details.

Do Domain Transfer Times Vary Between TLDs?

The time to transfers a domain does not typically change based on the top-level domain being transferred. There are some exceptions to this, with some TLDs having different processes to transfer domains (such as .UK and .LT, which require domains to be pushed to another registrar) which can impact the domain transfer process length. Some TLDs also have unique rules on how much additional time is added to the registration once the transfer is complete, which you can see on our domain transfer page.
 

Interested in Transferring to Dynadot?

If you're considering transferring your domain to Dynadot, we provide many benefits for any and all domain users.

1. Save more: Our constant low prices and sales, including domain transfers, will help you save in the long run.
2. Domain management: Our control panel is design to be simple yet robust, perfect for large or small domain portfolios.
3. Free domain privacy: All domains have free domain privacy to prevent spam and other types of unwanted contact.
4. 24/7 support: If you're ever looking for assistance, our team is available at any time.
5. Tons of domain tools: From our domain aftermarket to our stylish website builder, we have your domain needs covered.