Transferring a domain means – the transfer of a domain from the management of one registrar to another. As the responsibility of a registrar is limited to managing the domain records, domain transfer does not have any effect on your website, relevant emails or DNS.
The prerequisites
There are two things that you need to have ready if you want to process your domain transfer, and they are – ownership of a domain and the registrar you want your domain transferred to. Even though the domain transfer is a fairly simple process, it is essential that you have an understanding of know-how of the domain transfer as this ensures a smooth transition.
How and Where to start?
As the first step, you would need to apply for a transfer to the registrar you wish to transfer your domain name over to. All registrars usually have an option available on their websites, which can be selected for transferring your domain. Once this option is selected, the registrar will contact the existing administrator of your domain name. This is done usually via an email.
Once the administrator receives an email notification, he has to give his consent for the transfer. If the transfer request is not accepted by the administrator within 5 days, the new registrar assumes that the transfer request was rejected. Therefore, it is very essential to make sure that the contact information provided in your domain records is valid and up-to-date.
If the administrator, on the other hand, accepts the transfer request, then the process for transferring the domain starts. It should be noted that for a domain to be successfully transferred, the domain has to be active. A domain transfer request will fail in case the domain in questions is inactive, locked or suspended etc. Other important thing to keep in mind is that if your domain was registered less than 60 days ago, you are not allowed to transfer it to a new registrar.
How much time will it take?
If all conditions are successfully met, then it takes around ten days for your domain to be transferred from your current registrar to a new one. It may take a little more time or less depending on your current and new registrar.
The cost
The transfer cost usually varies amongst the registrars. While some offer this service completely free, some may charge you a little amount. But it would definitely not cost you a fortune.
