Understanding domain transfers: 5 myths debunked

Moving home can be stressful. The expense, logistics, and uncertainty about whether the grass is truly greener elsewhere can paralyse your decision-making for months or even years.

Transferring your domain to a new registrar can feel like moving your online home, and just as daunting.

You question the costs, worry about the timing, and wonder if you’re making the right decision to switch to a new provider.

A new registrar might offer incredible transferring benefits, shiny prices that turn your head, and exciting features that make domain management incredibly easy. Maybe they have AI assistants and responsive customer support that make you feel like a valued customer rather than just another account holder.

And yet, you’re still not sure…

So, if you’re considering that move but still have concerns, let’s debunk domain transfer myths and help you feel confident about making the right decision for your domains.

Myth 1: You need to wait until your domain expires before you transfer

This myth is false, but first, a bit of background. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit organisation that oversees domain names and IP addresses and keeps the Internet secure, stable, and interoperable.

Under ICANN policy, if a domain expires, there is usually a grace period during which the owner can transfer the domain. However, as soon as the domain enters redemption, a transfer cannot take place.

Another aspect to consider is that there may also be a 60-day lock in place, which prevents unauthorised domain transfers for 60 days after a domain is newly registered or transferred. If you update key registration contact information (like name, organisation, and email), registrars may apply a 60-day lock.

What you should do

Initiate the transfer whenever you want! You don’t need to wait because you won’t lose the existing registration time. After the transfer is complete, you will get another year of registration, which will be added to the current expiration date.

Some transfers may not happen immediately due to security protocols, approval steps, and registrar processes. So, it’s always a good idea to act as early as possible to avoid risking domain downtime or loss.

Myth 2: You have to pay an extra fee just to transfer your domain

Most people assume that transferring involves an added fee. The truth is that when you transfer a domain, you don’t have to pay a separate fee to make that move. Instead, the majority of registrars will charge for one year of renewal, which is added on top of your current registration period. Phew!

For example, if your domain expires on 22 December 2025, and you transfer it on 22 May 2025, the new registrar will typically extend your domain's expiration to 22 December 2026. This means that you won’t lose any of the time you’ve already paid for.

What you should do

Before you transfer a domain to a new registrar, it's important to understand what domain transfer fees include.

You can also compare renewal prices and transfer benefits of different registrars, such as free domain privacy or better customer support, to determine if the new registrar suits your needs. Sometimes, you may pay less to transfer and renew your domain with a new registrar than to renew it at your current one.

Myth 3: Your domain is locked at your current registrar forever

The truth is that your domain is locked as a security measure. The lock is put in place to prevent unauthorised transfers and is not permanent. It’s easy to turn off whenever the owner decides they want to transfer.

What you should do

To prepare your domain for transfer, head to your current registrar’s dashboard and toggle off the domain lock. Look out for Transfer Lock or Registrar Lock and check its status. Once unlocked, for most domains, you’ll also need to request your authorisation or EPP code, which you can take to your new registrar to kick off the transfer process.

Myth 4: You can’t always access your authorisation or EPP code, so you’re stuck

Some domain owners believe that registrars often purposely hide or restrict access to the authorisation or EPP code to prevent them from transferring.

This is not true! The code is essentially a digital lock, put in place to verify that you, the domain owner, authorise the transfer, and every domain registrar is required to provide one to the registrant. The domain needs to be unlocked to initiate a move.

Imagine checking in your bag at the airport. Your domain transfer EPP code is like a luggage claim ticket, and only someone with the ticket can pick up the bag. It keeps your domain safe until you decide to move it.

What you should do

If you’re wondering how to transfer a domain securely, it’s quite simple. Head to your current registrar’s dashboard to request or copy your authorisation code, or send it to your registrant email address.

Authorisation codes may also be called:

• Auth code

• EPP code

• Transfer code

• Transfer key

• Authorisation key

The code is a standard security key, and all ICANN-accredited registrars are obligated to make it available upon request.Imagine checking in your bag at the airport. Your domain transfer EPP code is like a luggage claim ticket, and only someone with the ticket can pick up the bag. It keeps your domain safe until you decide to move it.

Myth 5: My domain transfer will cause website downtime

Many domain owners worry that any domain name system (DNS) changes made during a transfer will cause issues, such as their website breaking, and cause downtime.

From wondering “Will I experience downtime?”, “Will I lose email when transferring a domain?” to “Is domain transfer safe?”, worries such as these can stop people from moving their domain, even when a change may be painstakingly beneficial.

In reality, if you are using external nameservers that have nothing to do with the registrar you are leaving, nothing will change after transfer.

However, if you are using the default nameservers of the registrar you are leaving, when the domain leaves their system after transfer, they will remove the zone file, and any connected services will go down.

What you should do

Ideally, before you initiate the transfer, make sure your domain is using external nameservers that you control (not the nameservers tied to the registrar you’re leaving).

If you are using the default nameservers of the registrar you are leaving, make sure that your DNS records (A, MX, CNAME, etc.) are exported or backed up, check whether any downtime prevention options are available and follow the provided instructions.

If you are considering moving to Spaceship, visit Transfer Manager and follow the steps provided to ensure you avoid downtime. You can also monitor propagation to track updates globally.

Go forth and move with confidence

Now you know the truth about domain transfers. They don’t have to be confusing, risky, or expensive. Most fears stem from outdated or misunderstood information.

If you’ve been putting it off, now’s the time to move with confidence.

Whether you transfer to Spaceship or another registrar, some preparation and research can go a long way. With the right steps, transferring your domain can be smooth, secure, and even save you money.

Good luck with your move!