Transferring your domain to SMWS lets you manage your domain and hosting in one place. This can make renewals, DNS changes, and account management easier.
Before you start
Before transferring your domain, make sure:
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Your domain is more than 60 days old
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Your domain is unlocked at your current registrar
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Domain privacy settings will not block the transfer process
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You have access to the domain’s authorization code, also called the EPP code or transfer key
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Your domain is not expired
Steps to transfer your domain
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Start a domain transfer order through SMWS.
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Enter the domain name you want to transfer.
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Confirm that the domain is eligible for transfer.
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Pay for the transfer if required.
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Unlock the domain with your current registrar.
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Request or copy your authorization code from your current registrar.
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Submit the authorization code when prompted.
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Approve any confirmation emails related to the transfer.
What happens during the transfer
Once the transfer begins:
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Your current registrar may send you an email asking you to approve the transfer
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Your new registrar may also send confirmation messages
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The transfer may take several days to complete
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Your website may stay live during the transfer if DNS is left correctly in place
Important things to know
A domain transfer is different from pointing a domain to hosting:
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Pointing a domain changes where the domain sends traffic
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Transferring a domain changes who manages the domain registration itself
You do not have to transfer your domain to use SMWS hosting. You can keep your domain where it is and simply point it to your hosting account.
Notes
If your domain has recently been registered, recently transferred, or is under a registrar lock, the transfer may not go through until those restrictions are removed or expired.
Need help?
If you are not sure whether you should transfer your domain or just point it to your hosting, contact support and we will help you choose the best option.
