Updated on 16 Jul 2026
A domain transfer is one of those tasks that sounds more complicated than it turns out to be. You pick a new registrar, hand over a code or change a tag, and wait. Well, that's the short version of how to transfer a domain. There are a few small details along the way that could surprise you if you don't know what to expect, but most depend on whether you’re transferring a .uk domain or an international extension. Whether you're consolidating accounts, chasing better pricing or just looking for stronger support, here’s what to do.
What is a domain transfer?
A domain transfer moves the management of your domain name from one registrar to another, but your domain name itself doesn't change. The web address stays the same and your website keeps working. What changes is the company responsible for renewals, DNS settings and admin.
Think of it like switching your broadband provider. You’re still in the same house, at the same address, but you have a different company handling the internet connection.
It's worth noting that a domain transfer is not the same as transferring your web hosting. Hosting is where your website files live. Your registrar is the company that manages your domain name's registration. Although plenty of people tend to do both at once, you can move one without moving the other.
Why transfer your domain?
People transfer domains for all sorts of reasons. Most of the time, this is due to better renewal pricing at a different registrar or when looking for better support. People who happen to manage multiple domains typically transfer domains to have all under one account, instead of juggling logins across multiple providers. And of course, security is also a good reason, particularly since features like two-factor authentication and domain locking can vary between registrars.
What you'll need before you start
First, make sure you have access to the email address listed on your domain's WHOIS record. Confirmation and authorisation emails from registrars will be sent to that address. If it's outdated or wrong, the transfer will stall. Log into your current registrar first and update it if needed.
Second, check that your domain isn't locked. Most registrars apply a transfer lock by default to stop unauthorised moves. You'll need to switch this off in your control panel, so look for a setting called "Registrar Lock," "Transfer Lock" or simply "Lock."
Third, check the age of your registration. ICANN rules prevent transfers within 60 days of a new registration or a previous transfer. If your domain is newer than that, you'll need to wait.
And finally, make sure any domain privacy or WHOIS protection is turned off. Some registrars block transfer emails when privacy is enabled, which stops the process before it starts. You’ll be able to enable this again once the transfer is complete.
How to transfer a .uk domain
Domains ending in .uk, .co.uk, .org.uk and .me.uk use a system that's different from most international extensions. Instead of an authorisation code, .uk domains use something called an IPS tag (also known as a registrar tag). This tag tells Nominet (the organisation that manages all .uk domains) which registrar currently controls your domain.
Before you start on the steps below, write down your existing DNS records (A records, CNAME, MX records for email, TXT records). Most of the time your new registrar will carry those over automatically. But if they don't, you'll need to re-enter them to keep your site and email working.
To transfer a .uk domain, you change the IPS tag from your current registrar's tag to the new registrar's tag. Here's how:
- Log into your current registrar's control panel.
- Find the domain you want to transfer and go to its management or transfer settings.
- Unlock the domain if a transfer lock is in place.
- Look for the option to change the IPS tag or transfer out. Enter the IPS tag of your new registrar. Each registrar has a unique tag, so if you're not sure what it is, ask the new registrar or check Nominet's registrar list.
- Confirm the change.
Officially, the transfer could take 12-24 hours, but once the IPS tag is updated, the transfer usually completes almost instantly. Your new registrar picks up the domain, and you can manage it from their control panel straight away.
How to transfer a .com, .net or other international domain
For domains like .com, .net, .org and most other global extensions, the transfer process uses an authorisation code (sometimes called an EPP code or auth code). This is a unique password that proves you have permission to move the domain.
The steps look like this:
- Log into your current registrar and find the domain you want to move.
- Unlock the domain (disable the transfer lock).
- Turn off WHOIS privacy if it's enabled.
- Request or reveal the authorisation code. Most registrars show this in the control panel under "Transfer" or "Auth Code”, but some send it by email instead.
- Copy the code. It’s case-sensitive and usually expires after a few days, so don't request it too far ahead of when you plan to use it.
- Go to your new registrar's website and start a domain transfer. Enter your domain name and paste the authorisation code when asked.
- Confirm the transfer. You'll typically receive a confirmation email to the address on the domain's WHOIS record. Approve it to start the process.
After approval, the transfer usually takes between 5-7 days. Some registrars offer an option to speed this up by having the losing registrar approve the release early, but this varies.
What happens to your website and email during a domain transfer?
A domain transfer is an administrative change. It moves the registration from one registrar to another, but it doesn’t move your website files, databases or email.
If your website is hosted separately from your registrar, nothing should change. Your site stays where it is, served from the same hosting account, pointing at the same nameservers. As long as no one changes the DNS records during the transfer, visitors won't notice a thing.
Where things can go wrong is if your DNS was managed by your old registrar and they remove your DNS zone after the transfer completes.
To avoid this, check your nameserver settings before starting. If your nameservers belong to your old registrar (something like ns1.oldregistrar.co.uk), talk to your new registrar about setting up equivalent DNS records before you initiate the move. Copy your full DNS zone (A records, CNAME, MX, TXT) so nothing gets lost.
Got an email address tied to your domain? The same rule applies here. Your MX records are what tell the internet where to deliver your messages. So if those records disappear during the transfer, your email delivery will just stop working until you get them set up again. But don't worry – taking a quick backup of your DNS settings before you start helps you avoid this entirely. And if you aren't sure what any of this means, just reach out to the support teams at your old and new registrars so they can guide you through it.
How long does a domain transfer take?
This depends on the extension and can vary quite significantly.
.uk domains transfer almost immediately once the IPS tag is changed. You might wait a few minutes, but rarely longer.
International domains (.com, .net, .org and similar) typically take 5-7 days. The delay exists because registrars on both sides need to confirm the transfer, and ICANN's process includes a waiting period to give the domain owner time to cancel if the transfer wasn't authorised.
Delays beyond a week usually mean something went wrong. This might be an outdated WHOIS email, a locked domain, an expired auth code, or WHOIS privacy blocking the confirmation email.
Common domain transfer problems and how to fix them
Most failed transfers come down to a handful of issues. If yours has stalled, check these first.
- The domain is locked. Log into your old registrar and check the transfer lock status. Switch it off and try again.
- The authorisation code was entered incorrectly. Auth codes are case-sensitive. Copy and paste rather than typing manually and make sure there are no trailing spaces.
- WHOIS privacy is blocking emails. Some privacy services replace your email address with a proxy, which means confirmation emails never reach you. Disable WHOIS privacy before starting the transfer.
- The domain was registered or transferred within the last 60 days. ICANN's 60-day lock applies to new registrations and recent transfers, so you'll need to wait.
- The WHOIS email address is wrong. The confirmation email goes to the admin contact listed on the WHOIS record. If that address is outdated, update it with your current registrar and restart the process.
Transfer your domain to Fasthosts
If you're looking for a new home for your domain, Fasthosts offers free domain transfers with no lock-in and no penalties for leaving. Once transferred, you get access to a straightforward control panel with advanced DNS management, and a support team available 24/7 if you need help along the way.
For most TLDs, your domain is also renewed for at least a year when you transfer, so you're not losing any registration time. And if you're running a website too, it's easy to pair your domain with Web Hosting or Hosting for WordPress.
Your hosting setup affects everything, from page speed and uptime to how well your site handles traffic spikes. If you're reviewing your current provider or starting fresh, Fasthosts offers plans built for small businesses, growing sites and technical projects alike. Compare VPS plans to find the right fit for your project or talk to our support team if you have questions about getting started.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer a domain I registered less than 60 days ago?
No. ICANN rules require a 60-day waiting period after a new registration or a recent transfer before the domain can be moved again. This applies to most international extensions like .com and .org. Some .uk domains don't have this restriction, but it's worth checking with your registrar before starting.
Will I lose any registration time when I transfer?
In most cases, no. When you transfer an international domain like .com or .net, the new registrar typically adds a year to your existing expiry date. So, if your domain was due to expire in 8 months, after the transfer it would expire in 20 months. .uk domain transfers don't usually include an automatic renewal extension, but your remaining registration time still carries over.
Do I need to transfer my domain to change my hosting provider?
No. Your domain registrar and your hosting provider don't have to be the same company. You can keep your domain where it is and simply update your nameservers or DNS records to point at your new host. That being said, managing your domain and hosting under one account is simpler. There are fewer logins, you deal with one support team, and DNS changes are faster to make.
