Domain Transfer is indeed a swift process when carried out with prior preparation and caution. To make a seamless Domain Transfer keep in mind the below discussed terms and aid them before initiating the process. It can be a handy Pre-Transfer Checklist.
ICANN, the governing non-profit corporation have laid several norms for Domain Transfer in order to make domain transfer a safe, secure and hassle free process.
Most registrars/registration service providers fail to inform all the required steps beforehand to ensure smooth domain transfer. Hence, this article intends to help and provide well equipped information about the pitfalls in detail as far as possible.
1. 60 Days Initial Registration Period :
ICANN defines this period where a newly registered domain stays with the registrar to serve the 60 days registration period when it can’t be transferred to another registrar. Domain that has elapsed the first 60 days from its registration date is eligible to be transferred out. Nevertheless, a recently transferred domain from the previous registrar can’t be immediately transferred away again as it has to stay with the current registrar for the next 60 days. This condition is applicable to all gTLDs such as .COM, .NET, .ORG along with certain other TLDs. However, ccTLDs like .CO.UK doesn’t fall under this term.
2. Incorrect EPP Key :
Extensible Provisional Protocol or EPP is necessary to initiate Domain Transfer, as it secures unauthorized transfer and avoids domain theft. A transfer may fail and get delayed in case of incorrect EPP code provided at the time of initiating the process. An EPP key or code (also called as auth.code or security code) consists of 6 to 16 characters, and it should be duly generated as some registrars tend to set expiration period for security reasons. As soon as you have the code, start the process.
3. Incorrect Registrant/Administrative Contact Email Address :
Administrative Contact Email Address of the domain should be accessible to the domain owner as the EPP Code and registrant verification or domain transfer authorization email is delivered there.
The Registrant can change it by a placing request to the registrar/registration service provider or can change from the domain control panel, if provided by the registrar/registration service provider.
In order to hide domain registrant details along with the Administrative Contact Email Address from internet scum & spammers, registrars provide Privacy Protection/Domain ID Protection service.
This feature should be disabled before going for transfer process, as it displays the details in whoislookup. To view whois details services like who.is or whois.domaintools.com can be used.
4. Domain Lock :
This feature enables enhanced domain security, thereby avoiding domain theft and illegal transfers. The lock should be removed as failing to do so can delay the transfer and eventually fails the process.
A registry lock applied to domains is different from the domain lock, and it is applied in case of domain disputes or abuse complaints received by registrars against domains. This lock can only be removed by the registrar of the domain/s intended for transfer. If a domain is in “REGISTRAR-LOCK”, “REGISTRAR-HOLD”, “REGISTRY-LOCK”, “REGISTRY-HOLD”, “EXPIRED”, “REDEMPTION PERIOD” or “ PENDING DELETE” status, the global registries will not allow registrar transfer.
5. Expired Domain :
The registration of domain should be active as an expired domain can’t be transferred. Also, the registration shouldn’t be expiring soon as the domain transfer process requires 24 hours to 15 days for completion; a transfer may fail in case domain expires while in transit. It is strongly recommended to renew domain prior to transfer. Some registrars allow the addition of 1 year after a domain being transferred to them from previous registrar, provided the domain was renewed 45 days before the transfer.
6. Awaiting Owner Response/Approval :
After starting the transfer process, the gaining registrar (new registrar) delivers Domain Transfer Authorization email to Administrative Contact Email Address in order for the domain owner to approve the process. Failing to do so delays and fails the transfer process.
Summarizing the checklist prior to Domain Transfer :
1. Make sure the domain is 60 days old to the registration date or transfer date.
2. Unlock the domain in order to keep the status as Active when checked in whoislookup.
3. Retrieve the correct EPP Code from current registrar.
4. Administrative Contact Email Address is accessible.
5. Remove the privacy protection/WHOIS protection feature from domain.
6. Make sure the domain is active, not expired and not about to expire shortly.
7. Domain is not involved in a legal dispute and is free of registry lock.
Some owners prefer to have hosting and domain registration under one roof. Hence, it is highly recommended to change and point the nameservers of domain/s to the new host prior to transfer, as it can’t be done once the transfer process begins after domain owner has approved the domain transfer.
All the Best!