Answer ID 246 - How to Initiate an Incoming Domain Transfer?

Prepare Domain for Transfer at the Current Registrar

To transfer a domain into our system, you will need to do three things on the current registrar's system (for most domain extensions):

• Unlock the domain by disabling Registrar-Lock.
• Verify that the registrant and administrative contacts on the domain are current and valid.  You may also want to disable ID Protect if it's enabled, as this will make the transfer process easier.
• Obtain the authorization (EPP) code.

Please note that some domain extensions don't use Registrar-Lock or authorization codes.  For example, .eu domains only use email verification for transfers, and don't need to be unlocked or have an authorization code submitted for the transfer.  If you are having trouble completing any of the above steps, please search our knowledgebase for specifics on the domain extension that you are trying to transfer, or submit us a ticket with your request.

For specific instructions on how to complete the above steps in the current registrar's system, please see our Domain Name Transfer Help Section.

For specific on .UK transfers, please see the article, INCOMING and OUTGOING Domain Transfers - How do I transfer (change tag) for a .UK domain?.

Submit the Incoming Transfer Order through Your Account with Us

Once you have the necessary information, please do the following to submit the incoming transfer request in our system:

• Log into your account.
• Select the menu option Domains > Transfer Domains > Transfer a Domain
• In most cases, you'll want to choose the Auto-Verification (email) method.  If you're transferring a large volume of domains, you may want to select the Fax option.  For further details, please see the article, How does the INCOMING domain FAX transfer process work?.
• Click Next.
• Enter the domain name(s) in the appropriate format, which is demonstrated in the examples on the page.
• Set the desired settings:
  • Registrar-Lock: If enabled, this prevents the domain from being transferred away once it's in your account.
  • Auto-Renew: If enabled, our system will automatically attempt to renew the domain 30 days prior to expiration.
  • Apply WhoIs Info: If enabled, the whois information at the time of transfer will be applied to the domain.  If disabled, the system will apply the contact information that you provided when the order was created.
  • Domain Password: Setting this password will allow you to log into the domain control at http://access.enom.com.  This is an optional control panel.
• Follow any additional prompts that are displayed.
• Click Submit Order.

If you're using the Auto-Verification method, in most cases, either our system or the registry will send you an email to approve or reject the transfer.  Once you respond affirmatively to the email, the transfer process will go forward.

For information on transfer timeframes, please see the article, Transfers - Timeframe to complete.

Transfer restrictions and additional information

For information on transfer restrictions, please see the article, Reasons a transfer could be rejected.

If your domain expired and you renewed it with your current registrar during the expiration grace period, you may want to wait until 46 days after the expiration date to transfer your domain to avoid losing one year of registration.  Please see this article for further details: Transfers - extra year missing after transfer completed.