Start investing in digital
'real estate'!
At some point in time you will sell a domain name and will need to transfer the domain to the new buyer. The same applies vice versa, when you buy a domain name, the seller needs to transfer the domain to you.
There are two methods of domain name transfers you as trader need to be aware
of. The first method being transfers between user accounts within the same
registrar. The second method is transfers to a new registrar.
Note: Once a domain name is registered for the first time, or transferred to a
new registrar, you will not be able to transfer the domain to another registrar
for a period of 60 days. This is a security implementation you should be aware
of.
Transfers to Users within the Same Registrar
This is the easiest way of transferring a domain name to another person and is usually free of charge. This is often referred to as ‘pushing’, as the domain is simply pushed to another account within the registrar.
With this method you can log into your registrar’s account and pick the domain
you want to transfer. Your registrar will often have a link called ‘transfer to
user’ or ‘push to new user’.
The methods of pushing domains vary from registrar to registrar. With some
registrars you simply authorize the transfer and it shows immediately in the new
users account. At registrars like Godaddy there is a process to follow. This
process is described below:
• You log into your account, choose the domain you want to transfer and pick the
transfer domain option.
• You will then need to complete the personal information of the new owner, such
as name, address, contact number and email address. You need to obtain this
information prior to initiating the transfer.
• The new owner will receive an e-mail with an authorization code and is
requested to log into his/her account and accept the transfer. Once accepted,
he/she follows the remaining instructions on checking out and the domain is
transferred to him/her.
Other registrars’ procedures are easier. You simply request the new owners’
username or account number, log into your account and push the domain to the new
owner.
Transfers to Other Registrars
This is a more complicated method of transfer and might take a number of 5-7 days to complete.
Registrar Lock
The first step to be taken here is to remove the Registrar Lock from your domain
name you want to transfer. This is a security implementation used by registrars
to prevent illegal transfers of domain names.
Transfer Authorization Code
Some domain extensions, such as .org, will require a transfer authorization
code. Some registrars will include this code in your account, while you will
need to contact others for this code. Ensure that you obtain this code in
advance, as you will need it to affect the transfer.
Following Instructions
Once you have initiated the transfer you will receive a number of emails from
the registrars involved. These will include you providing the transfer
authorization code. Simply follow the instructions and you are set.
Delay in transfer
As a security method some registrars may impose a delay on the transfer, often
up to 5-7 days. In this time you can still cancel the transfer to the new
registrar if needed.
Note: This method always involves costs. The new registrar
often renews the domain registration period for a year. Godaddy, for instance
renews the registration length for one year and charge a total fee of around $7
to transfer a new domain into your account from another registrar.
Additional Reading
Find out why pushing domains can make domain sales easier and faster for all parties.
http://domainerpro.com/difference-between-a-transfer-and-a-push/
Learn about ICANN’s transfers policies here.
http://www.icann.org/transfers/
Read about one person’s domain transfer experience.
http://wolfram.org/writing/howto/change_domain_registration.html
