Just because you have service through one hosting provider doesn’t mean you can’t switch to another. In most cases, you can even keep your domain name. While it might sound like a hassle, it’s actually fairly easy. Transferring your domain name between hosting providers doesn’t affect your website, DNS or emails in any way. Still, there are some things you need to know about transferring a domain name.
Ownership of a Domain Name
To transfer a domain to a new hosting provider, you have to have permission from the domain administrator or owner of that domain to process the request. This may seem like common sense, but there are plenty of people who have tried to have a domain transferred to a new provider without being the actual owner. Ensuring that you are the owner of the domain or have permission makes the transfer no more complicated than it has to be. A domain transfer that hasn’t been accepted within five days causes the process to be canceled.
Applying for a Transfer
Once you have established yourself as the owner of the domain, you need to apply for a transfer. Most online hosting companies have an option or form that can be filled out on their websites called “transfer domain name.” While filling out this form, you will be promoted to state who you will be transferring the domain to. This means that you need to have already picked out the company you wish to transfer the name to. Most hosting companies, such as Register.com, have online forms that you can fill out when you are planning transfer a domain name to them.
Domain Must Be Active
For hosting companies to transfer a domain name, it must be active. If the domain is in the process of being deleted, locked or is labeled as inactive, a transfer cannot take place. For most active e-commerce websites, this is not a problem.
Must Be Registered for 60 Days
Before you can even think about a domain transfer, you should note that a domain has to be registered for 60 days before it can be transferred. If your domain is facing bankruptcy or is in the middle of a legal dispute, it cannot be transferred. All legal matters have to be cleared up first.
Once your domain transfer is accepted successfully, it still takes about 10 days for the transfer to take place. Sometimes the amount of time it takes can be longer or shorter, depending on the companies you are transferring between. Costs and fees for transferring a domain name also apply.
