Are you unhappy with your current domain registrar? Consider a domain transfer. It's not unusual for users to be dissatisfied with their first or current registrar after a few years—sometimes even weeks. Common reasons for wanting to switch from one domain name registrar to another include a high renewal fee, inconvenient platform, and poor customer service quality.
The only problem here is that the average newbie site/domain owner might not be familiar with the process of transferring a domain. It also doesn't help that most sales service agents would discourage their inquiring clients from pushing through with the transfer process. As a result, inexperienced clients would opt to stick with their current registrar.
However, there's no law that says a site owner cannot transfer to another registrar. In fact, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) states one can already transfer their domain after just 60 days from registration.
Want to transfer to a new registrar? Transferring your domain registrar is a fairly simple process, as long as you have the necessary domain transfer requirements. Here's an overview of the domain transfer process and what to prepare throughout the different steps:
If you're planning to switch to a different registrar, make sure the domain name you're eyeing is available. Each domain needs a unique name and hyperlink. If the name is already taken, you can contact the original owner and ask whether they'd be willing to give up their domain. They'll likely agree to it if the site is no longer active.
Contact your current registrar to confirm your identity, then request an authentication code. An authentication code, also known as a transfer code or EPP code, is a specific one-time code generated only when a user requests to transfer their domain. No transfer would push through without the necessary code. This step prevents unauthorized individuals from illegally transferring domain names.
After confirming your identity, submitting the necessary information, and getting an authorization code, it's time to unlock the registrar security. Doing so would allow the transfer to commence.
Finally, it's time to settle the necessary transfer fees. The actual amount you need to shell out vary based on what your current registrar is and where you're transferring it to. Also, beware of hidden charges. Bear in mind that many sketchy brands will dump their exiting clients with unnecessary charges as a last attempt to discourage them from leaving.
Why You Should Transfer Your Domain Name
There are dozens of new registrars on the market that offer competitive fees, user-friendly platforms, and an overall better hosting service plan. There's no reason for you to stick to your original web hosting provider if you've already found a better deal.
Here are some reasons why site owners might need to transfer their domain:
The domain services your old registrar offers might have been fine back when you were making your first web pages. However, if your website has grown significantly over the past months or years, you might want to upgrade to a new provider that offers a wider, more diverse set of domain services. The tools and elements to consider include:
Too many newbies fall for overpriced domain name servers. What happens here is the registrar offers an extremely cheap and affordable first-year fee to entice newbie domain buyers. Once the client is locked-in, they offset the discounts with unfairly high renewal rates, transfer fees, and other hidden charges. The good news here is you can transfer domains any time you want after 60 days from registration. Don't hesitate to look for more cost-efficient domain solutions.
How are you liking the platform your domain name registrar offers? If it's difficult to navigate and consists of multiple useless elements and plug-ins, transfer domains to a new account right away. As we mentioned different registrars have varying developer tools, so there's no reason for you not to opt-out of a platform that offers no value or benefit to your website.
First, check whether the domain name you're eyeing is available. If it is, have your domain lock removed, then ask for the authorization code. Afterward, settle the domain transfer fees. Finally, wait for the transfer confirmation email and comply with any additional requirements to finalize the transfer.
Note: A domain transfer is a multi-step procedure that varies on a case-by-case basis. Contact a reliable service agent for more specific concerns.
Consider transferring your domain name to a new registrar if you are:
Before pushing through with the domain transfer process, make sure you've already decided on a new provider first. Check out some of the top domain registrars on the market today.
Check out this detailed guide by Google where they show website owners can transfer their domains to a new registrar.
Familiarize yourself with the ICANN regulations before you decide to transfer your domain. Check out this resource section where they address some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the steps and requirements of a domain transfer.
Overall, domain owners can set to transfer a domain to another registrar as long as the 60-Day Change of Registrant Lock has passed, the domain names for transfers are available, and they qualify for transfer approval. Although, the ICANN is more specific with the 60-day lock-in from registration than with the other requirements.
However, we strongly urge domain owners to do extensive research on registrars prior to the actual domain name transfer. Ideally, you need a provider that offers better deals than your current registrar. Don't forego crucial factors such as a responsible customer service team, low to zero transfer fee, and user-friendly interface.
Still on the fence about transferring your domain to another registrar? PageKits has multiple resources about creating domain names, maintaining multiple websites, and domain transfers. Visit the PageKits website now!
