How to Transfer a domain

The inter-registrar transfer of a domain between two registrars on a standard EPP-based registry platform utilises a Transfer Authorisation Code or TAC provided by the losing registrar to the registrant for use by the gaining registrar.

The process to transfer the domain is largely the same whether you utilise EPP or Dragon Domain Manager to carry out the transfer.

… as the losing registrar.

If a registrant wishes to transfer a domain name away from you then you must:

1. Remove any:
   • clientTransferProhibited registrar lock.
   • commercially purchased Registry Lock server statuses.
2. Generate a Transfer Authorisation Code (TAC) either in:
   • Dragon Domain Manager – the system will take care of the complexity requirements.
   • EPP – the registrar will have to generate and set the code using a domain:update command. You should generate a complex TAC as per RFC9154.
3. Supply the TAC to the registrant.
4. If you set your own time-to-live for TACs you should advise the registrant when you will expire the code; if the registry has a registry set time-to-live you should advise the registrant the default for that registry.

… as the gaining registrar.

If a registrant wishes to transfer a domain name to you then you should:

1. Check either using Dragon Domain Manager or domain:info (using the TAC) command in EPP if:
   • the domain has a clientTransferProhibited or serverTransferProhibited set; if it is advise the registrant to request the domain is unlocked.
   • the domain does not have ‘pendingDelete’, if it does then check if it also has ‘redemptionPeriod’ status:
     • if it does advise the registrant they need to first of all restore the domain at the losing registrar.
     • if it does not have redemptionPeriod advise the registrant the domain cannot be transferred; but may soon be available for re-registration.
   • the domain is in the autoRenew Grace period – if so you will be required to renew the domain at the same time as requesting the transfer.
   • the cost to the transfer for the period you plan to renew the domain.
2. When ready to transfer the domain submit a transfer request via Dragon Domain Manager or EPP.
   • If you do not specify a period to renew the domain for, the system will enforce the default for that registry.
3. If the registry supports:
   • rapid transfers the domains will move immediately and we recommend you check the full current status and make any required corrections to configuration.
   • standard transfers then you must wait until either the losing registrar approves the transfer or the pendingTransfer period times out and the domain automatically moves.