What domain transfer actually means
Transferring a domain means moving its registration from one registrar to another — for example, moving a domain you registered elsewhere to MyNameCraft so you can manage it, renew it, and connect it to your hosting all in one place. Your ownership of the domain does not change; only who manages the registration on your behalf changes.
What is an EPP / authorization code?
An EPP code (also called an auth code or transfer code) is a unique password-like string generated by your current registrar that proves you are authorised to move the domain. No transfer can proceed without it — think of it as the key that unlocks your domain for a move, specifically designed to prevent someone from transferring a domain they do not own.
Before you start: 3 things to check
A transfer will fail or stall if any of these are not in place:
- The domain must be at least 60 days old (from initial registration, or from a previous transfer) — this is a standard industry rule, not specific to any one registrar
- The domain must be unlocked at your current registrar (most registrars lock domains by default to prevent unauthorized transfers)
- Any WHOIS privacy protection must be temporarily accessible so you can retrieve the EPP code, or you must request the code directly from your current registrar
Step-by-step: transferring your domain
- Log into your current registrar and unlock the domain (usually a toggle in the domain management settings)
- Request the EPP/auth code — most registrars email it to the registrant address on file within minutes to a few hours
- Initiate the transfer at your new registrar, entering the domain name and the EPP code
- Confirm the transfer via the approval email sent to the registrant contact — transfers cannot complete without this confirmation
- Wait for the transfer to complete — this typically takes 5 to 7 days, which is a registry-level waiting period built in as a security measure, not something either registrar controls
What happens to your existing renewal date?
A completed transfer typically adds one year to your existing expiry date, rather than restarting your renewal cycle. Your website and email continue running throughout the transfer as long as you do not change your nameservers or DNS records during the process — the transfer only changes who manages the registration, not where your services are hosted.
Common reasons transfers fail or get delayed
The most frequent issue is an incorrect or expired EPP code — codes are often time-limited, so request one shortly before you plan to use it. The second most common issue is the domain still being locked at the old registrar. The third is registrant contact details being out of date, since the confirmation email goes to whatever address is on file — if you cannot access that inbox, you will need to update your contact details at the old registrar first.