Recommendation Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring a Domain During a Sale

[Luis Colmenarez]

The transfer is the most delicate part of buying or selling a domain. These steps help minimize the risks.

Before You Begin

• Agree on the price, payment method, and payment terms in writing. For large amounts, use an escrow service.
• The buyer must have an account with the registrar they will be using.
• Make sure the domain has been registered for more than 60 days and is not locked. Registrars usually require this.

Steps

1. The seller unlocks the domain at their registrar.
2. Get the authorization code (also called an EPP or auth code).
3. Temporarily disable WHOIS privacy if the process requires it.
4. The buyer initiates the transfer and enters the code into their register.
5. Both parties approve the confirmation emails.
6. Please wait for it to complete (this usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to several days).
7. The buyer verifies that the domain appears in their account, with DNS and email working properly.
8. The payment is released only after the transfer is confirmed.

Alternative: Internal account transfer
If both of you use the same registrar, sometimes all you need to do is transfer the domain between accounts. It's faster and avoids delays.

Tips

• Take screenshots of each step.
• The buyer must change passwords and related access credentials upon completion.
• Check the DNS records and the email associated with the domain.

Have you made any transfers? Tell us which registrar you use.