How Domain Transfer Works
Unlock Your Domain
Log in to your current registrar and disable domain lock.
This security feature is often enabled to prevent unauthorized changes. You'll need to find the lock setting in your domain control panel and turn it off to allow the transfer.
Get Your Transfer Code
Request your EPP code, also called an authorization code or transfer key. It's like a password for your domain.
This code is generated by your current registrar and required for any domain transfer. It may be found in your control panel or sent via email after request.
Start Your Transfer
Enter your domain, select transfer, enter your code and let our system take care of the rest.
We'll verify the domain, submit the transfer request to your current registrar, and keep you updated by email. Most transfers complete in 1–5 days.
What’s Included with Every Transfer
Domain Locking
Prevents unauthorized domain transfers for added protection
DNS Management
Manage records from your KnownHost panel. No technical expertise needed.
Free WHOIS Privacy
Your contact info stays hidden at no extra cost.
*Excludes .US
DNSSEC Support
Protects against spoofing and ensures DNS integrity.
Nameserver Setup
Quickly point your domain to any hosting provider.
Transfer Support
Questions? Our team helps every step of the way — no hassle.
Domain Transfer Pricing.
Our transfer prices match our registration and renewal prices, with no hidden fees.
Before You Transfer.
A little preparation makes the process of moving your domain quick and painless:
- Check the domain's age. Per ICANN policy, domains can't be transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.
- Confirm your email address. Transfer approval emails go to the domain's administrative contact, so make sure that email address is current and accessible.
- Don't wait until the last minute. If your domain is expiring soon, start the transfer early. Domains that have already expired may need to be renewed with your current registrar first.
- Note your DNS settings. If your current registrar also hosts your DNS records, save a copy so nothing is lost when you move your domain.
Why Transfer to KnownHost?
Transferring your domain is more than just moving a registration. It's an opportunity to gain control, security, and confidence in where your domain lives. KnownHost ensures your transfer is handled with transparency and minimal friction.
When you transfer to KnownHost, you benefit from full access to your DNS settings, free WHOIS privacy where supported, and DNSSEC protection out of the box. More importantly, you'll have real support that knows what to do when something goes wrong.
Whether you're running a personal site or managing multiple domains for clients, transferring to KnownHost gives you the tools and peace of mind to manage everything from one place.
Need Assistance?
Starting a transfer takes just a few minutes, and our team is here to help if you have any questions along the way.
Contact Sales
Questions About
Domain Transfers
Per ICANN policy a domain cannot be transferred within 60 days of its registration or last transfer. This applies to domain registrations being transferred to us as well as away from us.
When transferring a domain to us you'll be asked for what's known as an EPP code on the order form. You'll need to obtain the EPP code from the old/current registrar's control panel or by contacting their support. In addition the domain will need to be unlocked to allow the transfer.
Once the order is submitted to us and the EPP code is validated an email will be dispatched to the administrative WHOIS contact with a link that must be clicked in order to continue with the transfer. After this link is clicked the old registrar has five (5) days to release the domain to us.
While many registrars will either approve the request automatically or email you an additional link to get them to approve the transfer immediately, some do not and you may have to wait the full five days for the transfer to complete.
Most transfers complete within 1–5 days. Once you approve the transfer request, your current registrar has up to five days to release the domain. Many approve sooner, but some wait the full period.
The cost to transfer a domain is the same as our registration and renewal price for that extension, with no hidden transfer fees.
No. A domain transfer changes which registrar manages your domain, not where it points. Your nameservers and DNS stay the same during the transfer process, so your website and email keep working. The exception is if your old registrar also hosts your DNS. In that case, set up your DNS records with your new provider before the transfer completes.
Yes, as long as it hasn't expired yet. We recommend starting at least a week before the expiration date to leave time for approval. Domains that have already expired, or are in a redemption period, usually need to be renewed with the current registrar before they can be moved.
Domain locking prevents your domain from being transferred without your permission, protecting you from domain hijacking. You'll need to unlock your domain at your current registrar to start the transfer. Once it arrives at KnownHost, you can turn domain lock back on anytime from your My KnownHost panel.
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