How To Transfer Domain Name Ownership: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Key takeaways: 

• Domain transfer refers to transferring from one registrar to another while change of ownership refers to changing the legal rights of the domain to a new owner. 
• Ensure a smooth transition by unlocking the domain, obtaining the EPP code, and verifying contact information to minimize downtime. 
• Set up 301 redirects, update links, and monitor DNS to protect SEO rankings and ensure your website and email remain functional during the transfer. 

If you’re selling your website, handing it off to a business partner, or just updating who’s listed as the owner, transferring domain ownership doesn’t have to be a complicated process. If you’re wondering how to transfer your domain, we’ve got you covered. With a few simple steps, you can make the switch smoothly and stress-free. Let’s walk through it together and get your domain into the right hands. 

What is domain ownership transfer? 

Domain ownership transfer is the process of transferring legal rights to a domain from one entity or individual to another. This happens when a domain is sold, passed to a new owner, or re-assigned within an organization.  

This is different from a domain transfer, which changes the domain registrar handling your domain name. Domain ownership transfer involves a change in ownership details, which means the new owner becomes the legal holder of the domain. 

Below is a comparison between domain transfer and domain ownership transfer: 

	Aspect	Domain ownership transfer	Domain transfer
1	Process	Transferring the legal ownership of the domain to a new person/entity	Moving the domain from one registrar to another
2	Who is involved	Current domain owner and new owner	Current domain registrar and new registrar
3	Reason	Selling a website, transferring ownership to a partner, or changing business structure	To take advantage of better pricing or services
4	Time to complete	Can take a few days to a week depending on registrar	Can take up to 7 days
5	Impact on website	Transfer of ownership; website’s functioning remains intact, but legal rights change	Minimal impact on the website itself (may cause short downtime)

Why you might want to change domain ownership: 

• To sell a website or domain to someone else. 
• To assign a domain to a new business partner or investor. 
• To consolidate domains under one person/entity after a company merger. 
• To pass the domain on to a family member or successor. 

When you might need to transfer domain ownership: 

• Selling your website or domain to a new owner 
• Passing ownership of the domain to a business partner, investor, or team member 
• Shifting domain rights in the case of a business restructure 

Preparing for domain ownership transfer 

A Change of Ownership (CoO), also known as Change of Registrant (CoR) or Registrant Name Change Agreement (RNCA), refers to the process of transferring domain ownership from one account holder to another. This involves changing the registrant details, but only applies to the domain itself, and not to any associated services like hosting, security, or email. In some cases, it’s also called Transfer of Registrant, Account Change, or Employee to Company Transfer. 

This process can be done through your account manager with this helpful guide: How to Transfer a Domain Name to Network Solutions. However, if for some reason, you’re unable to initiate the domain transfer online, you must complete the Transfer of Registrant Form to initiate a request.  

You should complete the form if you belong to any of the scenarios below: 

• If the Current Primary Contact is unable to access their account or email listed on file and wants to transfer the domain. 
• If the Current Registrant is deceased. 
• When transferring ccTLDs (Country Code Top-Level Domains) like .us, .ca, .au, etc. 

What are the requirements to complete a change of ownership? 

If the Transfer of Registrant Form is required, provide the following details: 

• The domain name to be transferred 
• The current registrar’s name and address 
• The account number of the recipient (if transferring to an existing account). If transferring to a new account, complete the “New Registrant” sections of the form. 
• Legal documentation that proves the business name has changed due to a merger, acquisition, or name change as validated by the relevant federal, state, or local agency. 
  (Note: We do not accept third-party purchase agreements.) 
• A notarized letter stating the ownership transfer request. The letter must contain the name of the current registrar and a handwritten signature. 
• A valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID, etc.). 

Important: If the current registrant is deceased, you and the person authorized to sign on the current registrar’s behalf must fill out the form. The authorized person must sign in all sections marked “Current Registrant.” You, as the new registrant, must sign in all sections marked “New Registrant.” Additionally, a legal document (Power of Attorney, Executor of Estate, or Administrator of Will) must be provided by the authorized person to prove that they are authorized to act on behalf of the deceased current registrar. They should also provide a copy of the death certificate. 

Once you have completed the form, scan and email it to [email protected]. 

Please allow 2–3 business days for review. They’ll reach out with further information once your request is processed. 

Now that you have an idea of what a change of ownership is, let’s move on to domain transfer. 

What does it mean to transfer a domain name? 

Transferring a domain name involves moving your domain registration from one registrar (the service where your domain is currently registered) to another. During this process, there may be temporary downtime for your website, email services, and other services linked to the domain.  

To minimize disruption, inform your customers in advance about the potential service interruptions and provide them with alternative contact details or information on when services will be restored. 

Reasons for transferring a domain name 

Transferring a domain name from one registrar to another can be driven by several factors. Below are some of the most common reasons why domain owners choose to make the switch:  

• Cost and value 
• Improved domain management 
• Changing ownership 
• Better customer support 

Cost and value  

A lot of registrars offer lower renewal fees, bundled services like web hosting or SSL certificates, and promotional discounts, which can reduce your long-term costs. Some providers also offer better features such as enhanced DNS management, domain privacy, and improved customer support, all at a better price. By transferring your domain to a registrar that offers better value, you can save money while having access to more flexible and beneficial services. 

Improved domain management  

Transferring your domain to a new registrar can offer better management tools, easier-to-use interfaces, and enhanced security options like two-factor authentication. These benefits can help you streamline domain management and gain better control over your online presence. 

Changing ownership  

If you’re selling a website, passing ownership to a business partner, or moving to a domain within your organization, transferring the domain name ensures the new owner has full control. This process helps ensure that all legal rights and management responsibilities are properly transferred. 

Better customer support  

Registrars offer varying levels of customer service. By transferring your domain, you may get access to a registrar that provides better support, faster response times, and more knowledgeable teams. These are important for quickly resolving any issues that arise. 

What to prepare at your current registrar  

Before transferring a domain, it’s important to check if your domain is eligible:  

• Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)’s 60-day rule. Your domain must be at least 60 days old from the registration date, update (such as contact information), or last transfer. This is a global policy that prevents transfers too soon after a domain is registered or moved.  
• Remove any locks or security settings. Ensure your domain is “unlocked” with your current registrar.  
• Request domain authorization code (Extensible Provisioning Protocol code). This code is required to authorize the transfer. You can usually get it from your current registrar’s control panel.  
• Change your domain privacy settings to public. You need to temporarily turn off your domain privacy settings so the new registrar can verify your ownership on the public WHOIS records. 

Some domains (e.g., country-specific ones like .UK or .ES) may have additional transfer rules, so check the specific requirements for your domain extension.  

These steps ensure your domain is eligible and ready for transfer without any delays.  

How to transfer your domain name to Network Solutions 

Transferring domain name from one registrar to another can be confusing, but by following a clear process, it becomes straightforward.   

Below, we’ve outlined the key steps involved in successfully transferring your domain.  

1. Update your contact information 
2. Unlock your domain    
3. Disable domain privacy    
4. Check for outstanding payments or legal disputes    
5. Request authorization code (EPP Code)    
6. Create an account with Network Solutions   
7. Enter the authorization code    
8. Confirm the transfer    
9. Wait for the transfer to complete    
10. Pay transfer fees and renew your domain    

1. Update your contact information  

Updating your contact information is important for domain transfer because your registrar will need to reach you for confirmation and updates throughout the process. Without accurate details, your transfer could be delayed or even denied.   

Make sure your admin details such as email, phone number, and physical address are up to date. This information is often stored in your registrar’s control panel under account settings or domain management. Any discrepancy in contact information could result in a rejected domain transfer request.  

2. Unlock your domain  

Domain registrars typically lock your domain by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. The domain lock ensures that no changes or transfers can happen without explicit approval from the domain owner.   

To initiate a transfer, you must unlock the domain through your registrar’s control panel. This is usually found under the security or domain management sections. Once unlocked, your domain becomes eligible for transfer to a new registrar.  

3. Disable domain privacy  

During a domain transfer, disabling WHOIS privacy is a necessary step because the new registrar needs to verify your domain ownership using public records like WHOIS. Domain privacy hides your personal details from WHOIS, but for the transfer, this must be temporarily disabled so the new registrar can reach out to you directly.   

Go to your privacy settings within your current registrar’s control panel and turn off the domain privacy protection feature. This step ensures that all transfer-related communications reach the correct email address.  

4. Check for outstanding payments or legal disputes  

Before transferring your domain, it’s important to ensure that no outstanding payments or legal disputes are associated with your domain. Any unpaid fees or legal issues, such as a court order, can block the transfer process.  

Verify your account status in the registrar’s control panel and make sure all fees are paid. Besides that, confirm that there are no ongoing disputes or restrictions preventing the transfer.  

5. Request authorization code (EPP Code)  

An Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) code, also known as an authorization code, is a unique string of characters that your current registrar provides to authenticate the transfer. This code acts as a security measure to prevent unauthorized domain transfers.  

To request your EPP code, log into your current registrar’s control panel and look for the transfer section or contact support. Some registrars send the code via email, while others allow you to generate it automatically within your account settings.  

6. Create an account with Network Solutions 

Before initiating the transfer, you’ll need to create an account with Network Solutions. Having an account ensures that your domain has a destination once it’s transferred. This step is straightforward—simply sign up for an account and provide your basic contact information.   

Once registered, navigate to the Domain Transfer service page of Network Solutions. This is where you’ll start the transfer process by entering your domain name and EPP code.  

7. Enter the authorization code  

After obtaining the EPP code, input it into the transfer form provided by Network Solutions. Double-check for accuracy, as any error in the code could halt or delay the transfer.  

Confirm that the domain name and authorization code match exactly with the details provided by your previous registrar to avoid complications during the process.  

8. Confirm the transfer  

Once the EPP code is submitted, your old registrar and Network Solutions will contact you to confirm the transfer. This involves reviewing the information you provided, confirming the authorization, and responding to any email notifications you receive.  

Check your inbox regularly during this phase to promptly approve the transfer request, ensuring no delays.  

9. Wait for the transfer to complete  

Domain transfers typically take 5-7 business days to complete. During this time, your website and associated services may experience downtime. It’s important that you inform your customers in advance about the potential service interruptions and provide them with alternative contact details or information on when services will be restored. This way, they can stay informed and experience minimal inconvenience during the transition. 

These knowledge base articles can help you during this stage: 

• How to Manage Custom Nameservers 
• How to Manage DNS and Advanced DNS Records 

Monitor the transfer’s progress through your new registrar’s dashboard to ensure everything is proceeding smoothly.  

10. Pay transfer fees and renew your domain  

Most registrars charge a transfer fee, and you will also be required to renew your domain for an additional year as per ICANN rules. Be prepared to pay for this renewal along with any applicable transfer fees at the time of the transfer. However, at Network Solutions, once you transfer your domain to us, you’ll get a one-year free extension.  

Once you’ve completed the payment, your domain transfer will be finalized, and the domain will be renewed for another year at Network Solutions.  

Common issues and how to fix them  

When transferring a domain, you may encounter some common issues that can delay or prevent the process. Below are a few problems you might face and how to resolve them to ensure a smooth domain transfer experience. Take a look at the table to quickly troubleshoot and find solutions. 

	Problem	Quick solution
1	EPP code not working or missing	Make sure you’re using the correct EPP code provided by your current registrar. If it’s missing or incorrect, request a new one.
2	Delayed transfer	Check if the domain is unlocked, verify contact details, and ensure all information is correct. Sometimes, transfers can take up to 7 days.
3	Domain ownership transfer denied	Check for any account restrictions or outstanding issues with your current registrar. Ensure the domain is eligible for transfer, and verify your WHOIS information.
4	Domain locked	Unlock the domain through your registrar’s account manager before proceeding with the transfer.
5	Privacy protection blocking WHOIS	Disable privacy protection temporarily through your current registrar’s account manager to allow proper WHOIS visibility.
6	Authorization email not received	Check your spam folder, verify your email address, and resend the authorization request if needed.
7	Ownership dispute	Follow ICANN guidelines for dispute resolution and contact your registrar if there are any restrictions on the transfer.

Domain ownership transfer and SEO 

Transferring domain ownership can be a significant event for your website, especially when it comes to SEO. There are a few important factors to keep in mind to ensure that your site doesn’t lose its hard-earned search engine visibility during the transition. 

Tips to maintain SEO ranking during the transition: 

• 301 redirects. Set up 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones to inform search engines and visitors that your domain has moved permanently. This helps preserve your search engine rankings. 
• Update links. Update all internal or external links pointing to the old domain. This will prevent broken links and ensure a seamless user experience. 
• Monitor analytics. Keep an eye on your Google Analytics and Search Console to spot any unexpected drops in traffic or issues during the transfer. 
• Notify Google Search Console. Inform Google Search Console about the change in ownership and submit a new sitemap to keep search engines updated on your site’s status. 
• Backlink management. Reach out to websites with backlinks pointing to your domain and inform them of the ownership change to avoid potential loss of backlinks. 

Best practices for a smooth domain ownership transfer 

Transferring domain ownership can be a smooth process if you follow these best practices to minimize disruptions. Here are some key tips to ensure everything goes as planned: 

• Plan the transfer during low-traffic periods   
• Communicate with stakeholders   
• Double-check the transfer process 

Plan the transfer during low-traffic periods 

Schedule the domain transfer during low-traffic periods to minimize disruption to your site’s visitors. This will reduce the impact on your website’s accessibility and ensure that any potential downtime won’t be that noticeable to users. 

Communicate with stakeholders 

Keep everyone in the loop. Inform your team, clients, or buyers about the upcoming domain transfer. Clear communication helps avoid confusion and ensures that everyone knows when the change is happening. This is important especially if they need to take any action (like updating links or emails). 
 
Double-check the transfer process 

To ensure a smooth domain ownership transfer, follow this checklist for before and after initiating the transfer: 

Before initiating the transfer: 

1. Verify domain eligibility. Ensure the domain is not within a 60-day transfer lock period. Confirm also if the domain is unlocked at the current registrar. 
2. Obtain the EPP code. Request the EPP code from your current registrar. 
3. Update WHOIS information. Make sure the WHOIS contact information (especially the email address) is current and accurate. 
4. Backup website and email. Back up your website files and emails to avoid any data loss during the transfer process. 
5. Check DNS settings. Verify DNS settings. Ensure all DNS records are accurate. 
6. Notify stakeholders. Inform your team, clients, or buyers about the transfer and the expected timeline. 

After initiating the transfer: 

1. Monitor transfer status. Keep an eye on the transfer process through both your current and new registrar’s accounts. Check for any delays or issues and address them promptly. 
2. Verify DNS records. After the transfer completes, double-check that DNS records are correct and that your website and email services are working. 
3. Confirm with new registrar. Verify with the new registrar that ownership has been successfully updated and the domain is fully transferred. 
4. Communicate completion. Notify stakeholders that the transfer is complete and everything is back to normal. 

Why should I transfer my domain name to Network Solutions?  

With over 40 years of experience, Network Solutions provides reliable, user-friendly services to streamline your online presence. However, it isn’t our age that makes us a great fit for your domains—it’s the fact that we’re designed to make managing your domains a breeze.   

Here’s how we do it. 

Straightforward domain management 

Your domain dashboard lets you quickly and easily manage your domain names. That means no hunting around for hidden tools—toggle the most important features on or off as you need them. 

Scalable hosting options 

We’re here to make your life easier when it comes to domains and to help you create and build your online presence.  We don’t just offer over domain extensions—we offer various website hosting and website builder services, professional email, and more! 

Robust security and protection 

Enjoy peace of mind with Domain Privacy + Protection, Domain Expiration Protection, SSL certificates, and other enhanced security features to safeguard your website and data. 

Cost-conscious pricing 

We offer some of the most competitive pricing available in the domain name industry. We’re not in the business of hiding our pricing and making it difficult to find.   

Reliable customer support 

Sometimes, we all need a little help. You can reach our teams by phone, email, or 24/7 live chat. We also have a comprehensive knowledge base chock-full of step-by-step guidance at your disposal. 

Register a domain with Network Solutions today! 

Transferring domain ownership is a straightforward process that, when done correctly, ensures a smooth transition without disruptions to your website or email services. By following the best practices mentioned in this article, you can maintain your SEO rankings, secure your website, and make sure that everything continues to function seamlessly. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support or check out our knowledge base to learn more about transferring a domain name to your account. 

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