Builder brands: How to transfer away from WordPress.com
Moving a domain name away from WordPress.com to another registrar is a relatively simple process, though it can take some time to accomplish fully. This article provides the step-by-step process required to transfer your domain to a new provider.
In this article, we will cover the following:
- Transfer Guidelines and Things to Keep in Mind
- Step 1: Obtain the Authorization Code from WordPress.com
- Step 2: Submit the Request for Transfer
- Step 3: Monitor Administrator Email
- Step 4: Completion and Timeline
Transfer Guidelines and Things to Keep in Mind
ICANN regulations enforce certain restrictions on domain movement. You cannot transfer a domain within 60 days after the following events:
- Registering or transferring the domain name.
- Updating the registrant contact organization.
- Updating the registrant contact's first or last name (when an organization is not listed).
Before You Begin a Transfer:
- Verify that the administrator and Registrant contact information for the domain is accurate. Turning off privacy settings is often necessary to allow the verification process to complete. Emails regarding the transfer will be sent to the contact on file.
- Ensure the domain name is unlocked.
- Confirm your new registrar is prepared to receive the incoming domain.
- If using third-party email, adjust your MX records with the new provider prior to transferring to prevent downtime.
Step 1: Obtain the Authorization Code from WordPress.com
Before you can initiate the transfer, you must unlock the domain and generate a secret code from WordPress.com.
- Visit your WordPress dashboard.
- Click Upgrades, then select Domains.
- Select the domain you wish to transfer from the provided list.
- Click on Transfer your domain.
- In the Advanced Options section, click the Transfer lock on toggle to disable it.
- Click the Get authorization code button.
- Check your email. A banner will confirm the code has been sent. Please allow up to 15 minutes for the email to arrive.
If you do not receive the email, verify that the contact email on file for the domain (which may differ from your account login email) is correct.
Step 2: Submit the Request for Transfer
After you have obtained the authorization code, you must submit your details to the new registrar to initiate the move.
- The information provided in your request must match the WHOIS database records exactly. Monitor your email (including spam/junk) closely over the next few days for approval notifications.
- Please ensure your email subject is 'Domain Transfer Request' and include the required details listed below.
Email the following information to support@Constant Contact Website.com:
- Domain name
- Name domain is registered
- Full address registered to
- Email address registered to
- Registered telephone number
- EPP/Authorization/secret code
Step 3: Monitor Administrator Email
The domain's administrative contact will need to take final actions to confirm the transfer:
- Accept the transfer: Follow the instructions within the approval email to authorize the movement.
- Receive confirmation: A final email will be sent confirming the process has started.
Step 4: Completion and Timeline
Once you have completed all previous steps and the WHOIS status displays "Pending Transfer," the process enters the final phase.It typically takes between seven-ten working days to receive final validation from the current registrar.