Transferring vs. Moving a Domain
Unsure whether you need to Transfer or Move your domain? While the terms might seem interchangeable, understanding the key differences is crucial for a smooth and secure process. This guide will clarify Transferring vs. Moving a Domain, explaining when to use each option and the security measures involved, especially for higher-risk Domain Transfers to another registrar.
In this article, we will discuss:
- Transferring vs. Moving a Domain
- Moving a Domain Name
- Transferring a Domain Name to Another Registrar
- Review
Knowing what process you need to follow can get confusing when transferring or moving a domain. You can move your domain to another person, account, or registrar. This article will explain each and when you can use them.
Note: The required steps and security measures to move a domain can be complex, especially for changes with a higher risk of domain hijacking or fraud. All generic top-level domain (gTLD) transfers are overseen by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), a third-party regulatory body we must contract. To learn more about ICANN’s Transfer Policy, refer to this article, Transfer Policy.
Transferring vs. Moving a Domain
Transferring and moving a domain are terms often used interchangeably. Still, they have different implications in web hosting and domain management. Understanding the distinction is crucial for anyone managing a website or considering changes to their domain's registrar or hosting service.
Domain transfer refers to moving the management rights of a domain name from one registrar to another.
Moving a domain means moving a domain name between accounts or updating the Registrant record, but the domain registration will remain with the current registrar.
Moving a Domain Name
Moving a Domain Name to Another Person
Changing who legally owns your domain involves following security measures. You can change the owner with the domain still in the same account by updating the Registrant record within your account. You must validate and confirm the change to prevent someone from stealing the domain.
For instructions on updating the Domain Owner in the Account Manager, please visit the article How to Manage Your Domain WHOIS Information.
Moving a Domain Name Between Accounts
Moving a domain to another Network Solutions® account you own can be done through an internal transfer. You can begin by logging into the account where you manage the domain and then choosing a destination account.
For instructions on moving your domain to another account you own, click the Initiating Transfers into Another Network Solutions Account link in What Is the Process to Transfer A Domain Name?.
Moving a domain owned by another Registrant (at the same domain name provider) to your account requires you to initiate the transfer as the gaining Registrant. Both you and the current owner must approve the move.
For instructions on initiating the transfer as the gaining Registrant, please visit the article What is a Change of Ownership on a Domain?
Transferring a Domain Name to Another Registrar
Transferring a domain to another domain provider (registrar) requires you to follow additional security steps, even though the domain owner does not change. You must begin the transfer at the new registrar where you would like to manage your domain.
Since this type of change involves transferring a domain between two companies, it has the most security measures. Recovering the domain is more difficult in these cases because of domain hijacking or other fraud.
For instructions on transferring your domain to another registrar, please see How Do I Prepare a Domain Name for a Transfer Out of Network Solutions?
Review
Understanding the difference between transferring vs. moving a domain is crucial. Transferring a domain involves changing registrars. Moving a domain can refer to changing ownership or transferring between accounts within the same registrar. Regardless of the type of move, security measures are in place to prevent domain hijacking or fraud. For detailed instructions on transferring or moving your domain name, refer to the linked resources throughout this article.