How-to Transfer Domain Name Registration From One Service To Another As Safely, Quickly As Possible

Buying a domain name is pretty easy. Transferring domain names can be a totally different story. This article elaborates as to how to properly transfer domains from one registrar to another.

So, you've decided that you want a new domain name registration service provider. What do you do? Naturally, you transfer your domain name from your old registrar to your new registrar, whoever that may be. This process isn't exactly the most intuitive in the world and if something goes wrong, you will be in for a real headache as failed domain transfers aren't fun to deal with. Follow these simple steps to avoid a failed domain transfer.

1) Disable WHOIS Privacy (Private Registration) at your current registrar. If this service is active on some registrars, the transfer will fail and a sixty-day transfer embargo will be enforced on the domain in question. This means that you won't be able to reattempt transfer for sixty-days!!!

2) Make sure that your WHOIS information is accurate. During the transfer process, the owner of the domain name may need to be verified. Additionally, you must have an accurate e-mail address listed in the WHOIS data or the transfer code that your old registrar sends you will never be received, as well as other e-mails essential to transfer.

3) Make sure that any services associated with the domain name, such as e-mail, are disabled at your current registrar. This includes add-ons and other features. Some registrars will use "active services" for grounds to cause a transfer to fail. It's all about keeping business, even if only for two extra months.

4) Make sure not to make any typos during the transfer process. Don't put any extra spaces when asked for your transfer code by your new registrar. Everything must be exactly correct or the transfer can fail and the embargo may be enforced.

5) When in doubt, call your new-registrar-to-be and ask for help. They want your business, and they want your transfer to succeed. Tell them your situation, and they'll give you exact instructions to escape the clutches of your current registrar.

The sixty day embargo is a very messed up practice. Why does it occur? Money. A registrar knows you want to leave because you're likely unhappy or have found a better price somewhere else. Most transfers occur just prior to renewal. If they can stall you for two months, they can force you to pay one last renewal fee. It's unethical, but it's what happens.

Take all proper precautions and avoiding a failed domain transfer will be easy.

By: Jason Hover

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Domain names have been my thing for over a decade now. I first got into this game during the early days of the Internet when Network Solutions had a monopoly on domain names. I am currently a very satisfied Hover customer. Hover is the retail division of Tucows Inc. and the best domain name registration service I've ever used. I currently offer a Hover.com promotional code on my web site, Hover Coupon. Tucows is the best domain registrar there is!