How to transfer your domain name to a new registrar
Your domain name is one of your company's most important digital assets. Even so, many businesses are stuck in contracts with domain providers (registrars) they aren't happy with – whether because the price is high, the service is poor, or they lack features they need. The good news is that moving a domain is easier than most people think, and your website and email don't have to go down along the way.
Why switch domain providers?
The most common reasons we hear:
- Price – prices vary widely between registrars, and you shouldn't pay more than you need to
- Service – your domain is critical infrastructure; slow or poor support isn't an option
- Features – such as Domain Connect, which connects Microsoft 365 to your domain automatically without manual DNS configuration
- Everything in one place – having your domain, web hosting and email with one provider makes everyday life easier
The key to any domain transfer: the auth code
Whether you're moving a .no domain or a .com domain, the process is built around one thing: the auth code (also called a transfer code, EPP code or transfer secret). This code proves that you are the rightful owner, and it's what you give the new registrar to start the transfer.
You get the auth code from your current registrar – either in their self-service portal or by contacting their support.
How a .no transfer works
Moving a .no domain is usually quick and painless. You get the auth code, give it to the new registrar, and the transfer is typically completed within a few hours.
A tip before you start: If you have DNSSEC enabled on the domain, we recommend disabling it with your current registrar before the transfer. The transfer itself will go fine either way, but if the new registrar doesn't pass on your DNSSEC keys correctly, you can run into DNS problems and downtime once the transfer is complete. A little preparation saves you headaches later.
How a .com (and .net, .org) transfer works
For international top-level domains, the process is a bit more involved:
- Disable the transfer lock – most international domains are locked against transfer by default. Log in to your current registrar and turn this lock off.
- Get the auth code – same as for
.no; ask your current registrar for the EPP code. - Initiate the transfer – give the domain name and auth code to the new registrar.
- Confirm by email – in some cases, you'll receive an approval email at the address registered on the domain. The transfer is normally completed within 5–7 days after you click the link.
Make sure the email address associated with the domain is one you actually have access to – if you've lost it, sorting things out can take a while.
Your DNS settings aren't affected by the transfer
One thing many people are unsure about: switching registrars doesn't have to change your DNS settings. Your website and email will keep working as normal throughout the process, as long as you either import the DNS records/zone file at the new provider in advance or don't change name servers along the way.
Once the transfer is complete, it's still a good idea to run through a quick checklist:
- [ ] The website loads as normal
- [ ] Test emails are sent and received without problems
- [ ] SPF, DKIM and DMARC records are intact
- [ ] Domain renewal is set up with the new registrar
Let us take care of it
We handle domain transfers for you – from start to finish, with no downtime. Get in touch for help moving your domain names to us →
Need to register new domains too? See our domain service – or describe your business and get AI suggestions for available domain names.