Confirm eligibility
Check that the domain is not subject to a recent-registration, recent-transfer or other transfer lock. Some extensions follow special rules.
Domain Transfer
Transfer your domain without moving everything else
Move the domain registration to Secure Pay Hosting while keeping your existing website and email where they are. Start by unlocking the domain and getting the authorization code from your current registrar.
24/7 Support: (480) 624-2500 · Secure Checkout · Keep Your Existing Hosting
The payment question
If I transfer a domain, who do I pay?
You pay the transfer charge through Secure Pay Hosting when you place the transfer order. After the transfer completes, future registration renewals are billed through your Secure Pay Hosting account at the then-current renewal price.
The important distinction
A domain transfer changes who manages the domain registration. It does not automatically move your web hosting, website files or email service. Those can remain with their current providers unless you decide to move them separately.
Transfer security
Is a domain transfer secure?
A legitimate domain transfer uses multiple authorization controls to help prevent an unauthorized move. Depending on the domain and registrar, those controls can include a registrar lock, access to the current registrar account, an authorization or EPP code, and approval steps before the transfer completes.
- Start the transfer only through your registrar account or the Secure Pay Hosting store.
- Keep your domain locked until you are ready to begin the transfer.
- Use the authorization/EPP code only for the transfer you initiated.
- Never share your registrar password or one-time security codes with anyone.
Before you start
Four steps to prepare your domain
Most standard transfers are straightforward when the domain is eligible and you have access to the current registrar account.
Unlock the domain
Turn off the transfer lock at your current registrar so the domain is eligible to move.
Get the auth code
Request the authorization code—also called an EPP code or transfer key—from your current registrar when the extension requires one.
Start the transfer
Enter the domain and required transfer information in the Secure Pay Hosting store, pay the transfer charge, and follow any approval instructions.
Timing
Most transfers take about 5–7 days
The exact timing depends heavily on the current registrar. If your current registrar lets you manually approve and release the domain, the transfer may finish much faster. If not, registry auto-approval can take several days.
- Watch for approval emails from your current registrar.
- Do not let the domain expire while the transfer is pending.
- Keep access to the current registrar until the transfer finishes.
- Special domain extensions can follow different procedures and timelines.
What actually moves?
Your domain registration moves. Your services do not.
This is the part that causes the most confusion. Think of the domain, hosting and email as separate services that can be managed independently.
| Service | Moves with a domain transfer? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Domain registration | Yes | The registrar/account responsible for the domain registration changes. |
| Website hosting | No | Your hosting stays where it is unless you separately move the website or hosting account. |
| Business email | No | Your email service stays with its current provider unless you separately migrate it. |
| DNS / nameservers | Review carefully | Preserving the existing DNS configuration helps the website and email continue pointing to the same services. |
Registration time
Eligible transfers usually add another year
For many eligible extensions, the time already remaining on the registration is preserved and another year is added after a successful transfer. Some extensions are exceptions, and a domain already at its maximum registration term may not receive another year.
Transfer pricing, eligibility and included registration time vary by extension. The Secure Pay Hosting store shows the final price and terms before purchase.
After the transfer
Keep the domain here—or build around it
You can transfer only the domain, or use the move as a chance to bring more of your online setup together.
Keep your current hostingYou do not have to move your website just because you transferred the domain.Compare hosting only if you need it →
Use professional emailAdd a domain-based mailbox if you want an address such as you@yourbusiness.com.Compare business email →
Protect the websiteSecurity, SSL and backups are separate from the domain transfer itself.Compare website security →
Register another domainSearching for a new name instead? Compare registration and renewal pricing first.View domain-name pricing →
Common questions
Domain transfer FAQs
If I transfer domains, who do I pay?
You pay the transfer charge through Secure Pay Hosting when you place the transfer order. Once the transfer is complete, future domain renewals are managed and paid through your Secure Pay Hosting account at the then-current renewal price.
Will a domain transfer move my website?
No. The registrar transfer moves the domain registration. Your hosting account and website files remain where they are unless you separately migrate them.
Will my business email move automatically?
No. Email hosting is separate from the domain registration. Keep the current DNS/email configuration in place if you want the existing email service to continue.
What is an EPP code or authorization code?
It is a transfer authorization code supplied by the current registrar for many domain extensions. It may also be called an auth code, transfer key or EPP code.
How long does a domain transfer take?
Many transfers complete in about 5–7 days, although a transfer can finish faster when the current registrar allows immediate approval and release. Special extensions and unusual account conditions can take longer.
Is a domain transfer secure?
A legitimate transfer uses authorization controls such as registrar locks, account access, authorization or EPP codes when required, and approval steps. Start the transfer through your registrar or Secure Pay Hosting account, and never share your account password or one-time security codes.
Why can't I transfer my domain yet?
Common reasons include a registrar lock, a recent registration or previous transfer, a recent registrant change, expiration issues, or extension-specific restrictions. Many domains are subject to a 60-day transfer restriction in certain situations.
Do I get another year when I transfer?
Many eligible domain transfers preserve the registration time you already have and add one year. Some extensions and domains already at their maximum term are exceptions, so check the terms shown during checkout.
Do I need to transfer my domain to use Secure Pay Hosting?
No. You can generally keep the domain with its current registrar and point it to compatible hosting or email services. Transfer it when consolidating domain management makes sense for you.
Ready to move the registration?
Start your domain transfer
Unlock the domain, get the authorization code when required, and begin the transfer in the Secure Pay Hosting store.