Are you looking to switch your web address to another registrar? According to ICANN, you’re free to do so outside the 60-day period. So, if you’re past that time stretch, you’re good to go!
Once you’re ready, perform a cheap domain name registration transfer with a reputable provider like Namecheap. To maximize the benefits and minimize the risks on your part, we recommend choosing a company that guarantees zero downtime and free domain privacy protection for life.
Also, look into extra perks like an exclusive offer of Comodo PositiveSSL for those who get the company’s service. If you don’t know how to start the process, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to guide you through it and give you some tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.
When Is Transferring Your Web Address a Good Idea?
There’s no legal requirement to switch registrars as long as they’re ICANN-accredited. But transferring domain names may still be a good idea for these reasons:
- You want to consolidate domains
- You found a more affordable provider
- Other registrars offer services or features that you need
- You’re looking for better and more responsive customer support
Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Transfer a Domain?
No matter what your reason is for switching your web address to another provider, you should be able to do it as long as you follow these two basic requirements: a) It is at least 60 days old, and b) It has an OK or Active WHOIS status (this means that you’ve unlocked it with your registrar).
Assuming that it wasn’t created and hasn’t changed registrars within the restricted period, you’re completely free to do a cheap domain name registration transfer by following these steps:
Step#1: Access Your Account with Your Current Domain Registrar
As we just discussed, you need to unlock the web address. So, you’ll need to go to your account with them and either:
- Unlock the domain on your own
- Contact their support team so they can give you a secure mechanism to confirm the unlocking
How exactly you do it will depend on your provider. Look at their guides to get help with this process. While you’re there, get your authorization/EPP codes as well, which you can get either by email or the control panel.
Step #2: Enter the Domain Name Into the Search Bar
For Namecheap, this should be at the top of the page. Then, just click the orange “Transfer” button to see if you meet the requirements for the process. If you don’t, contact customer support to resolve the issue.
Otherwise, just enter the authorization code in the right field. From here, you can proceed to the last step of this transaction.
Step #3: Complete Your Order
Locate and click the black “Add to Cart” button, then the red “View Cart” button. There’s a field where you can apply a promo code, so if you have one, enter it. Then, move on to checkout by clicking “Confirm Order.”
The process isn’t automatic. Therefore, it will have a pending transfer status, but it should be automatically confirmed in the next five days. The transfer should be completed by the registry within 48 hours of confirmation.
Two Mega Tips for a Smooth Web Address Switch
It’s not known to everyone, but the domain is at its most vulnerable during this process. Therefore, you need to avoid any potential complications by keeping these tips in mind:
1. Confirm the Transaction with Both Current and Future Registrars
There have been horror stories of web addresses getting lost and businesses losing momentum due to having their site down for a long time. So, before you finalize the transaction, reverify that the authorization code is correct.
Also, make sure to compare all details during every part of the process. If there are discrepancies, address them before moving forward.
2. Avoid Payment Issues
In the end, you don’t have full control over this. If the company handling the payment is down, you’ll have to wait. But this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to avoid delays in the transfer. You should have a payment method saved in your account with the new registrar.
All It Takes Is Patience and Determination!
The process of transferring a domain can feel daunting, especially if you’re not very techy. So, I hope that our step-by-step guide makes the transfer process easier for you.
But if you’re still hitting roadblocks after reading this article, don’t worry! A reputable registrar will be more than happy to help you out. So, at any point during the transfer of domain name process, don’t be afraid to reach out to your current and future registrar’s customer support team for any extra assistance that you need.