If you’re new to the world of domaining, you probably haven’t heard of a domain transfer key, also commonly referred to as authentication or EPP code. Let’s say you feel stuck with a specific domain registrar whom you are no longer satisfied with and you’re not sure what to do with the domains you have registered with them. Thankfully, there is a perfect option available for you to handle this type of situation and others just like it! In this blog post, I will explain what a domain transfer key is, its importance, and how to transfer a domain from one registrar to another.
What Is A Domain Transfer Key
When looking at the domain transferring process, the domain transfer key is viewed as one of the most essential components. This transfer key functions as a type of password made up of a combination of 6 to 16 characters (both numbers and letters) and are only known to the registered domain owner. The key is specifically designed to move a domain from one registrar to another, with the code itself being used to initiate the transfer process. The domain transfer key has many names, such as: auth code (authorization code), EPP code (extensible provisioning protocol code), domain transfer code, or domain transfer authorization key.
Why Do You Need A Domain Transfer Key?
Domain transfer keys exist to secure the domain transfer process while also protecting the owners domain. If the transfer process for domains was not protected by an auth code, some form of unauthorized transfers would occur, creating risk. Keeping this in mind, the EPP code for domain transfers reduces the risk of fraud by adding an additional layer of security. Extra information on transferring policies can be seen on the ICANN websites domain transfer page. At the end of the day, the domain transfer key provides a safety measure to prevent domain transfer abuse and fraud.
Important Notes
Before moving your domain names around, there are some requirements for a domain to be “transferable.”
1) The domain hasn’t been transferred in the last 60 days.
2) Starting transfers is recommended at least 2 weeks before the expiration date.
3) You need access to the domain owners email to verify.
4) Unlocking the domain and request the auth code within the current registrar.
More Information About Domain Transfer Keys
You can learn more about EPP codes by reading the EPP code section of this website. There is another post written on this blog which is dedicated to domain name transfer rules you should know. These rules will help you learn everything you could possibly need to know about domain transfers and transfer keys. Finally, if you’re looking to transfer your domain name(s) from GoDaddy to NameSilo, we also have a blog post dedicated to that here.
