Transfer a domain away, and the transfer lock

You can move a domain registered with us to any other registrar. Everything you need is on the domain's Manage tab, in the Transfer away card ("move this domain to another registrar").

The transfer lock

The card shows Transfer lock: Locked., Unlocked. or Not known yet. The lock stops anyone transferring the domain away without your say-so. Keep it Locked except while you are transferring.

• Unlock for transfer removes the lock.
• Lock domain puts it back.

The lock can be changed only while the domain is active. If the card says This domain's transfer lock can't be changed online. Contact support if you need it unlocked., open a ticket.

Steps

1. Make sure the domain's owner email (your Domain owner contact) is one you read: the new registrar's transfer request may need approval there.
2. Press Unlock for transfer.
3. Press Get transfer code. The Transfer authorisation code appears on screen with Copy code. It is shown here, not emailed, and stays valid until the transfer completes or you request a new one. Each time a code is fetched is recorded on your account.
4. Give the code to the new registrar and start the transfer there.
5. Approve the transfer if your current owner address receives a request. Most transfers complete within about five days.

Once the domain has moved, it leaves My domains and no further renewal invoices are raised for it. Turn off auto-renew beforehand if a renewal invoice is due in the meantime, so it is not paid for a domain that is leaving.

Rules to know

• Registries refuse transfers within 60 days of a registration or of an owner change (including after File my details as owner).
• A domain that has expired cannot be transferred; renew it first.
• A transfer away is not refundable, and the unused part of the current year moves with the domain to the new registrar (most registrars add a year on transfer).