Every so often the question of how to transfer a domain name to another registrar comes up. There are now far more registries than there used to be which complicates matters slightly but the guide below should help with the most common situations.

gTLD Transfers - .com,.org & .net domains

To transfer any gTLD domain is a 'pull' process - the new registrar must initiate the transfer process. You should ensure the domain contact details are accurate before you start the transfer process - if they aren't, please correct them as failing to do so will delay any transfer.

Step 1 - Tell us you wish to transfer out.
For your security we lock all domains, preventing unauthorised transfers. If you wish to transfer out, please let us know - normally an e-mail from the recognized contact or a phone call is enough but in some cases we may ask for written confirmation. When we receive & confirm such a request we will unlock the domain and advise you that you can proceed with the transfer.

Step 2 - Have your new host initiate the transfer.
With gTLD's it's vital the new host initiates the transfer process. We cannot do so, the request must come from the new registrar.

Step 3 - Wait while the necessary confirmations are processed.
We will usually process a transfer request within 24 hours & the entire process should take no more than 5 working days to complete.

ccTLD Domains (.co.uk, .org.uk etc)

Transfers for .uk domians are managed by Nominet & are a 'push' process, almost exactly opposite to the process for gTLD's. This makes it considerably easier for us to transfer your domain.

Step 1 - Find your new registrar's IPS Tag
Everyone acting as a registrar for .uk domains needs their own IPS Tag which is issued by Nominet. You should be able to find this on their web pages or by contacting their customer support team.

Step 2 - Contact us and request the transfer.
Once you have your new registrar's tag details simply e-mail or write to us requesting a transfer and giving the new registrar's tag. We will re-tag your domain as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.

Possible Problems

gTLD transfers will fail if :

  • The domain contact details (specifically the admin contact e-mail address) are wrong or do not work.
  • The domain is due to expire within 14 days - you will need to renew the domain before it can be transferred.
  • The domain has been renewed or transferred in the last 60 days. This is a registry-imposed restriction, there is nothing we can do to remove this restriction.
  • There is a problem with your account. Please ensure your account is in good standing before requesting a transfer.

ccTLD transfers will fail if :

  • We do not receive proper authority for the transfer. This must be by e-mail from the registered domain contact or by letter. We cannot accept telephone instructions to transfer UK domains.
  • There is a problem with your account. Please ensure your account is in good standing before requesting a transfer.
  • The IPS Tag you supplied is incorrect. We DO NOT check tags - if the tag you supply is wrong we CANNOT correct the problem - you will need to contact Nominet directly. Nominet may charge a fee for correcting incorrectly tagged domains so please check the tag carefully!
  • The domain is locked by Nominet. if this is the case we will advise you to contact Nominet directly to discuss the issue.

FAQ's

  • Why can you not just change the DNS on my domain so I can use another host?
    We do not offer registration services to clients who do not host their services with us. The low margin and high payment default rate makes this area of business unprofitable for us. As such, we must insist that clients wishing to transfer hosting also transfer their domain.
  • My new host needs the DNS changed to start the transfer of my gTLD domain, what can I do?
    You will need to contact your new host. There is no requirement to change any DNS entry to initiate a gTLD transfer. They should follow the standard domain transfer process to complete the transfer successfully.
  • I don't think my contact details are correct, what can I do?
    Contact us and we will check the details with you. If necessary we can update your contact details before you initiate a transfer. Please note that once a transfer is initiated we are unable to make any further changes to the domain.