{"id":21827,"date":"2019-03-26T08:34:17","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T13:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/?p=21827"},"modified":"2019-09-30T14:45:06","modified_gmt":"2019-09-30T19:45:06","slug":"how-to-transfer-domain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/how-to-transfer-domain\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Transfer a Domain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are a multitude of reasons you\u2019ll want to transfer your domain. Maybe you\u2019ve sold a domain, or bought one for a gift? Or, you could be unsatisfied with your current registrar and are looking to migrate? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re transferring ownership of your domain or migrating to a new registrar, there are certain steps you\u2019ll need to follow. Although it might seem fairly technical, this process exists for a reason-to help ensure that your domain remains in the right hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we look at the things to look for in a new domain name registration<\/a> provider, as well as the processes you need to follow to transfer a domain name to a new registrar, or another party entirely.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"register<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why Transfer a Domain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you learned in the introduction, there are plenty of reasons you might want to transfer a domain name. The most common is because you\u2019re frustrated with your current registrar. Maybe the yearly renewal rate is too expensive? Or, you\u2019re looking for a registrar with more features?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, by using a domain name registrar like HostGator you can group your domain name and hosting all under one roof. This simplifies the technical steps of setting up your website, as well as the number of invoices you\u2019ll have to remember to renew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing worse than letting an important domain lapse because you forget to check in and missed the renewal date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, you could have sold a domain<\/a>, or bought a domain for a friend. In this scenario, you\u2019ll be switching the ownership of the domain along with transferring the domain to their registrar of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever your reason we\u2019ll walk you through both processes in the final section below. If you\u2019re not in the market for a new registrar yourself, then feel free to skip to the final section of this post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Look for in a New Domain Registrar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re transferring your domain because you\u2019re dissatisfied with your current domain name registrar, then you\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019re not going to make the same mistake twice. Which means you\u2019ll want to make sure your new registrar is high-quality and won\u2019t lead to the same headaches you\u2019re currently experiencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few key things to look for as you search for the perfect domain name registrar: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Total Feature Set <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every registrar will have different features. Some registrars will only offer domain name purchase and management, while others will provide an entire suite of different services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common features include domain name management<\/a>, renewal, transfer, and domain privacy<\/a> protection via WHOIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, other registrars will also offer bundled website hosting, website builders, email management and a lot more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want your hosting and domain name management all under one roof, then you\u2019ll need a registrar that also offers hosting. Plus, you\u2019ll need to make sure that the host is also very high quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a list of what non-negotiable features you need in a registrar and compare this with the feature set of the registrar you want to switch to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. User Friendliness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no point in transferring registrars if it\u2019s going to be very difficult to use. You\u2019ll want it to be very easy to manage your domain names, purchase a new domain name<\/a>, switch over the nameservers to your host, add privacy protection, and a lot more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last thing you want is to have to spend hours setting up your domain names, just because the platform isn\u2019t easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, it can be helpful to look for a domain registrar that\u2019s oriented towards beginners, as generally it\u2019ll be much easier to navigate and will use less confusing terminology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, look out for tutorials, blog posts, and other helpful information that\u2019ll help save you time and set up your domains the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Customer Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might not need to use customer support all the time, but when you do, you\u2019ll want them to be responsive and helpful. When you\u2019re having issues with your domain name, or any of the associated services, you\u2019ll want a support team that can help you out as fast as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if your domain is currently offline for some reason, you\u2019ll want support to be able to quickly resolve this issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be helpful to get in touch with customer support before<\/em> you decide to move registrars. This will help you get a feel for the quality and responsiveness of the support team before you migrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, make sure they provide the support channels that you prefer to use, whether that\u2019s live chat or phone. At HostGator, we offer 24\/7 Live Chat and phone support every day of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"hostgator<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Domain Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When using a registrar you\u2019ll want to make sure that your domains are secure and there are features in place to help protect your purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, is WHOIS privacy protection included free of charge? Will you be notified before your domain name expires<\/a>? Are there additional privacy and protection services you can purchase?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond protecting your purchase and ensuring that your domain will always remain in your possession (as long as you want it), you\u2019ll want to make sure there are features that allow for the safe transfer of your domain name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few domain transfer features to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n