What Is My EPP Code or Authorization Key? | HostGator Support
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What Is My EPP Code or Authorization Key?

An EPP code is an authorization key provided by your current registrar during your domain's registration. This unique code provides an extra layer of security when transferring a domain AWAY from its current registrar. Suppose you are transferring your domain's registration to a new registrar. In that case, you must contact your current registrar to obtain your domain's EPP code (also known as authorization key, auth code, or transfer key). Please note that the directions for getting the EPP codes vary depending upon your registrar.

The Internet Corporation coordinates all domain management for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and specific rules are in place for transferring domains between registrars. These are viewable at ICAAN's site (this external link will open in a new tab):

These rules state that the EPP code may be sent only to the email address listed in the publicly available WHOIS record for that domain.

Per Section 2.1.3 in the document above, authorization can only be given by the Administrative Contact (termed by ICANN the "Transfer Contact") and requires:

"Consent from an individual or entity that has an email address matching the Transfer Contact email address."

Tip: Please make sure your domain (WHOIS) personal and business information is correct for your request to succeed.

If your domain is already managed with HostGator, you can check and update your WHOIS information within your Customer Portal. Here is a helpful article to guide you.

"I want to transfer my domain."

The first step you should do in transferring your domain to a new registrar is to identify your current registrar. There are many domain lookup tools online that you can use to find out your domain's current registrar. Examples are https://www.whois.com/ or https://lookup.icann.org/. If you purchased your domain from HostGator, you would usually see the registrar as Launchpad, Inc. You will find your domain name in your HostGator Customer Portal.

If your domain was purchased from another registrar and you are interested in transferring your domain TO HostGator, we can help you with the process! Please check out our article How Can I Transfer My Domain to HostGator?

If the domain is in your Customer Portal and you wish to transfer your domain AWAY from HostGator (to a new registrar), you can get your EPP code by unlocking your domain name within your Customer Portal. Please refer to our support guide Unlock a Domain Status for detailed instructions.

If you purchased your domain from HostGator but did not find it in your Customer Portal, it may be a HostGator/eNom domain requiring management via the Registry Rocket portal. Please reach out to us via phone or chat to assist you with your EPP code. You may also refer to Is My Domain Registered with LaunchPad or eNom? to know more.


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