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Transferring Existing Domain Names
The Differences Between Web Hosts and Domain Name Registrars
When transferring an existing domain name to a web host, you have two options:
1. You can keep your existing registrar; that is, you can host your website through a web host like HostPapa or StartLogic, and have your domain registered with someone else. In this case, all you need to do is go to your domain registrar account and change your Domain Name Servers (DNS) to point to your web host. Your web host will give you instructions on how to do this. This is the easiest and fastest approach when transferring existing domains.
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2. You can transfer both your domain and hosting to your web host. Roughly 90% of web hosts offer domain registration. If you’re interested in keeping everything under one roof and only having one invoice for all your website services, this will likely be the best option for you. Just make sure your new web host offers the service before you sign-up.
In order to initiate a transfer of your domain name from one registrar to another one, you must obtain a transfer authorization code from your current registrar*, and unlock the domain at your current registrar* before forwarding this information to the web host
Domains Not Eligible for Transfer
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New domains: If your domain is not yet 60 days old (30 days for .ca names) or it has been transferred in that timeline, it will not be eligible for transfer.
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Expiring domains: If your domain is set to expire, it won’t be eligible for transfer and must be renewed with your current registrar. Once a domain name has expired, you’ll have to wait until it’s available for registration to the public again before you can register it through your new web host. Often, domains that are within a 14-day period before or after they expire cannot be transferred from your existing registrar to anyone else, and are put into a “registrar lock” or “grace period”. So, your best option for expiring or expired domains is to renew the domain with your current registrar for an additional year, and sign up with your new web host, after which point, you can transfer the domain to your web host, and it will take over payments on the domain going forward.
Domain name transfers usually take between five and seven days.
* not applicable to .ca domain names
Read about transferring a .ca domain name
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