“I want to transfer my domain name” is one of our most commonly asked questions. Since every domain registrar is different, it can be confusing to know exactly what to do.
Thankfully, transferring a domain to Bluehost is easy. Once your domain registration is transferred to your account, you can manage your domain and files under one well-maintained roof.
Keep reading to learn:
- How long it takes to transfer a domain
- How to transfer your domain
- Why your domain transfer may be taking long
Can you transfer a domain quickly?
A domain transfer is the process of changing your domain registration. You can transfer your domain instantly if it satisfies the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ (ICANN) transfer conditions, which require you to have had your domain for at least 60 days.
What is the average domain name transfer time?
A domain transfer can take anywhere between five to 14 days to complete. The amount of time it takes depends on how fast you meet the requirements and how quickly your current domain name registrar and the web host you’re switching to authorize the transfer.
To have a better idea of the domain transfer process, keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to transfer a domain.
How to transfer a domain name to Bluehost
The first step in transferring your domain is accessing your current domain registrar. From here, you will prepare to transfer your domain name. For more information on how to prepare your domain before transferring, visit our Domain Transfer Help Page.
Before you can begin the domain transfer process, it’s important to verify a few components:
- Is your domain eligible for transfer?
- Is your domain expired and need to renew?
- Was your domain renewed recently?
Every registrar is a little different, but you should be able to follow these general steps:
- Login and access the domain manager tools of your current registrar.
- Update your contact information (particularly your e-mail address) so that Bluehost can reach you with important information both during and after the transfer process.
- Ensure privacy options are disabled for the transfer process. Don’t worry, you can re-enable them when your domain is successfully transferred to Bluehost.
- Update the nameservers to point to Bluehost. Use the following: NS1.BLUEHOST.COM and NS2.BLUEHOST.COM. (This indicates that your site is hosted at Bluehost.com. The DNS change can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to propagate. Once it is finished, you will be able to complete the transfer process.)
- Ensure your domain name is unlocked.
- Request your authorization code. The last thing you need before initiating the domain transfer process is the EPP (or authorization code). Most registrars send this code via email. This step often takes the longest — it can take up to five days before you receive your code.
Once you’ve prepared your domain for transfer, you can complete the transfer from your Bluehost account.
Step 1: Visit the Domain Manager tab in your Bluehost control panel.
Step 2: Select “Transfer a new domain to your account” from the Shortcuts menu on the top left-hand side.
Step 3: Type in the domain you wish to transfer and click continue.
Step 4: Enter the EPP code you received from your previous registrar and click continue.
Bluehost will e-mail a second verification code to the administrator e-mail associated with the domain. (Which is why it’s important to update your contact information before you start the transfer process.) Enter this verification code and click continue.
Step 6: And that’s it! There’s a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on to make the transfer actually happen. It typically takes between 5 to 10 days to complete.
Why your domain transfer may be taking long
If your domain transfer is taking longer than the recommended amount of time, you may have encountered some issues, such as:
1: Your new web host hasn’t received the EPP code. It can take anywhere from five to 14 days to receive the EPP code in your email.
Check your domain’s registered email address if you haven’t received the code yet. If it shows the domain-associated email address, you’ll have to file a Change of Registrant request.
Otherwise, if you’ve changed your email address, check your spam or trash folders.
2: Invalid EPP code. The EPP code is case-sensitive, so if you encounter any errors, simply copy-paste the code again and make sure to remove any spaces before or after it.
If it still doesn’t work, the EPP code may have expired, so you will need to request a new one.
3: Domain privacy is enabled. If you’ve already received an EPP code but are still experiencing delays in domain transfer, check whether your domain privacy is disabled.
If your privacy settings haven’t been updated, the registrar will send the domain transfer emails to a Privacy Protection inbox that isn’t easily accessible.
Once domain privacy is disabled, it will take up to 24 hours for the WHOIS database to be updated. Only then can the new administrator receive the domain transfer email.
If you’ve tried the fixes here but cannot find the solution to your problem, visit Bluehost’s domain transfer troubleshooting guide.
Bluehost domains offer domain privacy, 24/7 support, and the ability to create a fully customizable website.
If you are looking to buy a new domain name, Bluehost can also help you with that!
