The article details the ten most frequent issues encountered during a domain name transfer between registrars, ranging from security measures like incorrect EPP codes and transfer locks to policy-based restrictions like the ICANN 60-day rule and registrar-specific holds. It provides actionable troubleshooting steps for each problem, emphasizing the importance of accurate information, timely authorization, and understanding registrar/registry policies to ensure a successful and smooth transfer process.
Key Takeaways
- Authorization Code is Essential - Ensure you have the correct, complete, and current EPP/Auth Code. If you suspect an error, request a new code from the losing registrar immediately.
- Disable Security Locks and Privacy - You must manually remove the Domain Transfer Lock (Client Transfer Lock) and temporarily disable WHOIS privacy protection before initiating the transfer to ensure authorization emails are received.
- Domain Must Be Active and Eligible - Transfers are typically blocked if the domain has entered the Redemption Period after expiration or if it's within the ICANN 60-day restriction following a new registration, transfer, or contact change.
- Verify Contact Information - The domain's administrative contact information must be correct and up-to-date, as the transfer approval email is sent to this address. Incorrect details will block authorization.
- Check Domain Status and Policies - Run a WHOIS query to check for statuses like 'clientHold' or 'serverHold', which indicate a suspension (dispute, non-payment, etc.). Also, review the current registrar's specific policies for any unique restrictions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Frequent Issues and Troubleshooting
Transferring domains is generally straightforward, but sometimes, you can encounter issues that slow you down. Understanding these common problems and knowing how to address them can help ensure a smooth transfer process.
Here are some of the common transfer issues and the troubleshooting steps you should take to resolve them :
- Incorrect EPP Code Issue - The EPP Code (Authorization Code) provided is incorrect or invalid.
The EPP code is a secret and unique code that your domain registrar generates to ensure only the rightful owner can transfer a domain. Without the correct code, the receiving registrar cannot authenticate the transfer and you cannot complete the domain transfer.
This EPP Code is required when transferring most TLDs, such as .COM, .NET, .BIZ, .ORG, .INFO, .US etc.
Troubleshooting -
When you encounter this problem, these are the steps you should take[+] [List] Green Unordered - Double-check the EPP Code to make sure it is accurate.
- Ensure you have copied the entire code without extra spaces or characters.
- If these two steps don’t work, request a new EPP Code from your current registrar.
Tip - Sometimes an EPP/Auth Code may start with unusual characters like : or ,. Don’t worry—this is normal. - Domain Transfer Lock (Client Transfer Lock) Issue -The domain is locked, preventing the transfer.
This is just an internal lock that your domain registrar places to prevent unauthorized domain transfer. It’s another security feature that ensures you initiated the transfer.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Log in to your current registrar’s portal and navigate to domain management.
- Locate the transfer lock setting and disable it.
- Save changes and attempt the transfer again.
On Trustname, under the ‘Domains’ dropdown, click on ‘Registered Domains’ to view your domains’ list. Click on the domain you wish to unlock and scroll down to ‘Additional settings’. Click on ‘Unlock’ to disable the Domain Lock. - Domain Expiration - Redemption Period Issue - The domain has expired, which can block the transfer.
When your domain expires, the priority shifts toward renewal. While the domain is in the Grace Period, you can still transfer the domain out. However, once the domain enters the Redemption Period, your registrar suspends most major activities on your domain, including transfers.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Renew the domain with your current registrar to ensure it is active.
- Your registrar will lift any restrictions on your domain and you can complete the transfer.
- Registrar's Transfer Restrictions Issue - The current registrar has restrictions or policies that prevent the transfer.
An example of such a policy is that you cannot transfer a domain name to a different registrar within 60 days of changing your registrant name, organization, or email address, or transferring the domain.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Review the registrar’s transfer policies or terms of service.
- Contact the registrar’s customer support to understand any specific restrictions or requirements.
- Domain Under Dispute or Legal Hold Issue -The domain is involved in a dispute or is under legal hold, which prevents the transfer.
Like any disputed item of value, a domain sale or transfer can only happen when the issue is resolved. Most registrars try not to take sides, allowing for the right action to be taken
When your domain name is on hold, it can take on different statuses - the most common being ‘clientHold’ and ‘ServerHold’.
To find the domain status, run a WHOIS query on the domain. If the domain status is ‘clientHold’ then the domain has been suspended. The ‘clientHold’ status is common with domain disputes, abuse, unpaid renewal fees, or domains that are now in Pending Delete status
A ‘serverHold’ status means the domain suspension was implemented by the registry in charge of the top-level domain (TLD). With a serverHold status, your domain will not be active in the DNS. This can be due to your domain not being validated, legal disputes, or a DNS Zonecheck error.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Resolve any disputes or legal issues with the appropriate parties.
- Contact the registrar for guidance on how to proceed with the transfer after the issue is resolved.
- Incorrect Contact Information Issue - The domain’s contact information is outdated or incorrect, causing problems with the transfer.
The EPP code is always sent to the domain’s administrative contact. If your domain information is outdated or incorrect, you won’t receive the Auth Code, and there’s no way to prove you’re the legitimate owner initiating the transfer.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Update the domain’s contact information with the current registrar.
- Verify that the email addresses and other contact details are correct and up-to-date.
- Transfer Authorization Issue - The domain owner did not authorize the transfer or did not respond to the transfer request.
If you don’t respond to the transfer request you made, your registrar will assume someone is trying to transfer your domain illegally. So the secure thing to do is stop the process until they are sure you initiated it.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Ensure that the transfer request was correctly initiated and authorized.
- Check your email for any transfer approval requests and respond promptly.
- Domain Privacy Protection Issue - Whois privacy protection is enabled, which may block the transfer process.
A Whois privacy protection keeps your contact information anonymous by replacing it with proxy details from your registrar. Should you start a domain transfer with it enabled, there’s a high chance that the transfer verification email will not be delivered. This is especially true with Trustname’s unique Two-Tier Domain Privacy protection.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Temporarily disable your Whois privacy protection or domain privacy settings with your current registrar.
- Attempt the transfer again after disabling privacy protection.
- Check your email for the verification mail or transfer approval request.
- Registrar-Specific Issue - Issues related to specific registrars, such as technical problems or service outages.
Your current registrar could be facing unique challenges that could hinder the smooth transfer of a domain. Typically, issues like this are only temporal and vary from registrar to registrar.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Check the registrar’s status page or support channels for ongoing issues.
- Contact the registrar’s customer support for assistance and updates.
- Give it some time and try again.
- Transfer Request Timing Issue- Transfer requests are initiated during restricted periods
As we mentioned earlier, registrars have different policies that could prevent a domain transfer from being completed. For example, a transfer request will not be initiated within the first 60 days of a new registration or transfer, this is a rule set by the ICANN— the internet’s regulatory body.
Troubleshooting[+] [List] Green Unordered - Ensure that the domain is eligible for transfer and that any waiting periods have passed.
- Review transfer policies for restrictions related to timing.
- Reach out to your registrar’s support channels for further clarification.
FAQs
What if the EPP Code is not working ?
Directly copy and paste the EPP code to ensure you don’t make any mistakes while typing it out manually. You can also request a new code if necessary, and ensure it is entered correctly during the transfer process.
How do I remove a transfer lock ?
Access your current registrar’s domain management settings and disable the transfer lock option.
What should I do if my domain has expired ?
If your domain has just expired and is in the Grace Period you may still be able to transfer it out. However, once it has moved into the Redemption Phase, you’d need to renew your domain with the current registrar before attempting the transfer again.
How can I address issues with registrar restrictions ?
Review the registrar’s policies, contact their support for clarification, and ensure compliance with any specific requirements.
What if the domain is under dispute ?
Resolve the dispute or legal issue and consult the registrar for guidance on transferring the domain post-resolution.