How To Prepare Domain For Transfer

This guide explains how to prepare domain for transfer and how to obtain the information required to transfer your domain away from Domains.co.za.

There may come a time when you need to transfer your domain name from Domains.co.za to another accredited domain registrar. This could be because you are consolidating your domains with another provider, changing hosting companies, or managing multiple domains from a single account.

A domain transfer moves the management of your domain registration from one registrar to another while allowing you to retain ownership of the domain. In most cases, your website, email, and DNS services will continue to operate normally during the transfer, provided your name servers remain unchanged. However, it is important to prepare your domain correctly before initiating the transfer to minimise the risk of delays or interruptions.

Before transferring your domain, you should verify that it is eligible for transfer, ensure the registrant contact details are updated, disable any transfer protection if necessary, and obtain the required authorisation code (also known as an EPP or transfer code). Some country-code domains have different transfer requirements, so the exact process may vary depending on your domain extension.

IMPORTANT:

Domain transfers only move the registration of your domain to another registrar. Unless you are also moving your hosting or email services, your website and email will usually continue operating using their existing hosting services.

Before You Begin

• Before requesting a domain transfer, ensure that:
• Your domain is eligible for transfer.
• You have an active account with your new registrar.
• The domain registration contact details are correct and updated.
• The administrative contact email address is accessible.
• You have backed up your website and email if you also intend moving your hosting.
• You understand the transfer requirements for your specific domain extension.

How to Prepare Domain for Transfer

Step 1: Login to cPanel

1. Login to your Domains.co.za Customer Portal.

2. Open the Manage Services drop-down menu.

3. Select Web Hosting.

4. Click Manage next to the hosting package associated with your domain.

5. Choose the domain you wish to transfer.

Step 2: Verify Your Domain Details

Before continuing, confirm that:

• The registrant information is correct.
• The administrative contact email address is current.
• The domain has not expired.
• There are no outstanding payments relating to the domain.

Updating incorrect contact details before starting the transfer will help prevent delays.

Step 3: Disable Domain Transfer Protection

If Domain Protection or Domain Transfer Lock is enabled:

1. Open the domain management settings.

2. Locate the transfer protection option.

3. Disable the transfer lock if required.

Some domain extensions require the domain to be unlocked before it can be transferred.

Step 4: Obtain the Authorisation Code

For supported domain extensions:

• Make use of the Send EPP Code in the Domain Management section. This will send the EPP/Authorisation code to the registrant email address. Store the code securely until you begin the transfer with your new registrar.

Some domain extensions do not require an EPP code and follow different transfer procedures.

Step 5: Start the Transfer with Your New Registrar

Now:

• Unlock the domain (if required).
• Obtain the authorisation code.
• Verify your contact details.

Then, begin the transfer through your new registrar by following their transfer process.

You may receive an email requesting confirmation of the transfer. Follow the instructions provided to approve the request.

Step 6: Monitor the Transfer

During the transfer:

• Monitor your email for approval requests.
• Check the transfer status with your new registrar.
• Wait for the transfer to complete.

Transfer times vary depending on the domain extension and registry policies.

What Happens During the Transfer?

• During a successful transfer:
• Ownership of the domain remains unchanged.
• The registrar managing the domain changes.
• Your DNS settings normally remain unchanged unless you modify them.
• Your website and email should continue working, provided your name servers remain the same.

Troubleshooting

• The Transfer Cannot Be Started: Verify that the domain is eligible for transfer and that any required transfer lock has been removed.
• The Authorisation Code Does Not Work: Request a new authorisation code and ensure you enter it exactly as provided.
• The Transfer Has Been Rejected: Check that the registrant and administrative contact details are correct and respond to any outstanding approval emails. A Rejection notice is also provided if no vote is received within the five-day transfer window for .za domains
• I Have Not Received the Confirmation Email: Check your spam or junk folder and verify that the administrative contact email address is correct.
• My Website Is Offline After the Transfer: If your DNS or name server settings were changed during the transfer, review your DNS configuration with your new registrar.

Additional Information

• Domain transfer requirements vary, depending on the domain extension and the policies of the relevant domain name registry.
• Some domain extensions require an authorisation (EPP) code, while others follow different transfer procedures.
• Your website and email services will usually continue operating during the transfer if your DNS settings remain unchanged.
• Domain Protection or Domain Transfer Lock may need to be disabled before certain domains can be transferred.
• Always ensure your registrant and administrative contact details are accurate before requesting a transfer to help avoid unnecessary delays.
• If you are also moving your hosting services, it is recommended that you migrate your website and email before updating your name servers.
• Keep a copy of your authorisation code until the transfer has been completed successfully.
• If you are unsure whether your domain is eligible for transfer, contact the Domains.co.za Support team before initiating the transfer.

Login to Domains.co.za Account

1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.

2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.

3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.