Transferring a domain to your OBHost account is straightforward once you unlock it at your current provider and obtain the necessary authorization code. Most domain transfers complete within 24 hours for .UK domains and up to 7 days for other extensions like .COM, .NET, or .ORG, depending on your previous provider's processing speed.
Prerequisites Before Starting Your Domain Transfer
Before you initiate the transfer process, you must prepare your domain at your current registrar. First, ensure your domain is unlocked. Most providers lock domains by default to prevent unauthorized transfers, so you will need to access your current account and change the domain status to unlocked. If you are unsure how to do this, contact your current provider's support team for assistance.
Second, you need to obtain an EPP code, also called an authorization code or transfer code. This is a unique string of characters that verifies you own the domain and authorizes the transfer. Your current provider should be able to generate this code through their control panel or by request. Keep this code safe as you will need it during the transfer process.
Step-by-Step Domain Transfer Process
Step 1: Initiate the Transfer at OBHost
Visit the domain transfer page and enter your domain name. Click "Check Availability" to begin the transfer request. You will be guided through the checkout process where you can complete your order.
Step 2: Provide Your Authorization Code
After completing your order, you will receive an email at the address currently registered with your domain. This email will request your EPP or authorization code. Simply follow the instructions in the email and enter the code you obtained from your previous provider. This step approves the transfer and allows it to proceed.
Step 3: Update Domain Tag (for .UK Domains Only)
If you are transferring a .UK domain name, you will need to contact your current provider and request they update the domain's IPS tag to ours. This is a specific requirement for UK domain transfers. For all other domain extensions, the EPP code authorization is sufficient.
Transfer Timeline and What to Expect
Transfer times vary depending on the domain extension. UK domain names typically transfer within 24 hours once the tag has been updated. For other extensions like .COM, .NET, .ORG, and international domains, the process can take between 5 to 7 days. The timeline depends largely on how quickly your previous provider processes the transfer request.
During this period, your domain will continue to function normally with your existing website and email services unaffected. Once the transfer completes, you will have full control over your domain through your OBHost account dashboard.
Common Domain Transfer Questions
Do I need to renew my domain before transferring it?
Your domain must not be within 60 days of its expiration date to be eligible for transfer. Most transfers automatically add one year to your domain registration as part of the transfer fee, so you will not lose any remaining time on your current registration.
What happens if I do not receive the authorization email?
The authorization email is sent to the administrative contact email address currently on file with your domain's WHOIS record. Check your spam folder first. If you still cannot locate it, verify that the email address in your domain's WHOIS information is correct and accessible before initiating the transfer.
Can I transfer a recently registered domain?
Most domain registries enforce a 60-day lock period on newly registered domains or domains that have recently been transferred. You must wait until this period expires before you can transfer the domain again. This is a registry-level security measure to prevent domain theft.
Will my website go offline during the transfer?
No, your website and email services will continue to function normally throughout the transfer process. The DNS records and nameservers remain unchanged unless you specifically modify them. Only the domain registrar information changes during a transfer.
Our support team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions about domain transfers. If you need help with the transfer process or encounter any issues, visit our contact page or email us at support@obhost.org. For questions about domain transfer pricing or policies, reach out to sales@obhost.org.
