What is a domain transfer? What is an Auth-Info code?

A domain transfer is the process of changing the domain registrar, meaning switching the company with which you pay for the domain. To transfer a domain, it is necessary to obtain an Auth-Info code from the current registrar. The Auth-Info code is an authorization code for the domain, which is provided when initiating the transfer. It is confidential and should not be shared with unauthorized persons.

How to obtain an Auth-Info code?

To obtain the Auth-Info code, you need to request it from the current domain registrar. It may also be available in the client panel of the current registrar.

How long is the Auth-Info code valid?

The Auth-Info code is usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The exact validity of the code depends on the issuing registrar.

How does the domain transfer process work?

After obtaining the Auth-Info code from the current registrar, it should be provided to the new registrar or used to initiate the transfer through the website. In our case you can start the domain transfer via https://www.smarthost.eu/transfer or by following the steps down below:

The domain transfer process after providing the Auth-Info code can vary depending on the type of domain. Some registrars of global domains like .com or .biz send emails with links to cancel the transfer, so it is important to read the message carefully before clicking the link. Clicking such a link will cancel the transfer, and often it is necessary to request a new Auth-Info code.

How long does a domain transfer take?

The duration of a domain transfer can vary depending on the type of domain

The transfer of global domains typically takes up to 7 days. However, not everyone knows that you can ask the current registrar to expedite the transfer—registrars have the ability to do this, though they may not always be willing to use it.

Is there a fee for transferring a domain?

The transfer of most global domains incurs a fee, but this fee extends the domain’s validity by one year. The transfer fee for a global domain is, therefore, essentially paying for the domain for an additional year.

Even within the same registry, it may happen that the transfer of one type of domain is paid, while another is not. For example, the transfer of a .com.de domain is free, while the transfer of a .de domain is paid.

You can find the prices for domain transfers or information about whether a transfer is free in the pricing list at https://www.smarthost.eu/domain-price-list by selecting the appropriate domain type.

What is a transfer lock?

A transfer lock applies to global domains.

It’s important to check before initiating a global domain transfer whether the domain is unlocked for transfer.

You can check this at https://lookup.icann.org/lookup

If a transfer lock is enabled, the domain will have the status clientTransferProhibited, which means that without unlocking it, you cannot change the registrar. In this case, you should contact the current domain registrar to request the transfer lock be removed, or you can do this yourself in the control panel of the current registrar.

Expired Domain Transfer

Transferring an expired domain is possible but always involves paying for the domain for the next year, which, of course, extends the domain’s validity.

Interesting fact: The transfer of an expired global domain (e.g., .com) is completed immediately after payment, without the usual 7-day wait that would apply to an active domain.

Domain transfer is an extremely important process that cannot take place without the Auth-Info code. This code can only be obtained from the current registrar.

If you have any questions about the transfer process, feel free to contact us at hosting@smarthost.au