Moving a domain from one registrar to another takes three steps: unlock it at the current registrar, get its auth code (also called an EPP code), then pay and submit the transfer at the new registrar. A transfer usually adds a year to the domain, and the time left on it is kept.
Checklist before you start
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| 60 days since registration or the last transfer | Most registrars and registries refuse a transfer within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer; some also lock for 60 days after registrant details change |
| The domain hasn't expired | An expired domain or one in redemption usually can't be transferred; renew or restore it at the current registrar first |
| Transfer lock is off | With the lock on, the new registrar's request is refused |
| You have the auth code | The new registrar uses it to confirm you may move the domain |
| The registrant email works | Some registrars email the registrant to confirm the transfer |
| DNSSEC is off, or handed over | With DNSSEC on and a new DNS provider, the domain may stop resolving after the transfer |
| DNS records are backed up | If you will change DNS hosts after the transfer, copy the website and email records first |
At the current registrar
Every dashboard looks different, but it's on the domain's management page:
- Find "Transfer lock" or "Domain lock" and turn it off.
- Find "Auth code" or "EPP code" and copy it, or have it emailed to the registrant.
- If DNSSEC is on, turn it off or make sure the new DNS provider takes it over.
GoDaddy, Cloudflare Registrar and most others have all three. If you can't find them, ask the current registrar's support for the auth code and an unlock.
Transferring into Nymwell
- Enter the domain on transfer a domain. Nymwell checks it can move and quotes the price (a transfer adds a year).
- Sign in with Google and pay.
- Enter the auth code in your console. Only you enter it; Nymwell stores it encrypted and deletes it once the transfer is submitted.
- The current registrar usually releases the domain within 5 days, and may email you to confirm.
- When the registry confirms, the transfer is complete and the domain appears in your list.
Your console shows where the transfer is at every step.
Will my website go offline?
A transfer changes the registrar, not necessarily the DNS.
- Nameservers stay the same: the website and email keep working.
- You switch DNS hosts afterwards: create the existing records at the new DNS host first, then change nameservers, and nothing goes down.
.tw and .com.tw
.tw and .com.tw follow TWNIC's rules, and their transfer process differs from .com and other global endings. Check the steps and documents with the current registrar before you start.
Questions
How long does a transfer take? Most global endings complete 5 to 7 days after submission, depending on how fast the current registrar releases the domain.
Do I lose the time left on my domain? No. A transfer usually adds a year to the current expiry date.
Can I give the auth code to an AI or a support agent? Better not. The auth code is the key to move your domain; enter it only on a page you operate yourself.
What if the transfer fails? The payment is refunded and the domain stays where it was. Common causes: a wrong auth code, the lock still on, or the 60 days not yet passed.