Transferring a Domain to Us Print

Moving Your Domain to YourCheapHost

Already have a domain registered somewhere else? No problem. You can transfer it to us so everything lives in one place. Here's the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain at the Current Registrar

1. Unlock the domain. Log into your current registrar's control panel and look for a "Domain Lock" or "Transfer Lock" setting. Turn it OFF. A locked domain can't be transferred.
2. Disable privacy protection. If you have Whois privacy enabled, disable it temporarily. The EPP code (next step) needs to match the registrant contact info on file.
3. Get the EPP code (also called auth code or transfer code). This is a unique code that proves you own the domain. Most registrars let you generate or email it from the domain details page. It looks something like aB3xY9kL2pQ7.
4. Make sure your contact email is current. The transfer confirmation emails will go to the registrant email on file.

Step 2: Start the Transfer with Us

1. Log into your YourCheapHost client area.
2. Go to Domains > Transfer Domain.
3. Type in your domain name and click Check. We'll verify it's eligible to transfer.
4. Enter the EPP code you got from your current registrar.
5. Complete payment. Transfer pricing is usually the same as a one-year renewal for that extension.

Step 3: Approve the Transfer

Once you start the transfer, an email gets sent to the registrant contact asking for approval. Click the link in that email to confirm. If you don't act, most transfers auto-approve after 5 days anyway - but clicking speeds things up.

Timing & What to Expect

• Most domains transfer in 5 - 7 days. The process involves multiple registries, so it's not instant.
• You can't transfer within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer. This is an ICANN rule, not ours.
• Your website and email won't go down. Keep your existing DNS settings at the old registrar until the transfer completes. We'll send you a confirmation email once it's done.
• Each transfer adds one year to your domain's expiration date (max 10 years total).

Things That Can Block a Transfer

• Domain is still locked at the old registrar
• Wrong EPP code
• Domain was registered or last transferred less than 60 days ago
• Domain is expired or in redemption
• Contact email is outdated and you can't click the approval link

If any of those come up, the transfer fails and you get a refund. Just fix the issue and try again.