Domain Name Transfer Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

Transferring a domain name to a new registrar doesn’t have to be technical or risky. Whether you’re consolidating services, switching providers for better support, or improving reliability, understanding how to transfer a domain name properly ensures zero disruption to your website and email. This domain transfer checklist walks you through everything UK businesses need to know before moving their domain to Heart Internet.

Here is a step by step checklist to walk you through your domain name transfer.

1. Check Your Domain Eligibility

Before beginning a domain name transfer, you need to make sure your domain is eligible:

• It must be older than 60 days since the previous transfer/registration
• Ensure the domain is unlocked where it is currently registered
• Verify your WHOIS contact information is up to date as the confirmation of transfer email will be sent there

Heart Internet customers can easily check their domain status in their Control Panel.

2. Get All Your Information Together

You’ll need this information in order to carry out a domain name transfer and reduce delays:

• Authorisation code (EEP) from your current registration
• Access to your domain’s current DNS settings if you want to preserve your site and email whilst the transfer takes place
• Admin contact email address (listed in WHOIS)

3. Back Up Your Website and Email

Typically, a domain name transfer won’t have any effect on your website or email, however it is best to backup your content just in case.

• Export your website files and databases
• Backup any email accounts that are connected to the domain
• Note any custom DNS records/subdomains to replicate post-transfer

4. Begin the Domain Transfer

Once you have your domain unlocked and have your authorisation code, get the transfer started with your new registrar.

• Enter the domain name and EEP code
• Confirm the admin emails to approve transfer requests
• Approve the transfer when you receive the email

It’s easy to transfer your domain with Heart Internet and our clear guidance and support available.

5. Verify Your DNS Settings and Email

Once the transfer has gone through, be sure to check your DNS settings and business email setup. Our business email and website hosting services merge seamlessly with transferred domains.

• Make sure website hosting records are correct to reduce downtime
• Confirm MX records (mail exchanger) if you use a domain-based business email
• Test custom records to make sure it all works as you expected

6. Confirm the Transfer Completion

The majority of transfers are complete within 5-7 days. After completion:

• Login to your new registrar account to confirm ownership
• Check your WHOIS details reflect the new registrar
• Update auto-renewal and billing settings

By keeping your domain in one place with Heart Internet, it makes management easy and keeps any renewals right on track.

One of the most common domain transfer mistakes is starting the process too close to the domain’s expiry date. While most transfers automatically add an extra year to the registration, if a domain expires during the transfer window it can cause delays, additional fees, or even temporary website and email disruption. It’s always best to check the expiry date in advance and, if necessary, renew the domain before initiating the transfer. Another frequent issue is forgetting to unlock the domain or retrieve the correct EPP (authorisation) code from the current registrar, which can stall the process entirely.

Businesses also sometimes confuse a domain transfer with moving their website hosting. A domain transfer simply changes the registrar managing the domain — it does not automatically migrate your website files or email accounts. Failing to review existing DNS settings before transferring can lead to downtime if records aren’t replicated correctly. Ensuring your WHOIS contact details are up to date is equally important, as transfer approval emails are sent to the registered admin contact. Taking a few minutes to double-check these details can prevent unnecessary delays and keep your website and email running smoothly throughout the transfer process.

On average, a domain transfer takes between five and seven days to complete, although the exact timeframe can vary depending on the domain extension and how quickly approval emails are confirmed. For most popular extensions such as .com, .net, and .org, the process follows standard ICANN procedures and typically completes within this window once the transfer has been authorised. Some domains, such as .uk extensions, can transfer much faster as they use a tag change system rather than an EPP code. Delays usually occur if the domain is still locked, the authorisation code is incorrect, or the admin contact email is not promptly verified, so responding quickly to confirmation requests helps keep everything on track.