Transferring a Domain Name - FAQ
Q) How do I transfer my domain to my web hosting provider?
If possible try looking for alternatives. Check to see if the current admin contact email address used belongs to someone. If so, try contacting them and ask if they would be willing to approve any email confirmations that come their way on your behalf.
While there is no easy answer, every situation is different. Give us a call or email us if you find yourself stuck and we'll see what we can do to help.
You don't. "Transfer" is the wrong term. Instead what you need to do is to "point" your domain name to your web hosting providers name servers. This link will show you exactly how to "Point your domain name to your web hosting provider."
Q) How do I transfer my domain name to you, from another registrar?
The process is very simple but requires that the "Adminstrative Contact" email address on your Whois be valid. To check the Whois information associated with your domain name, simply visit our Domain Transfer Request Form and follow the directions.
Q) What is a Whois?
A Whois search or lookup will display the current registrant or contact information for any registered domain name. Generally there are four contacts for every domain name. The registrant, administrative contact, billing contact and technical contact. For most, the person registering the domain name should be all four. Our easy to use, web based Domain Name Control Panel allows you to change these contacts at any time. Once you have logged in select "Contact Information" to modify or change any of your contact information.
Q) Is there a fee for transferring my domain name to you?
Transferring your domain name to us is free. However after the transfer process is complete, 1 year must be added to the current expiration date of your domain name. The cost for this additional year is only $20.00 and is billed to your credit card at the very end of the transfer process. This is equivalent to re-registering your domain name for $10.00 off our normal 1 year fee for new registrations.
Q) May I transfer my domain if it has already expired?
No. If your domain name has already expired, then you must first renew your domain name with your current registrar, wait a couple of days till your Whois reflects your new expiration date, then initiate the transfer. Our suggestion is to re-register your domain name with your current registrar for the minimum term (1 year), then initiate the transfer of the domain name to us. To see if you domain name has expired, please refer to the Whois results for your domain name.
Q) Once I transfer my name to you, does my time of renewal change?
Yes. Once your domain name is transferred, we add 1 year to your domain names current expiration date. There is no need to wait till your domain name is about to expire.
Q) Is there a charge to transfer to another registrar at a later date?
While we can't imagine why you would want to, the answer is no, we do not charge you to move away from us.
Q) Is there a charge to move away from my current registrar?
No, there is no cost to transfer a domain name away from another registrar.
Q) Will the Whois Information remain the same after I transfer it?
Yes. Unlike other registrars whom make it near impossible to change contact information, regiSTAR.com gives you full control over your domain name. This means that once your transfer is complete, you may log into our domain name control panel and change your contact information at any time.
Q) Is there any interuption of service to my site during the transfer?
Generally not since Name Server information (DNS) is transferred between registrars.
Q) Will I be able to change my Name Server Information after my domain has been transferred?
Of course. Our sophisticated domain name control panel allows you to modify every aspect of your domain name. All free of charge.
Q) May I transfer more than one domain name?
Sure you can. If you have less than 5 domain names to transfer, we ask that you please use our Domain Transfer Request Form for each domain. For more than 5, please contact our Transfer Department so that we may streamline the process for you. Remember, we're here to help you in every way possible.
Q) How long does the transfer process take?
The enitre process takes about 5 to 10 days. Once we start the transfer process, you will receive an email from us and your current registrar asking you to confirm the transfer of your domain name. This confirmation is sent to the administrative contact email address of your domain (see your Whois). This is why it is imperative that your email address be valid prior to initiating a transfer. Once your current registrar has notified us that they have released your domain, we automatically charge your credit card $20.00, add 1 year to your current expiration date, and lastly send you an email containing a ramdom password allowing you to administer domain name. From that point on all your domain name problems are solved.
Q) The Administrative Contact email address for my domain is not valid. What do I do?
In order to correct the problem you must contact your current registrar and prove to them that you truley own your domain name. Some companies such as Network Solutions require that you print a form from their web site, get it notarized, then snail mail it to them along with a copy of your drivers license. They may even ask that you submit company letterhead stating you are authorized to make decisions for your company. The process can be very lengthy and we feel for those of you having to go through this.