Transferring your domain name to a new provider can be a daunting experience.

If something goes wrong, your website could be offline for hours, if not days. And if your page gets a lot of visitors and/or is the primary way your company brings in new business, that could have disastrous consequences.

Luckily, it's easy to transfer your domain name to a new registrar; you just need to do everything in a particular order. If you're wondering how to transfer your domain name with zero downtime, keep reading to find out more.

How to Transfer a Domain Name With Zero Downtime

Before we begin this process, you need to decide which registrar you want to use.

Although there's not much between the different providers in terms of services offered, the price of the services can vary. Make sure you check the domain renewal price, as well as other services you might require such as WHOIS privacy.

Once you've settled on a registrar, follow the simple steps below to transfer your domain.

  1. Unlock your domain name.
  2. If applicable, disable WHOIS privacy.
  3. Request your EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) code from your current registrar.
  4. Initiate the transfer through your current registrar's online portal.
  5. Check your inbox and wait for an authorization email from your new registrar.
  6. When the email arrives, approve the authorization using the supplied link.
  7. If applicable, repeat the process with the email from your old registrar (not all registrars send an email when you're leaving the service).

Furthermore, be aware that there are a few caveats to the process:

  • You cannot transfer expired domains.
  • You will have to pay for a one-year extension when you transfer the domain.
  • Some TLDs follow a different set of rules. Make sure you clarify the process with your current registrar before beginning the process.

That's it. Your domain should now be listed with your new registrar. And remember if you don't want your domain name anymore, you might be able to make some money off it!