Transferring a domain name to another registrar
Find out how to move a domain name from OVHcloud to a provider of your choice
Last updated 10th March 2023
Objective
Domain transfer refers to the process of moving a registered domain name from one registrar to another. For example, if you have ordered a domain name on our website, OVHcloud is its current registrar. An outgoing domain transfer needs to be initiated by the new registrar.
In order to prevent unauthorised domain transfers, domain names are usually locked by having the status clientTransferProhibited set. This protection must be lifted in the OVHcloud Control Panel before starting a transfer.
This guide explains how to prepare your domain name for an outgoing transfer.
If the domain name in question should stay registered at OVHcloud but modified in terms of its management or ownership, an outgoing domain transfer is not the appropriate procedure.
To transfer the domain name management to another OVHcloud customer account, a change of contacts must be made instead. The procedure is described in this guide.
If you also need to change the domain name holder, you should do so before you change the domain name contacts. To do this, use our change of ownership for domain names instructions.
Requirements
- A domain name registered with OVHcloud
- Access to the OVHcloud Control Panel with the necessary permissions to manage the domain name (domain administrator)
- The registration of the domain name in question was at least 60 days ago and it has not been transferred or traded (i.e. change of owner) during the last 60 days
If you are the domain's owner but you are currently not able to manage it in the OVHcloud Control Panel, neither by using your own access nor via your domain's administrative contact, please consult this guide first before proceeding.
Instructions
The following instructions describe the most common way to transfer a domain name, valid for most Top Level Domains (TLD). However, the specific rules for processes regarding TLDs are solely defined by the appropriate allocation authority i.e. the registry. Registrars such as OVHcloud must adhere to these rules and have no influence over registry decisions.
The exact procedure for domain transfers may therefore vary, especially in case of some country-code TLDs (ccTLD, such as .lu, .uk, .hk, .ro) and a few special purpose TLDs (.am, .fm, etc.). Transfers might also be prohibited for various reasons, e.g. outstanding payment, abuse case or registry lock.
We recommend to consult the following resources in case of any doubt:
- The website of the respective TLD registry
- The list of TLDs available at OVHcloud
- ICANN's explanation of EPP Status Codes (to find out which status codes currently apply to your domain name, carry out a Whois search, preferably using the respective TLD registry's website)
- Your new registrar's website and management interface, especially for questions about a pending transfer process
Step 1: Remove the transfer protection for the domain name
Log in to your OVHcloud Control Panel and select Web Cloud. Click Domain names, then choose the domain name concerned.
On the General information tab you can find the "Protection against domain name transfer" slider button under Security, set to Enabled by default.
Click on the slider and confirm in the popup window that you want to remove this protection. Allow a few minutes for the status to change to Disabled.
You can also refresh the page if it seems to take longer.
Once the status has changed, the domain name will remain unlocked for seven days. After this period, the protection will automatically turn back on. If you do not request a domain transfer at your new registrar during this time, it will be necessary to unlock the domain again.
Step 2: Retrieve the transfer code
Note that it is still possible to unlock and retrieve the transfer code of your domain name after its expiration. According to registry rules, a domain in the redemption period may need to be restored so that it can be transferred. Contact your new registrar for transfer details.
Once the status is set to Disabled, a link labelled AUTH/INFO will appear. Clicking on this link will open a window that contains your AUTH/INFO code (also known as transfer key, domain password, AUTH-CODE or EPP-Code).
The code will be requested by your new registrar to complete the transfer process. You can verify the details with your provider.
Make sure to copy and paste the code as opposed to typing it by hand, since some characters are easily confused.
Once the transfer code has been retrieved, do not lock your domain again unless you no longer wish to transfer it.
Step 3: Launch the transfer at your new registrar
After completing the previous steps you can initiate the transfer, usually by placing an order. Afterwards, the transfer may take up to 10 days.
You can contact your provider for more information about this process.
If your new registrar requests a new transfer code, re-enable Transfer protection for your domain, then disable it again a few minutes later. You can then retrieve the new transfer code.
Go further
Transferring a .uk domain name to another registrar
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