If you registered your domain at a registrar with high renewal prices, transferring to a cheaper registrar is one of the easiest money-saving moves available. Most transfers take less than 7 days and cost nothing beyond the one-year extension fee at the new registrar.
When Is a Transfer Worth It?
- Your current registrar renewal price is significantly higher than a competitor's transfer price
- You want to consolidate multiple domains at one registrar
- Your current registrar charges for features (privacy, DNS) that competitors offer free
Use EasyTLDs to compare your TLD's current transfer prices before deciding.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer a Domain
Step 1: Check Transfer Eligibility
Confirm: domain is more than 60 days old, not locked from a recent transfer, and has at least 15 days before expiry.
Step 2: Unlock the Domain
Disable the "Registrar Lock" or "Transfer Lock" in your current registrar's dashboard.
Step 3: Get the Authorization (EPP/Auth) Code
Request the authorization code from your current registrar. Your registrar is required to provide it on request.
Step 4: Initiate the Transfer at the New Registrar
Go to your chosen new registrar, enter your domain name and authorization code, then pay the transfer fee.
Step 5: Confirm and Verify
Both registrars will send confirmation emails. After transfer completes, verify DNS records are intact and re-enable the registrar lock.
How Much Can You Save?
A .com renewing at GoDaddy for $19.99/year vs Porkbun at $9.33/year saves over $53 over 5 years — for less than an hour of work.
Conclusion
Domain transfers are straightforward and save real money every year. Use EasyTLDs to compare transfer prices across all major registrars before you move your domain.