The Domain Transfer: What to Consider?

A domain transfer can usually be carried out without any issues. The most important restriction is that it is only allowed for the true owner, who must authenticate themselves with an Authorization Code (AUTH-Code) when changing providers. Although the technical process is relatively simple and quick, this AUTH-Code can sometimes cause delays in the schedule - it must be explicitly requested from the current provider. With its help, the owner can initiate the domain transfer by submitting a Connectivity Coordination Request (KK request) to the new provider. The new provider will then handle the administrative process and request the transfer of the domain from the relevant Network Information Centers (NIC). For more information on hosting provider changes, click here.

What scenarios are there for domain transfers?

First and foremost, it is important to note that a domain is completely independent of the web hosting responsible for the content or the connection to a dedicated server or Virtual Private Server (VPS). It is simply an address pointing to a node in the global network. Many providers offer domain and web hosting as a fixed package, but both can be freely combined. This leads to several scenarios where the term 'domain transfer' is used:

• Transferring a website from one domain to another - e.g. from .de to .com
• Switching providers for an existing domain to a different provider
• Transferring the content of a domain from one web space or server
• Transferring the domain including web hosting to a new provider (comparing domain rental)
• Transferring a domain from one owner to a new owner

If the change only affects the content - for example, to replace the web hosting with a more powerful Dedicated Server or to separate services like FTP, mail, and website - an AUTH code is not required. These adjustments can all be made directly on the used nameserver via an A-Record, CNAME, or MX-Record by the responsible administrator. However, a true domain transfer always involves a change of ownership or provider, transferring the responsibility for a domain as an address from one entity to another.

How does a domain transfer work in practice?

During a domain transfer, it is not permissible for security reasons to delete a domain from the register of a NIC and re-register it. In a short interim period, it may be possible for an interested party to acquire this temporarily "free" domain. Therefore, the domain is always transferred by the registrar managing the corresponding TLD. To prove legitimacy, the person initiating the transfer requires the so-called AUTH code. This code consists of a six-character combination and serves as a temporary password, allowing for a specific, pre-announced action to be carried out within a limited period (usually 30 days).

With this AUTH code, the owner or buyer can instruct their new provider to handle the domain transfer. The new provider verifies the data and submits a corresponding KK request to the relevant NIC on behalf of their customers, which then updates the details in its database. These changes only affect the domain details, not its contents. If the contents also need to be moved from one webspace to another, this step must be carried out additionally - either by the owner or by the new provider if they offer such a service. Find cheap domain extensions here.

Why Consider a Domain Transfer?

There are numerous situations where a domain transfer, despite the increased administration effort in the interim, is sensible and desirable. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Selling or buying a domain
• Expanding infrastructure with new domains
• Switching providers for domain or webspace
• Parking a domain for future resale
• Merging domain and webspace or server

In most cases, a domain transfer proves beneficial in the short to medium term, leading to synergies or reduced ongoing costs through a provider switch. The time investment is manageable despite the effort. However, it is important to note that even with proper execution, there may be a brief downtime of the website, so the transfer should be well-prepared and scheduled.

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