Transferring a domain

Web hosting clients often find themselves transferring an existing domain as well as signing up for a new hosting account. In order to simplify the process, here are 3 easy steps to use as a guideline:

How to transfer a domain to WestHost:

1. EPP authorization code:
   Obtain the EPP code for your domain from your current registrar. Then either enter the code in the “note” section of the order form, or e-mail the EPP code to domainreg@westhost.com. You should also double check that your e-mail address under the WHOIS information is valid. Also, you will need to contact your current registrar within 24 hours of the transfer to remove the lock from your domain.
2. Fill out the transfer order form:
   • Step 1: Choose “Transfer Your Existing Domain” and select the duration length
   • Step 2: Choose a hosting plan, or skip if you already have a hosting plan with WestHost
   • Step 3: Fill out the rest of the form
3. Change DNS records:
   Once we have completed the transfer process you will receive an e-mail from us with your login information. This e-mail will contain important information regarding your DNS records. We recommend changing your DNS prior to the transfer, or right after it is completed; so that your domain is pointing to our servers.

NOTE:

In order to ensure a successful domain transfer from your current registrar, make sure your domain:

1. Has not expired, or will not be expiring within 14 days (If it’s past the due date, you’ll have to renew with the current registrar)
2. Has not been renewed within the last 45 days
3. Has not been registered within the last 60 days
4. Is not involved in any legal or payment disputes

Finally, after everything is submitted, the actual transfer could take 7-14 days to complete. Your site will not experience any downtime during this process. However, your site will experience downtime when changing the DNS records and the change could take up to 24 hours to propagate.
You can also visit our Domain Registration page in order to find out more details.

Glossary:

EPP Code: An Authorization Code (EPP Code) provides security for the domain name registration. Each domain name has its own code and is assigned by the registrar at the time the domain name is registered.
DNS: Domain Name Servers are used for translating domain names to IP addresses. They also include the domain name’s name server and mail server information.