How to Transfer Domain Name in India 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide

Domain transfers in India are straightforward once you understand the process. Whether you are moving from GoDaddy, BigRock, Namecheap, or any other registrar, the steps are the same. Your website stays live throughout the transfer.

Before you start: transfer eligibility

You cannot transfer a domain if:

• The domain was registered or previously transferred less than 60 days ago (ICANN rule)
• The domain is expired
• The domain has a transfer lock (you need to unlock it first)
• You do not have access to the registrant email address on file

Step 1: Verify your registrant email

Transfer approval emails go to the email address registered with your domain. If you no longer have access to that email, update it at your current registrar BEFORE starting the transfer. Log into your current registrar account → My Domains → click your domain → Contact Information → update the registrant email.

Step 2: Unlock your domain

Most registrars lock domains to prevent unauthorised transfers. You must unlock it first.

• GoDaddy: My Products → Manage Domains → click domain → Manage → scroll to Transfer Domain → Unlock Domain
• BigRock: My Domains → click domain → Domain Lock → Disable
• Namecheap: Domain List → click Manage → Registrar Lock: OFF
• Other registrars: Look for "Domain Lock", "Transfer Lock", or "Registrar Lock" in your domain settings

Step 3: Get the EPP auth code

The EPP code (also called Auth Code, Authorization Code, or Transfer Code) is a password that proves you own the domain. Get it from your current registrar:

• GoDaddy: Manage Domains → click domain → Transfer Domain → Get Authorization Code (sent to registrant email)
• BigRock: My Domains → click domain → Domain Lock → Get EPP Code (sent to email)
• Most registrars: The auth code is either shown on-screen or emailed to the registrant email

Step 4: Initiate the transfer at the new registrar

1. Go to your new registrar (or HostStack if transferring to us)
2. Click "Transfer Domain" or "Move Domain"
3. Enter your domain name and click Continue
4. Enter the EPP auth code when prompted
5. Complete the checkout (domain transfer usually costs the same as a 1-year renewal)

Step 5: Approve the transfer email

You will receive an email at the registrant address asking you to approve or deny the transfer. Click Approve (do not ignore this email — transfers time out if not approved within 5 days for most registrars).

Step 6: Wait for transfer to complete

• .com, .net, .org: 5–7 days (ICANN standard)
• .in, .co.in: 2–5 days (via NIXI)
• Some registrars: allow the gaining registrar to expedite to 24 hours if both sides approve

Your website continues working throughout. Existing nameservers remain active.

Step 7: Update nameservers (if switching hosting)

After the transfer completes, if you are also moving hosting: log into your new registrar → Manage Domain → Nameservers → enter HostStack nameservers. DNS propagation takes 15 minutes to 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions