How long does it take to transfer a .com domain?
The Standard Transfer Timeline
ICANN rules require a transfer to take at least 5 days from the time it's initiated. This waiting period gives the current registrar time to approve or deny the transfer, and allows you to cancel if needed. In practice, most .com transfers complete within 5 to 7 days.
The clock starts when the new registrar submits the transfer request to the registry. The old registrar has up to 5 days to respond. If they approve earlier, the transfer can finish sooner. If they don't respond, the transfer automatically proceeds after 5 days.
Factors That Affect Transfer Time
If your domain is locked or you haven't provided the correct authorization code, the transfer will be delayed or rejected. Also, if your contact email is outdated, you might miss the confirmation email, which can stall the process. Some registrars may take longer to release the domain if there's a pending issue, like a payment dispute.
Transfers during weekends or holidays might take a bit longer because registrar support staff may be limited. However, the automated system usually runs continuously.
What to Expect During the Transfer
Once you initiate the transfer and pay the fee, you'll receive a confirmation email from the new registrar. You may also get an email from the old registrar asking you to approve the transfer. If you don't respond, the transfer will proceed after 5 days. Your website and email should remain live during the transfer, but avoid changing DNS settings until it's complete.
After the transfer, your domain's expiration date will be extended by one year, and you'll manage it through the new registrar. You may need to re-create DNS records if they didn't transfer automatically.
- Unlock the domain and get the authorization code.
- Ensure your email address is current.
- Initiate the transfer at the new registrar.
- Watch for confirmation emails and approve if needed.
- Wait 5-7 days for completion.
Common mistakes
- Expecting an instant transfer; ICANN mandates a 5-day waiting period.
- Not checking for a transfer lock, which can cause the transfer to fail.
- Assuming DNS settings transfer automatically; you may need to set them up again.