How do I change the ownership of a domain name?

Asked by: Vincenzo Champlin  |  Last update: April 19, 2026
Score: 5/5 (5 votes)

To change domain ownership, you generally update the domain's contact info (Registrant, Admin, Billing) through your current registrar to the new owner's details, often involving an email confirmation for both parties and sometimes an EPP code; the new owner then initiates a transfer to their preferred registrar if needed, but the key is the initial "Change of Registrant" via email verification at the original registrar.

How do I transfer ownership of a domain name?

To transfer your domain name to another registrant, you can initiate a change of registrant by contacting your current registrar. Your registrar will then ask for your confirmation via a secure mechanism (which typically will take the form of an email to the registered name holder).

How do I change my domain owner name?

Changing Domain Ownership. To change or transfer domain ownership, update the contact information to the new owner's details. The domain's contact information is listed in the public RDDS (formerly WHOIS) database as required by ICANN.

How to take over someone's domain?

To transfer a domain name, double-check contact information, contact both the old and new registrars, ask for an authorization code, and remove any domain locks.

How to transfer domain property?

How to transfer a domain

  1. Step 1: confirm domain transfer eligibility. First, make sure your domain is eligible to transfer! ...
  2. Step 2: unlock your domain. ...
  3. Step 3: request a domain transfer authorization code. ...
  4. Step 4: provide authorization code to new registrar. ...
  5. Step 5: confirm domain transfer and pay fee.

Transferring Domains: What You Need to Know

36 related questions found

Is it free to transfer domains?

The price you pay for a domain transfer depends on the domain extension you choose, as each registry sets its own base pricing. For most generic top-level domains (gTLDs) like .com, .net, or .org, the transfer fee usually includes a one-year renewal of your domain registration.

What does it cost to transfer a domain name?

There is no fee for any transfer of a . au domain name licence between registrars.

How hard is it to transfer a domain?

Domain registrars typically lock your domain by default to prevent unauthorized transfers. The domain lock ensures that no changes or transfers can happen without explicit approval from the domain owner. To initiate a transfer, you must unlock the domain through your registrar's control panel.

What to do if someone owns your domain name?

If the domain name you feel entitled to is in the hands of others, you can go through the Registrar for that domain to prove your entitlement.

How do I transfer my GoDaddy domain to another owner?

Transfer my domain to another GoDaddy account

  1. Go to your GoDaddy Domain Portfolio. ...
  2. Select an individual domain to access the Domain Settings page.
  3. Under the Transfer section, select Transfer to another GoDaddy account. ...
  4. Enter the new account owner's email address and then enter it again to verify.

How many days does it take to transfer a domain?

How long does a domain transfer take? Domain transfers usually take 5 to 7 days to complete.

How difficult is it to change a domain name?

While changing your domain name isn't quite as simple as changing your handle on social media platforms, it's still a relatively easy process that doesn't require advanced technical skills. You can keep your existing website intact and use the same domain provider and web hosting platform.

How to take control of a domain?

How to transfer a domain

  1. Unlock the domain you want to transfer at your current registrar and get the authorization code, also known as an EPP code or transfer key.
  2. Search for your domain using the GoDaddy transfer tool.
  3. Enter your authorization code in the corresponding field to confirm the transfer.

How do I change the registrant of a domain name?

To update the registrant information listed in the Whois database or transfer your domain name to a different registrant, please contact the registrar with which the domain is registered. For information about the domain name, including the registrar name, conduct a WHOIS search at https://whois.icann.org.

How to get a domain name someone else owns?

– If the domain name is registered with a registrar that accommodates a free 'instant transfer' process, then all you need to do is open an account with the registrar (if you do not already have an account with one) and request that the seller 'push' the domain into the account that you created.

What are GoDaddy's biggest competitors?

Top Godaddy Domains Alternatives

  • Namecheap Domains.
  • IONOS Domains.
  • Squarespace Domains.
  • Network Solutions Domains.
  • Hostinger Domains.
  • OVHcloud Web Cloud.
  • SiteGround Web Hosting.
  • A2 Hosting Domains.

Who legally owns a domain name?

Registrar: an organisation that performs registrations, often an Internet Service Provider. Registrant: the current "owner" of a domain. Your business MUST be the Registrant. Individuals can register domains, too, if a website is not used for trade, but make sure YOUR BUSINESS is the registrant.

Is .com or .io better?

Neither .io nor .com is inherently "better"; the choice depends on your brand, audience, and goals, with .com offering universal trust and recognition, while .io signals a modern, tech-focused identity (Input/Output) and offers better name availability for startups. Choose .com for mainstream businesses and broad audiences, but .io is excellent for tech startups, SaaS, and developers who value innovation and a sleek, modern image, though it might cost more and have less general awareness. 

How to prove ownership of a domain name?

Add a DNS record to your domain provider's record list to prove ownership. This is required only for Domain property, (example.com) not URL-prefix properties (https://example.com). If you use this method on a URL-prefix property, you will also be auto-verified for the Domain property.

Does your domain name have to match your LLC?

In the same way that your physical address guides visitors to your business, your domain name guides them to your online home. There isn't a legal requirement for matching your business name to your domain name, or vice versa.

How do I transfer a domain name to a new owner?

Unlock the domain and disable any registrar or domain privacy locks if applicable. Obtain an authorization code: Contact your current registrar and request the domain's authorization code (also known as an EPP code or transfer key). This code is required by the new registrar to initiate the transfer process.

Why does it take 5 to 7 days to transfer a domain?

To ensure the security of your domain, the transfer request is verified to make sure the transfer is authorized and legitimate. It's also necessary to verify that there are no locks or holds on the domain and that it meets all the transfer requirements. The current domain registrar then takes time to process the ...

How long do domain name transfers take?

While some domain transfers can be completed within a few hours, this only happens under specific conditions — and it's not the norm. In most cases, domain transfers take 5 to 7 business days to complete. This is because the process requires multiple approvals, including: Confirmation from the domain owner via email.

Should you put LLC in a domain name?

No, you don't legally need to put "LLC" in your domain name; it's generally better to omit it for shorter, cleaner branding, as customers rarely search for "LLC," but you must legally disclose your LLC status on formal documents and often in the website's footer for clarity and legal compliance. Focus on a memorable domain name, like YourBusiness.com, and handle the legal entity designation in your website's fine print or branding materials to maintain professional appeal and avoid clutter. 

What is a fair price for a domain?

A fair price for a standard new domain like a .com is typically $10 to $20 per year, though first-year deals can be lower (even free with hosting) and renewals can sometimes be slightly higher. Premium, short, or keyword-rich domains can cost hundreds to thousands, while some newer extensions or expired domains fall in the $50–$500 range; overall, expect a wide range based on desirability and provider.