Transferring a domain to us

A domain transfer only changes who manages the domain. The name itself remains yours. Your website and mailboxes keep running during the transfer if you follow the order of the steps.

1. Request the authorization code

The code, also called AuthInfo, auth code or transfer key depending on the provider, proves that the transfer was initiated by you. You request it from your current provider, usually in their customer account under “Cancel domain” or “Transfer domain”. For .com, .net and other generic extensions, the provider must hand over the code within five days. For .de domains, we can alternatively request the code from DENIC. It is then sent by registered mail. A .de code is valid for 30 days.

2. Order the transfer with us

Enter your domain and the authorization code during the order process. We submit the transfer to the responsible registry. For .de domains, this is DENIC, for .com and .net the respective registry.

3. Prepare the records

Before the transfer, send us your current records (website, mail server, others). We create them on our side and only start the transfer after that.

4. Switch over

For .de domains, the transfer is complete as soon as we submit it with a valid code. For other extensions, it takes up to five days. If your records have been created with us beforehand, your website and mailboxes remain reachable throughout.

Frequently asked questions

What does the transfer cost?

The transfer itself is free of charge. A .de domain that is transferred into a plan with an included .de domain costs nothing. Every additional domain is billed at the regular annual price from the transfer onward.

Do I lose the remaining term with my old provider?

For .de domains, there is no term at the registry. Anything you paid in advance to your current provider is forfeited unless that provider issues a refund. With us, a new billing period starts with the transfer. For .com, .net, .org and other generic extensions, the transfer extends the registration by one year and the remaining term is preserved. Exception: if your current provider automatically renewed the domain within the last 45 days, that renewal is lost.

My domain is locked

Many providers set a transfer lock. Remove it in your current provider's customer account before you request the code.

My contract with my current provider ends soon

Order the transfer no later than two weeks before the contract ends. After the contract ends, the current provider usually deletes the domain. Restoring it is then only possible through that provider and for a fee.

What happens to my mailboxes?

Nothing, as long as the mail server records remain unchanged. If your mailboxes are with your current provider and are to stay there, send us the existing MX records. We enter them unchanged. If the mailboxes are to move as well, we set them up with us first and only switch over afterward, so no message is lost.

Can I transfer several domains at the same time?

Yes. Each domain needs its own authorization code. For larger portfolios, send us the list and we will agree on the order with you.

Who is the domain registered to?

To the holder of your customer account.

See also: Domain check and registration Web hosting with a .de domain DynDNS and other services

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