Want to transfer your domain name to a new provider? It is easier than you think. Your website and email stay online during the transfer. In this blog you will learn what a transfer code and token are, and how to move your domain to bHosted in 5 steps.
What does transferring a domain name mean?
Transferring your domain name means moving the management of your domain from your current provider to a new one. The domain stays yours. Only the party that handles it changes. Handy when you switch for lower costs, faster support or better hosting.
What you need: a transfer code or token
For almost every transfer you need one thing: a transfer code. This is a unique code that proves you are the owner. That way nobody else can hijack your domain.
The name differs per extension:
- .nl domains have also used a transfer token since 2010.
- .com, .net, .org and others use a token (also called an auth code, EPP code or transfer code).
- .be domains use their own transfer code.
You request this code from your current provider.
Transfer your domain in 5 steps
- Request your transfer code or token from your current provider: by phone or in their control panel.
- Start the transfer on the domain name transfer page and enter your domain.
- Enter the code while placing your order. This confirms that you are the owner.
- Wait for confirmation from bHosted. Your old provider and the registry process the request.
- Done. Your domain now sits with bHosted and you manage everything in one place.
How long does a domain transfer take?
That depends on the extension. .nl and .be extensions are transferred within a few hours, sometimes even faster. Of course only if the correct transfer token has been provided.
For .com and other international extensions it usually takes 5 to 7 days, because the registry applies a waiting period. Some providers actively confirm domain transfers, and then the transfer is completed within an hour. Contact your current provider if you want to know how quickly they handle a transfer.
Do my website and email stay online?
Yes. As long as your settings (DNS) stay the same, your visitors will not notice the transfer. Your website stays reachable and your email keeps working. There is only a transition period during which website visitors land on the old web server or already on the new one. The same applies to incoming mail. Want to be sure everything is right? Our support team is happy to check it with you.
Ready to move your domain?
Transfer your domain name to bHosted and enjoy the same reliability as expensive providers, for a fraction of the cost. No domain yet? Register a new domain name. Want to bring your hosting along? Take a look at our web hosting.
Frequently asked questions about moving your domain name
What exactly is an authorisation code or token? It's a unique code that proves you own the domain. Without this code, nobody, not even a new provider, can simply take over your domain.
Can I move my domain without my website going offline? Yes. As long as your DNS settings stay the same during the transition, visitors won't notice the move and your website stays reachable.
How long does it take to move a .nl domain? Usually within a few hours, sometimes even faster. International extensions like .com often take 5 to 7 days due to a mandatory waiting period set by the registry.
What if my old provider doesn't confirm the move? For extensions using an authorisation token, you don't need that confirmation: the token alone is enough to start the move. For other extensions, an unresponsive provider can delay things; our support team will help you further in that case.
Do I need to update my DNS settings myself? Not necessarily. If you're moving your hosting to bHosted too, we'll set up the right settings for you. Moving only the domain? Then you can manage the DNS settings yourself if you'd like.
Can I bring my email along with the move? Yes. As long as the DNS settings (specifically the MX record) stay correct, your email will keep working during and after the move.
