How to Transfer Name Servers During a Domain Transfer?

Quick Answer

A successful domain transfer depends on the domain's eligibility, lock status, authorization method, registrant access and registry rules. Prepare the domain before ordering the transfer, keep the existing DNS active, and monitor the transfer until completion.

Before You Begin

Confirm the domain and registrant email are accessible.
Record the current nameservers and DNS records.
Check the domain's expiry date, lock status and any TLD-specific transfer rule.

NiceNIC Instructions

Transferring nameservers During a Domain Transfer If you're just transferring the domain registration, your hosting service will be unaffected, and there will be no need to change nameservers. Although the nameservers should be transferred as part of the process, it's always a good idea to have a record of them. If you wish to specify the nameservers to the default DNS servers as provided by NiceNIC you can reset the nameservers after the transfer has been completed. Steps Login to your account. Select the Domain Names tab. Select the domain that you want to change nameservers for.

From within the DNS Servers section click on Edit DNS Server. Change the nameservers as required, leaving any of the fields blank will retain the original DNS server. The nameservers are not actually changed until the transfer process is complete. If you wish to make an immediate change to the nameservers, you may do so with the Registrar you are transferring from.

How to Verify

Check the transfer status in NiceNIC, confirm the registrar of record after completion, verify the authoritative nameservers, and test website and email resolution. Do not treat payment alone as proof that the transfer completed.

Troubleshooting

The domain is locked, too new, recently transferred or otherwise restricted by policy.
The EPP/Auth code is missing, expired or copied incorrectly.
The approval email cannot be received or the registrant data is under verification.
The domain or related DNS service expires while the transfer is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a transfer change my nameservers?

A registrar transfer normally keeps the current nameservers, but you should record and verify them before and after the transfer.

Can I edit the domain while a transfer is pending?

Some settings may be restricted during a pending transfer. Avoid unnecessary ownership, lock or DNS changes until the transfer completes.

When should I submit a ticket?

Submit a ticket when the status is unclear, a TLD uses a special transfer process, or the transfer remains blocked after you correct the stated issue.

Related NiceNIC Guides

If the issue continues after you complete the checks above, submit a NiceNIC support ticket with the affected domain or product, the exact error message, the time of the issue and the troubleshooting already completed.