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Published: 2026-07-07 | Updated: 2026-07-07
To transfer a domain to NiceNIC, confirm the domain is eligible, back up DNS records, unlock the domain at the current registrar, request the AuthInfo / EPP code, submit the transfer order in your NiceNIC account, approve any required emails, and monitor the transfer until completion. Keep nameservers stable during the transfer to reduce website or email downtime risk.

  
This guide is for:
· Users moving domains from another registrar to NiceNIC
· Businesses consolidating domain registration, DNS, SSL, and email management
· Agencies transferring client domains
· Domain investors moving portfolios
· Resellers preparing customer transfers

Before You Start
Before you start, prepare:
· Domain is not newly registered or recently transferred if a restriction applies
· Domain is active and not in redemption or pending delete
· Domain is unlocked at the current registrar
· AuthInfo / EPP code is available
· Registrant or account email can receive approval messages
· DNS records and nameservers are backed up
· Domain is not under hold, dispute, or compliance restriction

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Confirm Transfer Eligibility
Check creation date, last transfer date, expiration date, domain lifecycle status, and TLD-specific rules. Do this before paying for or submitting a transfer.
· Avoid last-minute transfers near expiration
· Review whether a 60-day restriction applies
· Check for clientTransferProhibited, serverTransferProhibited, clientHold, or serverHold
Step 2: Back Up DNS Before Transfer
A registrar transfer normally does not move website files, email inboxes, or DNS records. Back up DNS first so you can restore website and email quickly if old registrar DNS stops after transfer.
· A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CAA, SRV records
· Current nameservers
· DNSSEC DS records if enabled
Step 3: Unlock the Domain
Log in to the current registrar account and turn off transfer lock. The domain should no longer show a transfer-prohibited status before submission.
· NiceNIC cannot unlock a domain still managed at another registrar
· If lock removal fails, ask the current registrar why
Step 4: Request the AuthInfo / EPP Code
Request a fresh code from the current registrar. Copy it exactly and treat it as sensitive authorization data.
· Do not add extra spaces
· Do not mix codes between domains
· Request a new code if the previous one was regenerated or expired
Step 5: Start the Transfer in NiceNIC
Log in to NiceNIC, enter the domain and EPP code, review transfer price, and submit the order.
· Use the exact registered domain
· Use the correct NiceNIC account
· Keep payment method or reseller balance ready
Step 6: Approve Required Emails
Check registrant, admin, old registrar, and NiceNIC account inboxes. Some transfers wait because the approval email was missed.
· Check spam and junk folders
· Tell clients to expect approval notices
· Use the losing registrar approve or expedite option if available
Step 7: Keep DNS Stable During Transfer
Avoid changing nameservers, MX records, hosting, email provider, and DNSSEC during the transfer window unless you have a migration plan.
· Make one major change at a time
· Do not cancel old DNS before confirming continuity
Step 8: Verify After Completion
After the domain appears in NiceNIC, check expiration date, nameservers, website, email, SSL, WHOIS privacy availability, domain lock, auto-renewal, and DNSSEC settings.
· Test root and www
· Test email sending and receiving
· Re-enable lock after transfer if appropriate

Troubleshooting
Transfer Cannot Be Submitted
Possible reasons:
· Domain is locked
· EPP code is wrong
· TLD has special requirements
· Domain is expired or restricted
What to do:
· Unlock at current registrar
· Request fresh EPP code
· Check domain status and TLD rules
Transfer Remains Pending
Possible reasons:
· Approval email not completed
· Losing registrar has not released the domain
· Standard transfer window still applies
What to do:
· Check all inboxes
· Approve at current registrar if possible
· Monitor NiceNIC order status
Website or Email Stops Working
Possible reasons:
· Nameservers changed
· Old registrar DNS stopped
· MX records missing
· DNSSEC mismatch
What to do:
· Restore records from backup
· Check nameservers and DNSSEC
· Contact DNS, hosting, or email provider if records are external

Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Starting transfer without DNS backup
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 2: Using an old or wrong EPP code
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 3: Leaving the domain locked
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 4: Changing nameservers during transfer without preparation
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 5: Waiting until the final days before expiration
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 6: Missing transfer approval emails
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 7: Confusing registrar transfer with hosting migration
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 8: Ignoring DNSSEC DS records
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 9: Assuming privacy settings always remain unchanged
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.
Mistake 10: Not verifying website and email after completion
Review this item before making changes or opening a support ticket.

FAQ
1. Will my website go down when I transfer a domain?
Usually no, if nameservers and DNS records remain active. Downtime risk usually comes from DNS or hosting changes, not the registrar transfer itself.
2. Does transfer move my hosting?
No. Website hosting stays with your hosting provider unless you migrate it separately.
3. Does transfer move my email?
No. Email continues only if MX and related DNS records remain correct.
4. Where do I get the EPP code?
Request it from the current registrar or authorized account path.
5. Can NiceNIC unlock my domain at another registrar?
No. The current registrar must remove the transfer lock.
6. Can I transfer an expired domain?
It depends on the TLD and lifecycle status. Renew or restore first if required.
7. Should I change nameservers before transfer?
Only if needed. If DNS is stable, keep nameservers unchanged during transfer.
8. What should I check after transfer?
Check expiration date, nameservers, website, email, SSL, privacy, lock, renewal, and DNSSEC.
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