By Alex Morgan | Last updated: May 2026
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This guide covers two scenarios: transferring a domain to Namecheap from another registrar, and transferring a domain away from Namecheap to a different registrar. Both processes follow ICANN’s standard transfer protocol — Namecheap can’t speed them up beyond ICANN rules, but knowing the steps prevents delays.
Transferring a Domain TO Namecheap
Why Transfer to Namecheap?
The most common reasons: cheaper renewal pricing than your current registrar (Namecheap .com renews at £13.98 vs GoDaddy’s £17-19 depending on promotions), free WHOIS privacy (included at Namecheap, chargeable at many registrars), or consolidating a domain portfolio in one place.
Prerequisites Before Starting
- Domain must be at least 60 days old and not transferred in the last 60 days (ICANN requirement — no exceptions).
- Domain must not expire within 14 days. Renew at your current registrar first if it’s close to expiry.
- Domain must be unlocked at your current registrar (most domains are locked by default to prevent unauthorised transfers).
- WHOIS privacy must be disabled temporarily at your current registrar so the transfer authorisation email reaches you. Some registrars will route it through the privacy service anyway — check their documentation.
- Access to the registrant email address on record — the authorisation email goes here.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
Step 1: Get the EPP/Auth code from your current registrar. This is a unique code that authorises the transfer. Look for “Auth Code”, “EPP Code”, or “Transfer Key” in your current registrar’s domain management panel. If you can’t find it, contact their support.
Step 2: Unlock your domain. In your current registrar’s panel, find the domain lock setting and disable it (often labeled “Registrar Lock” or “Transfer Lock”). This may take a few minutes to take effect.
Step 3: Initiate the transfer at Namecheap. Go to namecheap.com → Domains → Transfer. Enter your domain name. Namecheap will quote the transfer fee — transfers typically cost the equivalent of one year’s renewal (so the transfer extends your registration by one year). For .com, this is approximately £13.98.
Step 4: Enter your EPP code. Paste the authorisation code from Step 1 during the Namecheap transfer process.
Step 5: Check your email. You’ll receive an authorisation email at the registrant email address. Click the confirmation link. Your current registrar may also send an email asking you to confirm the transfer — approve it there too. Some registrars auto-approve after a waiting period (up to 5 days).
Step 6: Wait for transfer completion. ICANN mandates a 5-day transfer window. Namecheap typically completes transfers in 5-7 days. Your site stays live throughout — your DNS settings and hosting continue working during the transfer.
Transferring a Domain AWAY FROM Namecheap
Namecheap follows ICANN’s registrar transfer policy — they cannot refuse or unreasonably delay a transfer away. The process mirrors the inbound transfer:
Step 1: Unlock the domain. In the Namecheap dashboard → Domain List → click Manage on the domain → scroll to “Domain Lock” and toggle it off.
Step 2: Disable WhoisGuard temporarily. Go to the WhoisGuard section in domain management and disable it. This ensures the authorisation email reaches your actual email address rather than the proxy.
Step 3: Get the EPP/Auth code. In the Namecheap domain management panel, look for “Auth Code” (sometimes under the “Sharing & Transfer” section). Request it — Namecheap will send it to your account email address.
Step 4: Initiate the transfer at your new registrar. Enter your domain name and the EPP code at the new registrar’s transfer page. They’ll process the request and send authorisation emails.
Step 5: Confirm the transfer. Check your email for authorisation requests from both Namecheap and your new registrar. Approve all of them. Namecheap may automatically approve the transfer after 5 days if you don’t actively confirm — you don’t need to take action to let it complete.
Common Transfer Issues
“Transfer failed — domain is locked”: return to your previous registrar and confirm the lock is off. It can take 15-30 minutes for the unlock to propagate to ICANN’s systems.
“Auth code rejected”: EPP codes expire or become invalid if you request a new one while a transfer is already in progress. Cancel any pending transfer and request a fresh code.
“Authorisation email not received”: check the registrant email address on file. If WHOIS privacy was active, the email may have gone to the privacy service’s address. Disable WHOIS privacy first and re-initiate.
“60-day transfer lock”: if you recently registered the domain or completed a previous transfer, ICANN’s 60-day lock applies. There’s no workaround — wait out the lock period.
Does Transferring a Domain Affect My Website?
No. Transferring a domain registrar changes who manages your domain registration — it doesn’t change your DNS records, hosting, or SSL certificate. Your site remains live throughout the transfer process. After the transfer completes, your DNS records are copied to Namecheap’s systems and continue functioning as before.
Domain Transfer Pricing at Namecheap
Transfers to Namecheap include one year of registration extension. Pricing (May 2026):
- .com transfer: £13.98 (includes 1 year renewal)
- .co.uk transfer: £8.98
- .net transfer: £13.98
- .org transfer: £13.48
- .io transfer: £38.98
Promo codes don’t typically apply to domain transfers, only new registrations. Check current promos: Namecheap Promo Codes 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a domain transfer to Namecheap take?
5-7 days typically. ICANN mandates a minimum 5-day window for all registrar transfers. If both registrars approve promptly, it can complete in 5 days. The domain remains live throughout.
Does transferring to Namecheap add a year to my registration?
Yes — transfers include one year of registration extension. If your domain had 8 months remaining, it will have 20 months after transfer. The transfer fee covers this extension.
Will my website go down during the transfer?
No. DNS records and hosting are separate from domain registration. Transferring the registrar doesn’t change your DNS or hosting. Your site stays live throughout the 5-7 day transfer process.
Can I transfer a domain that expires next week?
Transfers are blocked if the domain expires within 14 days. Renew at your current registrar first, then initiate the transfer. Don’t let a domain expire before transferring — expired domains can be difficult to recover.
How do I get my EPP code from Namecheap?
Log in to namecheap.com → Domain List → Manage the domain → look for “Auth Code” or “EPP Code” in the domain management panel (sometimes under “Sharing & Transfer”). Namecheap sends the code to your account email address.
Ready to transfer your domain to Namecheap?
Start your domain transfer at Namecheap →
Also see: Namecheap DNS & Domain Forwarding Guide | Namecheap .com Domain Pricing | Is Namecheap Legit?
Transfer process verified May 2026 against Namecheap’s current transfer documentation.