How to transfer a domain from Porkbun to another registrar

Transferring a domain to another registrar? Before you go, we’d love it if you took a moment to read “Why Porkbun is actually the best deal around.” You might be surprised at the answer!

Still want to transfer your domain away?

Let’s do it!

Before we start, please answer the following questions:

Was your domain first registered 60 or more days ago? If so, great! If not, you’ll need to wait until the 60 day mark before transferring it away from Porkbun. We feel your pain, but our hands are tied.

Has your domain been with Porkbun for at least 60 days? Same deal as above. ICANN rules say a domain must stay at one registrar for 60 days before it can be transferred to another. Please keep in mind that if you become dissatisfied with your new registrar, you’ll need to wait 60 days to transfer your domain back to Porkbun for the same reason.

Preparing your domain for transfer

Next, let’s check to make sure your domain is ready to be transferred.

First up, make sure that your contact info at Porkbun is up-to-date. If you’ve changed email addresses since you first registered your domain, now’s the time to update your contact info. The registrar you’re transferring to will require that the contact info attached to your domain have an up-to-date email address. To change it, log into Porkbun and from the Domain Management console, locate your domain. To the right of the domain, find and click the gear icon. Select “Contacts.”

Verify that the email address on file is correct. If it’s not, change it. If you’re setting contact types individually, make sure the email address is current for both the Registrant and Administrative contact. Once your info is current, click Submit to apply your changes and return to the Domain Management console.

The second step to prepare is to unlock your domain.

This one’s easy: click the green locked padlock icon to the right of your domain. You’ll be asked if you’re sure you want to unlock the domain. Say yes. The green padlock icon appears is replaced by a grey unlocked padlock icon to indicate that the domain is unlocked and ready to transfer.

…and the third and final step:

Turn off WHOIS Privacy. Click the green sunglasses icon to the right of your domain. You’ll be asked if you’re sure you want to turn off WHOIS Privacy. Click OK. The green sunglasses icon is replaced by a grey regular-glasses icon to indicate that WHOIS privacy is turned off.

Get your authorization code

We’re almost there! You need to grab an authorization code (aka EPP key) to prove that you’re you. From your Domain Management console, click the gear icon and select “Transfer Auth Code.”

A window will pop up with your key.

Initiate the transfer

In another tab or window, connect to your new registrar and begin the process of transferring over your domain. When asked for your authorization code, copy and paste in the code you generated in the previous step.

Once you’ve paid your new registrar, they’ll send you an email to confirm the transfer.

We’re sorry to see you go!

Hey, we’re sorry it didn’t work out. No hard feelings. If you are ever dissatisfied with your new registrar, or you just miss us, it’s easy to transfer your domain back to Porkbun. In most cases any months of registration you purchased at the other registrar will automatically added to your Porkbun account upon your return! We’ll miss you in the meantime, though.

Arrivederci!