A domain name registrar is an accredited company by the internet corporation for assigned names and numbers (ICAAN) that facilitates the purchasing and registration of domain names. A registrar is authorized by the ICAAN to make modifications to your domain name’s data on your behalf in the database. Further, registrars offer myriad tools and services that create ease in the process of buying and maintaining your domain name.
There are a plethora of domain name registrars to choose from in the market ranging from NameCheap, BlueHost.com, Google Domains, and GoDaddy among others. While the standard role of a registrar is to facilitate the buying and registration of domain names, different registrars offer different services.
Sometimes, domain name holders may need to transfer a domain name from the initial registrar to a new one for reasons such as the need to transfer to a cheaper registrar or discontent with the current registrar.
This checklist provides a detailed how-to guide for the selection of a domain name registrar and how to transfer a domain name to a different registrar.
Part 1 – Selecting a Registrar
1 How reputable is the domain name registrar based on user reviews?
2 Is the registrar accredited by the ICAAN?
3 Does the registrar offer free domain name server (DNS) services?
4 Does the registrar offer privacy options for the Whois database?
5 Are there hidden or extra charges for services such as domain parking, free email, or free ad-supported hosting?
6 Are the registrar’s pricing rates affordable or more expensive compared to others?
7 How secure and trustworthy is the registrar?
8 Does the registrar require verification when transferring your domain name?
9 Are there clear, easy and automated steps for clients wishing to transfer their domains?
10 Is there 24/7 customer support and are their different customer support options?
11 Are there options for add-ons?
12 Are there flexible policies for domain name expiration and grace period?
Part 2 – Transferring a Domain
13 Have you reviewed the details of your contact information in the Whois database?
14 Are you the authorized admin in the registration details?
15 Is the registrar lock disabled?
16 Is your account eligible for a transfer?
17 Have you received an authorization code in your registered email?
18 Is the domain transfer initiated?
19 Have you paid for the domain transfer?
20 Have you approved the transfer manually?
21 Have you created an account with your new registrar?
22 Is your previous service cancelled?
Notes:
Use the following channels to look up your current registration details:
- Use the web-based Whois lookup services which include DomainTools and Whois.net
- Consider using the command-line whois program option
- Use your current registrar
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