A domain transfer moves your registration between providers. It does not move website files, mailboxes or DNS records. The steps depend on the domain extension and registry; check the actual transfer status before retrying an order.
Transfer a domain to ArkHost
Start while the domain is active, well before expiry. Check with the current provider that it is eligible to transfer, which approval process applies, and whether a customer-controlled transfer lock must be removed. Obtain an authorization code only where your extension requires one.
Open Transfer in a Domain, enter the domain and the requested transfer information, then review the price and checkout details. If your extension uses a different process, ask ArkHost for instructions before ordering. Complete any required approval through the current provider or registrant email. An order or payment confirmation is not confirmation that the registry transfer has completed.
Transfer a domain away from ArkHost
Get the receiving provider's instructions first. In the Client Area, open Domains > My Domains and select the domain. Use the applicable registrar-lock or authorization-code option if offered; otherwise ask support for the procedure for that extension. For a tag-based transfer, obtain the exact destination tag from the receiving provider. Start the transfer with that provider and monitor both providers' notices until completion. Do not cancel hosting or let the domain expire as a transfer method.
If the transfer is stuck
- Check the exact domain, request status and any rejection message. Where a code is required, confirm it with the current provider; ask about replacement if it is expired or rejected. Do not repeatedly submit the same failed request.
- Check the registrant email, spam folder and current provider's dashboard for required approvals.
- Removing a customer-controlled lock does not remove registry or policy restrictions. Generic domains can face 60-day restrictions after registration, a previous transfer or a change of registrant. Some registrars allow an opt-out before a registrant change; ask which rule applies.
- For many generic extensions, the losing registrar has five calendar days to respond after receiving the registry request, normally with default approval if it does not respond. This does not start when you place the order.
Extensions such as .be, .uk and .nl have their own procedures and timing. There is no universal 14-day cancellation deadline or rule banning every transfer within seven days of expiry. Ask about renewal or redemption before proceeding. Unrelated unpaid services are not a blanket reason to deny a generic-domain transfer.
Keep DNS, website and email working
Save the nameservers and DNS zone; confirm whether the old provider will keep DNS active. Prepare replacement DNS and coordinate DNSSEC before changing nameservers. A transfer lock does not itself suspend DNS. For an outage, use DNS troubleshooting after a transfer. For transfer help, send support the domain, current provider, request date and exact error, without passwords or authorization codes.
