How Domain Transfer (EPP) Codes Work
 
Transferring ownership of a domain name can feel confusing — especially when transfer codes, approvals, and emails are involved. This page explains what EPP codes are, when they’re used, and how to safely send or receive a domain without downtime or disputes.
 
What Is an EPP (Transfer) Code?
An EPP code (also called an authorization code or transfer key) is a secure, randomly generated code used to authorize the transfer of a domain from one registrar to another. It acts as proof that the current domain owner has granted permission for the domain to move.

Important:
An EPP code does not transfer ownership by itself. It only allows a transfer to be requested.
 
How Sending a Domain Transfer Works (Current Owner)
If you currently own a domain and want to transfer it to another registrar:

Step 1: Unlock the domain
Domains are locked by default for security. Unlocking simply allows a transfer request to be made.

Step 2: Generate the EPP (transfer) code
The code is generated inside your registrar’s domain settings.
Generating a code does not start a transfer.

Step 3: Share the code securely
Send the code to the person or organization receiving the domain.
Best practice: Generate the code only when the transfer is ready to begin.

Step 4: Approve the transfer email
Once the code is used at the new registrar, an approval email is sent to the registrant/admin email on file.
Approving this email is what actually allows the transfer to complete.

How Receiving a Domain Transfer Works (New Owner)
If someone has sent you an EPP code, follow these steps to receive the domain.

Step 1: Start the Transfer at Your Chosen Registrar
To receive a domain, you’ll need to initiate the transfer at a domain registrar — the company that will manage the domain going forward.

A registrar is the service that officially registers and controls the domain with ICANN. It is not the same thing as a website builder or email provider (though some companies offer multiple services).

Examples of common domain registrars include:

• Google Domains
  Known for a clean interface and simple pricing. Often chosen by organizations already using Google Workspace or Gmail.

• Cloudflare Registrar
  Popular with developers and organizations that prioritize security and performance. Domains are offered at cost, and Cloudflare DNS is required.

• Namecheap
  A long-standing registrar with competitive pricing, free WHOIS privacy, and broad compatibility with third-party hosting providers.

• GoDaddy
  One of the largest registrars globally. Widely recognized, though pricing and upsells vary by plan.

• Squarespace Domains
  Domains can also be transferred into Squarespace if you want to manage your domain and website in the same platform.

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What happens at this step
At your chosen registrar, you will:

1. Select “Transfer a domain”

2. Enter the domain name

3. Paste the EPP (transfer) code provided by the current owner

4. Pay the transfer fee (this usually includes a one-year renewal)

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At this point:

• The transfer is requested, but not completed

• The domain still remains with the original registrar

• No ownership change has occurred yet

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Step 2: Wait for transfer approval
After the transfer request is submitted, an approval email is sent to the registrant/admin email address currently listed for the domain.
Only the person with access to that email address can approve the transfer.

Step 3: Transfer completes
Once the transfer is approved — or once the automatic approval window expires — the transfer completes.
This is the moment when:

• Registrar control officially changes

• Ownership updates

• The domain is no longer managed by the previous registrar

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Important Things to Know About EPP Codes

• EPP codes expire or become invalid

• Generating a new code invalidates old ones

• Codes are single-use

• Codes are not tied to a specific email or registrar

• Having a code does not mean you own the domain

Only registrant approval completes a transfer.

Common Misunderstandings (and the Truth)

“If I have the code, I own the domain.”
→ False. Ownership changes only after approval and completion.

“Generating a code starts the transfer.”
→ False. It only prepares for a transfer.

“The domain leaves the registrar immediately.”
→ False. It stays with the original registrar until the transfer completes.

“Anyone with admin access can transfer ownership.”
→ False. Only the registrant email can approve the transfer.

Best Practices for Smooth Transfers

• Confirm who controls the registrant email before starting

• Generate EPP codes only when ready to use them

• Use the code promptly (within 24–72 hours if possible)

• Avoid changing ownership or locking settings mid-transfer

• Keep DNS settings unchanged during the transfer to prevent downtime

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In Plain English
An EPP code allows a transfer to be requested — not completed. Ownership only changes when the current owner approves the transfer and it finishes processing.