How can a novice transfer a domain name? What are the methods?

Before diving into the domain name transfer process, let's first understand the transfer rules. As the domain name holder, you have certain rights, including the right to transfer your domain name to another registrar or registrant. If you wish to transfer a domain name, there are several important rules you need to be aware of.

The first rule is that a domain name cannot be transferred to a new registrar or registrant within 60 days of changing the registered name holder or administrative contact information. Some registrars may, at their discretion, offer an option to opt out of this 60-day lock period. However, this rule is for your protection, and registrars are not required to offer this option. If your ultimate goal is to transfer the domain name, you may consider completing the transfer process before changing your contact information.

Also, a registrar may choose to deny transfer requests submitted within the first 60 days of a domain name's initial registration or within 60 days of the last transfer. Before registering a domain name, you should carefully review the registrar's terms and conditions to understand your options. If you own a registered domain name but are unsure of your registrar's practices, you can contact your registrar for more information.

The second rule is that to initiate a domain transfer request, you must be the registered name holder or administrative contact for the domain. This rule applies to transfers to both registrars and registrants and is designed to prevent unauthorized transfers. This is why it's crucial to keep your contact information up to date.

Now that you understand the transfer rules, let's review the domain transfer process so you know the next steps.

To initiate a transfer, contact the registrar to which you want to transfer the domain, also known as the "gaining registrar," which is your domain registrar.

The gaining registrar will then send you an authorization form, to which you must confirm your authorization and intent to transfer and respond. If you do not respond, the transfer will not proceed. Once authorization is provided, the gaining registrar will process the transfer request.

You will then receive an email from your current registrar asking you to confirm the transfer. This may seem like duplication, but it's done to prevent unauthorized transfers of your domain. Once you confirm with your current registrar, the gaining registrar will complete the transfer, which takes approximately five days.

To transfer a domain name to another registrant, you can initiate a Change of Registrant by contacting your current registrar. Your registrar will then request confirmation of the change through a secure mechanism (usually an email sent to the registered name holder). You must confirm this within the time specified by the registrar (no more than 60 days), or the transfer will not proceed. Once the registrar receives your confirmation, they will process the transfer and notify you and the new registrant when the transfer is complete.