Domain transfer made easy

Domain transfer is the process of moving your domain name from one registrar (domain provider) to another. Your web address stays the same, but the company that manages your DNS settings, billing and contact details changes.

When you transfer domain names to Wix, Wix becomes your domain host. You then manage your DNS records, renewals and ownership details directly from your Wix account.

You usually can’t transfer a domain within 60 days of registering it because of ICANN’s “60‑day domain lock” policy. This security measure helps prevent fraud and unauthorized domain moves between registrars.

During this 60‑day period, your registrar locks the domain so you can’t change who owns or controls it. In most cases, you can still update DNS or connect the domain to a different site, but you’ll need to wait until the lock ends before you can carry out another domain name transfer.

The cost of a domain transfer usually includes paying for one extra year of registration at the standard domain price for that extension. When you transfer a domain to Wix, you pay for at least one additional year, and any time left on your current registration is added on top—you don’t lose it.

The exact price depends on your domain’s TLD (the ending, like .com, .net, .org, etc.) and any promotions or vouchers available in your account. You’ll always see the final amount at checkout before you confirm the transfer.

You can’t complete a domain transfer entirely for free because registrars require you to at least pay for the price of extending the domain itself. That renewal is what keeps your domain active at the new registrar.

To transfer a domain to Wix, first unlock it with your current registrar and get your authorization (EPP) code. Then start the transfer from your Wix account. Once it’s approved, the domain transfer can take up to 8 days to complete and your billing and DNS move to Wix.

In short, you need to:

• Check that your domain isn’t in a 60‑day lock period

• Request your authorization (EPP) code from your current registrar

• Enter your domain, paste the authorization code, then complete your payment and contact details

To see exactly how to transfer a domain step by step, follow this Help Center guide on transferring a domain purchased elsewhere to Wix.

To transfer a domain name to another person you either move it to their registrar account or update ownership details, depending on your current registrar’s rules. The new owner usually has to approve the change from their side.

In general you should:

• Confirm the domain is active and unlocked

• Check your registrar’s instructions for changing ownership

• Request and securely share the authorization code if a registrar‑to‑registrar move is needed

• Ask the new owner to start the transfer with their registrar and approve any confirmation emails they receive

If you both use Wix, you may be able to move the domain between your Wix accounts directly—either by transferring a domain you bought from Wix to the other person’s account, or by removing an externally purchased domain from one Wix account and reconnecting it to another—without transferring it to a different registrar. If you don’t already own a domain, you can search for a domain and find the perfect option for your site.

An EPP code, also called an authorization code, is a unique password your new registrar needs to approve a move. You always get this code from your current registrar before starting any domain transfer.

To receive the EPP, log in to the account where your domain is currently registered and open that domain’s settings. Look for an option like “Get EPP code” or “Get authorization code.” In many cases the authorization code is sent to the registrant email on file. If you can’t find it, contact your registrar’s support and ask them to provide or resend the authorization code.

A domain transfer usually takes up to 8 days. The exact timing depends on your current registrar, whether your domain is unlocked, and how quickly you confirm any approval emails.

When you transfer a domain to Wix, we send you an email after we receive your transfer request. As long as your domain is eligible and the authorization code you entered is correct, the transfer typically completes within the standard 8‑day window, without you needing to do anything else.

Your site doesn’t need to go down during a domain transfer. As long as your DNS records stay the same while the transfer is in progress, visitors should be able to reach your site as usual.

Your business email can keep working during and after a domain transfer as long as your DNS records still point to the same email provider. Transferring the domain doesn’t automatically move your email service with it, and it doesn’t change your email address.

In many cases, you can transfer an expired domain, but it depends on your current registrar and the domain extension (TLD). Some registrars let you transfer a domain during the grace period right after it expires, but block domain transfers once the domain enters redemption or is about to be deleted.

If your domain has expired, the safest option is to renew the domain with your current registrar first, wait until it shows as active again, and then start the transfer to your new registrar. If you’re not sure about your domain’s exact status, contact your current registrar or check the domain with a WHOIS lookup before you begin the transfer.

Before you move your domain to another registrar, there are a few important limitations to keep in mind:

• New registrations or recent owner‑detail changes may trigger a 60‑day transfer lock

• Some domain extensions can’t be transferred to Wix yet

• Certain premium or special‑status domains may not be eligible to move, only to connect

• Your domain must be active, unlocked and have a valid authorization code

• Domains in redemption or pending delete status are usually blocked from transfer

Checking all of this in advance helps your transfer go through smoothly on the first attempt.

You can check the status of your move from your registrar’s dashboard. When you move a domain to Wix, the Domains section in your Wix account shows whether the request is pending, in progress, completed or failed.

You also receive emails at key steps, like when we get your request or if an action is required from you. If the move seems stuck for more than 8 days, contact your current registrar or Wix support with your domain name and any recent emails so we can help investigate.