Understanding the Difference Between Account Changes and Transfers
A domain name account change moves a domain name from one account to another, with the same registrar. A domain name transfer transfers a domain name from one registrar to another.
When to Use an Account Change
Use an account change in the following situations:
- You want to move your domain name to another account with your current registrar. For example, you sold your domain name to someone who has an account with your current registrar.
- You need to change the domain name contact's email address and don't have access to the account where the domain resides. For example, the account containing the domain name belongs to a former employee.
If you have access to the account — Initiate a domain name account change through the Domain Manager. For more information, see Moving a Domain Name Out of Your Account.
If you do not have access to the account — Complete the Request for Change of Account/Email Update Preparation Form. For more information, see Submitting a Change of Account/Email Update Form.
When to Use a Transfer
Use a domain name transfer in the following situations:
- You sold your domain name to another person who uses a different registrar.
- You switched registrars and want to transfer your domain names to the account with them.
Transferring a domain name takes up to seven days.
To transfer a domain name to us from another registrar, start the process in your account here. For more information, see Transferring Domain Names to Us.
If you want to transfer a domain name from us to another registrar, the process starts at the new registrar. See Transferring Domain Names to Another Registrar for more information.
