How to Transfer Your Domain to Hostking
Transferring your domain to Hostking consolidates your domain and hosting in one place, making everything easier to manage from a single account. The process is the same regardless of which registrar you're currently with.
Important: Domain transfers cannot be initiated if the domain is less than 60 days old or was recently transferred. See: Why Can't I Transfer My Domain? The 60-Day Lock Explained
Before You Start
You will need:
- Access to your current registrar's control panel
- Your domain's EPP code (also called the authorisation code, auth code or transfer key)
- Your domain must be unlocked at your current registrar
- Your WHOIS contact email must be accessible — a confirmation email will be sent there
Step 1 — Unlock Your Domain
Log into your current registrar and find your domain management settings. Look for Domain Lock, Registrar Lock or Transfer Lock and disable it. If you cannot find this setting, contact your current registrar's support team and ask them to unlock the domain for transfer.
Step 2 — Get Your EPP / Authorisation Code
While still in your current registrar's control panel, request your EPP code. This is usually in the domain management or security settings, or can be emailed to you on request. Keep this code ready for Step 3.
Step 3 — Start the Transfer at Hostking
- Log into my.hostking.host
- Click Domains in the top menu
- Click Transfer a Domain
- Enter your domain name and click Check Transfer
- Enter your EPP/authorisation code when prompted
- Complete checkout
Step 4 — Approve the Transfer
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email at your WHOIS contact address. Click the approval link to authorise the transfer. Your current registrar may also send a separate confirmation request.
Transfer time: .com, .net, .org typically complete in 5–7 days. South African .co.za domains typically transfer within 24–48 hours.
What Happens to My Website and Email During Transfer?
Nothing changes. The transfer only moves the domain registration — it does not affect your DNS, hosting or email. Everything continues working normally throughout.
Common Problems
"Domain is locked" error
Unlock the domain at your current registrar first — see Step 1.
"Invalid authorisation code"
The EPP code is wrong, expired or already used. Request a fresh one from your current registrar.
Approval email never arrived
Check spam. If your WHOIS email is outdated, update it at your current registrar first — note this may trigger a new 60-day lock.
Transfer taking longer than 7 days
Open a support ticket at my.hostking.host with your domain name and we'll check the status.
Need Help?
Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.
