Domain Transfer Process Explained

Domain transfers can seem complex and tedious at times. Please see below for a basic overview of how things work.
You should never transfer a domain prior to taking a backup of your data and then uploading the data to the new server.

Some background abbreviations and explanations.
The top level of DNS management is handled by the DNS Association for a particular domain. (OpenSRS / registry.net.za etc)
Registrar – This is the company that represents the client on the registry and manages the domain for the client. NOT THE OWNER.
Registrant – This is the owner of the domain. YOU.
EPP – Extensible Provisioning Protocol. (This is a client server protocol that deals with registering and administering domain names)
Domain – This is the actual name that represents your organization on the internet. It basically maps your name to a set of name servers.
Name Server – This is a server on the internet that contains a bunch of domain names and points these domain names to the actual servers that provide the services for this domain. For instance MX.
MX – Mail Exchange (a record on a Name Server that represents the email functionality of the organization)
TLD – Top Level Domain. (These are basically domains such as microsoft.com or google.com or yourdomain.co.za)
Domain Status – There are a couple of domain statuses that represent the current state of a domain. For instance, Locked, Closed redemption etc.

International TLD Domains

To transfer a domain to a new registrar the following flow is observed

1. The new registrar requests a transfer for a domain. (Basically it requests to start administrating this domain on behalf of the client)
2. The domain DNS association will sent approval requests to the current owner (if the domain status is not locked).
3. The current owner receives a request from the DNS association (OpenSRS) with instructions. (If no request is received, one of two things are likely).
   • The email address linked to current owner is not correct. (Check with current host what this email address is and make sure you can access these emails)
   • The domain is locked. (Ask the current host to unlock this domain)
   • Restart the transfer process.
4. The owner approves or declines the request and provides a EPP Authorization code for approval. (This EPP code is obtained from current registrar)
5. The domain transfers in 5 days to the new registrar.

DOMAIN POINTING

Co.za, .org.za, web.za (South African Domains)

To transfer a domain to a new registrar the following flow is observed

1. The new registrar requests a transfer for a domain. (Basically it requests to start administrating this domain on behalf of the client)
2. The domain DNS association will sent approval requests to the current owner (if the domain status is not locked).
3. The current owner receives a request from the DNS association (Registry.net.za) with instructions. (If no request is received, one of two things are likely).
   • The email address linked to current owner is not correct. (Check with current host what this email address is and make sure you can access these emails)
   • The domain is locked. (Ask the current host to unlock this domain)
   • Restart the transfer process.
4. The owner approves or declines the request (No EPP Authorization code applicable).
5. The domain transfers in minutes to the new registrar.

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