Overview
Domain transfers are a frequent support topic and come in several forms — transferring in to 123 Reg, transferring out to another registrar, and transferring between two 123 Reg accounts. Each has a different process and different things to watch out for. Always advise customers to back up their DNS zone file before initiating any transfer.
⚠️ DNS records, custom configurations, and webmail accounts do NOT transfer with the domain. Always advise the customer to download their DNS zone file BEFORE initiating any transfer.
DNS Zone File Backup — Always Do This First
Before any transfer begins, advise the customer to back up their DNS zone file from their current provider:
- At 123 Reg: Client Area > DNS section > top right dots > Import/Export Zone > Export
- After transfer completes, import the zone file via the same menu to restore all records
- This prevents the customer losing all their DNS configuration after the transfer
Transferring IN to 123 Reg
.co.uk and UK Domains
- The customer's current registrar must change the IPS tag to 123-REG
- Once the IPS tag is changed, the transfer happens quickly — usually within a few hours
- No EPP/authorisation code is needed for .co.uk domains
- Transfer includes a 1-year renewal regardless of remaining validity
.com, .net and Other Extensions
- Requires an EPP code (also called an authorisation code or transfer code) from the current registrar
- Customer initiates transfer from the 123 Reg domain transfer page: https://www.123-reg.co.uk/domain-names/transfer/
- Transfer typically takes 5 to 7 days
- Transfer includes a 1-year renewal
💡 If the transfer seems stuck, check that the domain is not locked at the current registrar. Most registrars have a transfer lock that must be disabled before a transfer can proceed.
Transferring OUT from 123 Reg
.co.uk and UK Domains
- Customer changes the IPS tag to match their new registrar's tag
- Path: Client Area > My Domains > Manage next to domain > scroll to bottom > Transfer to another registrar
- Alternatively via: https://dcc.123-reg.co.uk/control/transfers
- IPS tag change speeds up the process significantly for .co.uk domains
.com, .net and Other Extensions
- Customer requests their EPP/authorisation code from 123 Reg
- They then provide this code to their new registrar to initiate the transfer
- Transfer typically takes 5 to 7 days
⚠️ If Domain Protection is active, the customer will need to verify with a security code before any transfer actions can be taken.
Transferring Between Two 123 Reg Accounts
This is free and straightforward but requires a specific process:
- The customer creates a new 123 Reg account (or uses an existing one)
- They initiate the transfer from the receiving account
- They will need the receiving account's email address and customer number
- The customer number is displayed in the top right corner of the Client Area when clicking the person-shaped icon
- DNS records do not carry over — advise zone file backup before proceeding
Domain Redemption — Expired Domains
If a domain has expired and entered the redemption period, standard transfer is not possible until it is recovered:
- Domains stop working immediately on expiry — there is no grace period
- 30-day window to renew before entering redemption
- Redemption status shows as: "pending delete", "redemption period", "server hold", "client transfer/delete/update prohibited"
- .co.uk redemption cost: £54.99+VAT fee + £18.99+VAT renewal = £73.98+VAT total
- Other extensions: £61.99+VAT redemption fee + standard renewal fee
- After redemption period: 60 to 90 days before domain is deleted and available publicly
⚠️ Cancelling or refunding a domain results in immediate deletion. The customer must then wait 60 to 90 days before the domain becomes available for registration again. Always warn clearly before proceeding.
Domain Protection and Transfers
Ultimate Domain Protection adds an extra layer of security around transfers:
- Requires verification codes before any high-risk actions including transfers
- Sends alerts for unauthorised transfer attempts
- Provides an extra 90 days grace period if the domain accidentally expires
- Hides personal details on WHOIS databases
- Runs automatic blacklist checks
💡 Always pitch Domain Protection when a customer is transferring a domain, especially if it is a valuable business domain or the customer has previously had security concerns.
What We Cannot Do
- We cannot host domains registered elsewhere on our hosting — they must transfer the domain first
- We cannot use 123 Reg nameservers for domains registered elsewhere — provide A records instead
- We do not offer a domain selling or brokerage service — direct customers to Afternic for domain sales
- We do not offer a backorder service for domains registered with other providers — only for domains already with us
- We cannot issue domain ownership certificates — direct customers to TXT record verification instead
Common Pitfalls
- Not advising DNS zone file backup before transfer — customer loses all DNS records
- Telling customer DNS records carry over with the domain — they do not
- Trying to process a transfer on an expired domain without recovering it first
- Forgetting to warn customer that cancelling a domain results in immediate permanent deletion
- Not checking for Domain Protection before attempting transfer actions
- Confusing IPS tag change (.co.uk) with EPP code process (.com/.net)