How to Transfer Your Domain to DreamHost (Complete Registrar Transfer Guide)

Transferring your domain registration to DreamHost consolidates your hosting and domain management in one place, simplifying account management and potentially saving money. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire domain transfer process, from preparation to completion.

Important distinction: This guide covers domain registration transfer (moving your domain registrar), not pointing a domain to DreamHost hosting. If you want to keep your domain registered elsewhere but host your website on DreamHost, see our guide on pointing domains to DreamHost.

Understanding Domain Transfers

What Is a Domain Transfer?

A domain transfer moves your domain registration from your current registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) to DreamHost's domain registration service. Your domain ownership doesn't change—only the company managing your registration.

What Transfers During the Process

Transferred:

• Domain registration management
• Domain renewal billing
• DNS zone file settings (usually)
• Domain privacy/WHOIS protection (may need reconfiguration)

NOT transferred:

• Website files and content
• Email accounts and messages
• Hosting service
• SSL certificates

Note: After transferring your domain registration to DreamHost, your website hosting remains wherever it currently is until you separately migrate your website files.

Why Transfer Your Domain to DreamHost?

Benefits of consolidation:

• Simplified management – Control hosting and domains from one dashboard
• Unified billing – Single invoice for hosting and domain renewals
• Better support – One company handles both services
• Potential cost savings – Competitive domain pricing
• Free WHOIS privacy – Domain privacy protection included

Reasons to keep domains separate:

• Better prices elsewhere – Some registrars offer lower renewal rates
• Specialized domain management – Dedicated registrars may offer more DNS features
• Risk diversification – Keeping eggs in different baskets
• Existing multi-year registration – You've already paid for several years ahead

Money-saving tip: Before transferring, compare domain renewal prices on Namr. You may find better long-term pricing at specialized domain registrars. DreamHost domain transfers include a 1-year extension, but subsequent renewals may cost more than dedicated registrars.

Transfer Requirements and Eligibility

Before initiating a transfer, verify your domain meets these requirements:

Transfer Eligibility Checklist

✅ Domain is at least 60 days old (since initial registration) ✅ Domain hasn't been transferred in the last 60 days ✅ Domain is unlocked at current registrar ✅ You have access to the authorization code (EPP code/transfer key) ✅ Domain contact email is accessible and current ✅ Domain is not expired (or recently expired within redemption period) ✅ No registrant contact changes in the last 60 days ✅ No active legal disputes involving the domain

ICANN 60-Day Transfer Lock

ICANN policy requires a 60-day lock on domain transfers after:

• Initial domain registration
• Previous domain transfer
• Registrant name change
• Registrant organization change
• Registrant email address change

Why this exists: The lock prevents unauthorized transfers following ownership changes, protecting domain owners from theft.

Planning ahead: If you're changing registrant information, wait to do so until AFTER transferring to avoid adding 60 days to your timeline.

Domain Extensions Eligible for Transfer

DreamHost accepts transfers for most common domain extensions:

Supported TLDs:

• .com – Most common, fully supported
• .net – Fully supported
• .org – Fully supported
• .info – Fully supported
• .biz – Fully supported
• .us – Fully supported
• Many country-code TLDs (ccTLDs)

Contact DreamHost support to verify eligibility for less common extensions like .io, .ai, .co, or specialized TLDs.

Not transferable: Some country-code domains have restricted transfer processes or can't be transferred to DreamHost. Verify before beginning.

Domain Transfer Costs and Timeline

Transfer Pricing

Domain transfers to DreamHost include a 1-year extension of your registration. You're essentially paying for one year of registration renewal as part of the transfer process.

DreamHost domain transfer costs (2025):

• .com – $15.99 (includes 1-year extension)
• .net – $15.99 (includes 1-year extension)
• .org – $15.99 (includes 1-year extension)
• .info – $15.99 (includes 1-year extension)
• .biz – $15.99 (includes 1-year extension)

Price comparison tip: DreamHost's transfer price is competitive but not the cheapest. Compare prices on Namr to see if other registrars offer better long-term value, especially for renewals beyond the first year.

What's included:

• 1-year registration extension
• Free WHOIS privacy protection
• Free DNS management
• Free email forwarding
• Free domain locking

What costs extra:

• Website hosting (separate service)
• Premium DNS features
• Additional years beyond the 1-year extension

Transfer Timeline

Typical transfer duration: 5-7 days Maximum duration: 10 days Minimum duration: 3 days (if expedited by current registrar)

Transfer timeline breakdown:

Day 1: Initiate transfer at DreamHost Day 1-2: Authorization code verified, transfer request sent to current registrar Day 2-7: Current registrar sends transfer confirmation email Day 2-7: You approve transfer (or it auto-approves after 5 days) Day 5-7: Transfer completes, domain active at DreamHost

Expediting transfers: Contact your current registrar to manually approve the transfer immediately rather than waiting for the automatic approval period.

Step-by-Step: Transfer Your Domain to DreamHost

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain at Current Registrar

Before initiating the transfer at DreamHost, prepare your domain at your current registrar.

Unlock Your Domain

Domains are typically locked to prevent unauthorized transfers. You must unlock the domain before transferring.

Generic unlock process:

1. Log into your current registrar's control panel
2. Navigate to domain management
3. Select the domain you want to transfer
4. Find the domain lock or transfer lock setting
5. Change status to Unlocked
6. Save changes

Registrar-specific instructions:

• GoDaddy: Domain Settings → Domain Lock: Off
• Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Sharing & Transfer → Transfer Lock: Unlock
• Google Domains: My Domains → Domain name → Settings → Transfer out → Unlock
• Bluehost: Domains → My Domains → Manage → Domain Lock: Unlock

Obtain Authorization Code

The authorization code (also called EPP code, transfer key, or auth code) is a unique password that authorizes the transfer.

Generic process:

1. In your registrar's domain management area
2. Select the domain
3. Look for Authorization Code, EPP Code, or Transfer Code
4. Click Get Auth Code or Email Auth Code
5. Save the code securely (you'll need it during transfer)

Registrar-specific locations:

• GoDaddy: Domain Settings → Additional Settings → Transfer domain away from GoDaddy → Get authorization code
• Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Sharing & Transfer → Auth Code → Get EPP Code
• Google Domains: My Domains → Domain name → Settings → Transfer out → Get authorization code
• Bluehost: Domains → My Domains → Manage → Transfer → Get EPP Code

Security note: Treat the authorization code like a password. Anyone with this code can transfer your domain.

Verify Contact Email Address

Transfer approval emails are sent to the registrant contact email listed in your WHOIS information.

Verify and update email:

1. Check your domain's WHOIS information
2. Verify the registrant email address is current and accessible
3. Update it if necessary (but note: this triggers a 60-day transfer lock)

Check WHOIS data: Visit who.is or whois.net and enter your domain to see current contact information.

Disable WHOIS Privacy Temporarily (Sometimes Required)

Some registrars require disabling WHOIS privacy before transferring. This exposes your contact information temporarily.

Check if required:

• Most modern transfers work with privacy enabled
• If transfer fails, try disabling privacy and re-initiating

Re-enable privacy: After the transfer completes at DreamHost, re-enable WHOIS privacy (included free).

Step 2: Initiate Transfer at DreamHost

Now that your domain is prepared, initiate the transfer at DreamHost.

Access the Transfer Page

1. Log into your DreamHost panel
2. Navigate to Domains → Registrations
3. Click the Transfer a Domain Registration to DreamHost button

Alternative path: Directly visit the transfer page via Domains → Domain Registrations → Transfer to Us tab.

Enter Domain Name

1. In the domain name field, enter the domain you want to transfer (e.g., example.com)
2. Multiple domains: Enter one domain per line to transfer multiple domains simultaneously
3. Click Request Transfer or Continue

Enter Authorization Code

1. On the next screen, enter the authorization code you obtained from your current registrar
2. Double-check the code for accuracy (common mistake: copying extra spaces)
3. Click Continue or Next

Fill in Registrant Contact Information

Provide the registrant (owner) contact information for the domain:

Required information:

• First Name and Last Name
• Organization (optional for personal domains)
• Email Address (must be accessible for verification)
• Phone Number
• Address, City, State/Province, Postal Code, Country

Important: This information must match your WHOIS records to avoid transfer delays. Use accurate, current information.

Review and Pay

1. Review your transfer order summary
2. Verify the domain name, pricing, and contact information
3. Review the transfer agreement and terms of service
4. Enter payment information (credit card or PayPal)
5. Click Process Transfer or Complete Order

Payment note: The transfer fee is charged immediately, even though the transfer takes several days to complete.

Step 3: Verify Email Address (If Required)

Within a few minutes of initiating the transfer, you'll receive an email to verify your email address.

Email subject: "Email Verification Required for Domain Transfer"

1. Open the email from DreamHost
2. Click the verification link
3. Confirm your email address

Why this happens: ICANN requires email verification to prevent fraudulent transfers.

Step 4: Approve Transfer at Current Registrar

Your current registrar will send an email to the registrant contact email asking to approve or reject the transfer.

Email subject: "Domain Transfer Requested" (varies by registrar)

Email includes:

• Domain name being transferred
• New registrar (DreamHost)
• Instructions to approve or deny
• Warning that transfer auto-approves after 5 days

To expedite the transfer:

1. Open the email from your current registrar
2. Click the Approve Transfer link
3. Confirm approval

Auto-approval: If you take no action, most registrars automatically approve transfers after 5 days. However, manually approving expedites the process.

Rejecting transfers: If you didn't initiate this transfer or changed your mind, click Reject Transfer immediately to cancel.

Step 5: Wait for Transfer Completion

After approval, the transfer completes within 24-48 hours.

During this period:

• Your website remains online (no downtime)
• DNS settings remain unchanged
• Email continues functioning normally
• Domain remains accessible

No action required from you during this phase.

Step 6: Transfer Completion Confirmation

When the transfer completes, you'll receive a confirmation email from DreamHost.

Email subject: "Domain Transfer Complete"

The email confirms:

• Successful transfer to DreamHost
• New expiration date (extended by 1 year)
• Login information for managing the domain

Next steps:

1. Log into your DreamHost panel
2. Verify the domain appears under Domains → Registrations
3. Check the expiration date (should be extended by 1 year)
4. Configure domain settings as needed

Step 7: Post-Transfer Configuration

After the transfer completes, configure your domain settings.

Re-enable WHOIS Privacy

DreamHost includes free WHOIS privacy. Enable it to protect your personal information:

1. Go to Domains → Registrations
2. Click Edit next to your domain
3. Under WHOIS Privacy, toggle to Enabled
4. Click Save Changes

Privacy protection: This replaces your personal contact information with proxy information in public WHOIS databases.

Verify DNS Settings

Transfer processes usually maintain DNS settings, but verify they're correct:

1. Go to Domains → Manage Domains
2. Click DNS next to your domain
3. Review DNS records
4. Verify A records point to your website's IP address
5. Verify MX records point to your email server

If hosting elsewhere: Make sure DNS still points to your current hosting provider. Transfers don't change hosting—only registration.

Configure Auto-Renewal

Prevent accidental expiration by enabling auto-renewal:

1. Go to Domains → Registrations
2. Click Edit next to your domain
3. Enable Auto-Renew
4. Ensure payment method is current
5. Click Save Changes

Why auto-renew matters: Domain expiration can take your website offline and, in worst cases, allow someone else to register your domain.

Lock Your Domain

Protect against unauthorized transfers by locking your domain:

1. Go to Domains → Registrations
2. Click Edit next to your domain
3. Enable Transfer Lock
4. Click Save Changes

Security best practice: Keep domains locked unless actively transferring to another registrar.

Troubleshooting Common Transfer Issues

Transfer Rejected by Current Registrar

Possible causes:

• Domain is locked
• Incorrect authorization code
• Domain within 60-day transfer lock period
• Outstanding balance with current registrar
• Registrant contact email doesn't match

Solutions:

1. Verify domain is unlocked at current registrar
2. Double-check authorization code (request new one if needed)
3. Verify domain eligibility (60+ days old, no recent changes)
4. Pay any outstanding balances
5. Update registrant contact information to match

Transfer Pending for More Than 7 Days

Possible causes:

• Waiting for manual approval
• Email not received or overlooked
• Technical issue at current or new registrar

Solutions:

1. Check spam/junk folder for approval email
2. Log into current registrar to manually approve transfer
3. Contact current registrar to expedite approval
4. Contact DreamHost support to check transfer status

Authorization Code Not Working

Possible causes:

• Code copied incorrectly (extra spaces, wrong characters)
• Code expired (some registrars expire codes after 30 days)
• Domain status changed since code was generated

Solutions:

1. Request a new authorization code from current registrar
2. Copy the code carefully, avoiding extra spaces
3. Verify domain is still unlocked
4. Try pasting the code into a text editor first to check for hidden characters

Transfer Failed with "Invalid Domain" Error

Possible causes:

• Domain extension not supported by DreamHost
• Premium domain requiring special handling
• Domain in "redemption period" after expiration
• Domain has registry lock applied

Solutions:

1. Verify DreamHost supports your domain extension (contact support)
2. Renew expired domains before attempting transfer
3. Contact current registrar to remove registry locks
4. For premium domains, contact DreamHost support for assistance

Website Went Down After Transfer

Cause: DNS settings didn't transfer correctly or were reset to DreamHost defaults.

Solutions:

1. Check DNS settings in DreamHost panel
2. Update A records to point to your current hosting provider's IP address
3. Update MX records to point to your email provider
4. DNS changes take 4-48 hours to propagate globally

Prevention: Screenshot DNS settings before transferring so you can restore them if needed.

Email Stopped Working After Transfer

Cause: MX records weren't transferred or were reset during transfer.

Solutions:

1. Go to Domains → Manage Domains → DNS
2. Verify MX records point to your email provider:
   • Google Workspace: ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM (priority 1)
   • Microsoft 365: yourdomain-com.mail.protection.outlook.com
   • DreamHost email: mx1.dreamhost.com and mx2.dreamhost.com
3. If missing, add the correct MX records
4. Wait 4-24 hours for DNS propagation

Check your email provider's documentation for exact MX record values.

Transfer vs. Pointing: What's the Difference?

Many users confuse transferring a domain with pointing a domain. They're different processes for different purposes.

Domain Transfer (This Guide)

What it does: Moves domain registration from one registrar to another Changes: Registrar, billing, management control Doesn't change: Website hosting, website files, email Typical cost: $10-20 (includes 1-year extension) Duration: 5-7 days Reversible: Yes (transfer to another registrar)

Use when:

• You want to consolidate domain and hosting management
• You prefer a single bill for both services
• Your current registrar has poor support or high renewal fees

Pointing a Domain (Different Process)

What it does: Updates DNS to point your domain to DreamHost hosting Changes: DNS nameservers or A records Doesn't change: Domain registrar, billing Typical cost: Free Duration: 4-48 hours (DNS propagation) Reversible: Yes (update DNS back)

Use when:

• You want to host with DreamHost but keep domain registered elsewhere
• You have better domain pricing at current registrar
• You prefer separating domain registration from hosting

Learn more: See our guide on how to point your domain to DreamHost for detailed DNS configuration instructions.

Best practice: Compare long-term costs before deciding. Use Namr to check if your current registrar offers better renewal pricing than DreamHost. If so, pointing may be more cost-effective than transferring.

Should You Transfer or Just Point Your Domain?

Transfer Your Domain to DreamHost If:

✅ You want simplified management with everything in one place ✅ You're unhappy with your current registrar's support or interface ✅ DreamHost's renewal pricing is competitive with your current registrar ✅ You value consolidation and single billing ✅ You plan to host with DreamHost long-term

Keep Domain at Current Registrar and Point DNS If:

✅ Your current registrar has significantly cheaper renewal rates ✅ You prefer separating domain and hosting for risk management ✅ Your domain has specialized DNS needs better handled by current registrar ✅ You've already pre-paid multiple years with current registrar ✅ You might switch hosting providers in the future

Cost comparison example:

*Google Domains sold to Squarespace in 2023, pricing may have changed

Savings over 5 years: Keeping your domain at a low-cost registrar like Porkbun saves $29.24 compared to DreamHost, even accounting for the transfer fee.

Use Namr to compare current pricing across all major registrars and make an informed decision based on total cost of ownership, not just year-one pricing.

After Transfer: Managing Your Domain at DreamHost

Domain Management Features

Once your domain is at DreamHost, access these management features:

Available in DreamHost panel:

• DNS management – Add, edit, delete DNS records
• WHOIS privacy – Free privacy protection
• Auto-renewal – Prevent accidental expiration
• Transfer lock – Security against unauthorized transfers
• Nameserver changes – Point to external DNS providers
• Contact information – Update registrant details
• Authorization codes – Generate for transfers out

Setting Up Email with Your Transferred Domain

DreamHost offers email hosting for domains registered with them:

Email hosting options:

• DreamHost Email – $1.67/month per mailbox
• Google Workspace – Starting at $6/user/month (via DreamHost)
• External email – Point MX records to any email provider

Set up DreamHost email:

1. Go to Mail → Manage Email
2. Click Create New Email Address
3. Enter desired email address
4. Set password
5. Click Create Account

Hosting Your Website on DreamHost

If you transferred your domain to consolidate services, you likely want to host your website on DreamHost too.

Website migration options:

• Manual migration – Transfer files via FTP
• WordPress migration plugin – Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration
• DreamHost migration service – Professional assistance (fee may apply)

See our comprehensive guide: How to Migrate Your Website to DreamHost for detailed migration instructions.

Transferring Your Domain Away from DreamHost

If you later decide to move your domain to another registrar:

1. Unlock domain in DreamHost panel
2. Obtain authorization code from DreamHost
3. Initiate transfer at new registrar
4. Approve transfer via email
5. Wait 5-7 days for completion

Note: Standard 60-day ICANN lock applies—you can't transfer within 60 days of transferring to DreamHost.

Domain Transfer Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth transfer:

Before initiating transfer:

• Domain is at least 60 days old
• No transfers in the last 60 days
• No registrant contact changes in last 60 days
• Domain is unlocked at current registrar
• Authorization code obtained and saved
• Registrant email is accessible
• Current DNS settings documented (screenshot)
• No outstanding balance with current registrar
• Domain is not expired

During transfer:

• Transfer initiated at DreamHost
• Authorization code entered correctly
• Payment processed
• Email verification completed
• Transfer approval email received
• Transfer approved at current registrar

After transfer:

• Transfer confirmation email received
• Domain appears in DreamHost panel
• Expiration date extended by 1 year
• WHOIS privacy enabled
• DNS settings verified and correct
• Website is accessible
• Email is functioning
• Domain locked for security
• Auto-renewal enabled

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my website go down during the transfer?

No. Domain registration transfers don't affect your website hosting. Your website remains online throughout the transfer process. However, if DNS settings are disrupted, you may experience temporary downtime—always document your DNS settings before transferring.

How long does a domain transfer take?

Typical transfers complete in 5-7 days, though they can finish in as little as 3 days if both registrars process quickly. The maximum duration is 10 days. You can expedite by manually approving the transfer at your current registrar.

Can I cancel a domain transfer in progress?

Yes. Contact your current registrar immediately and reject the transfer approval email. If the transfer hasn't been approved yet, it will be cancelled. After approval, cancellation becomes more difficult—contact both registrars.

Will I lose time on my current registration?

No. Domain transfers automatically extend your registration by one year from the current expiration date. If your domain expires in 2026, it will expire in 2027 after the transfer.

Do I need to update nameservers after transfer?

Usually not. Nameserver settings typically transfer with your domain. However, verify your nameservers after transfer completes to ensure they're pointing to the correct location (either DreamHost or your hosting provider).

What happens if my domain expires during transfer?

Renew your domain before initiating transfer. Expired domains in "redemption period" often can't be transferred and may incur recovery fees. Ensure your domain has at least 2 weeks before expiration when starting a transfer.

Can I transfer multiple domains at once?

Yes. DreamHost's transfer page accepts multiple domain names (one per line). Each domain transfers independently, but processing multiple transfers simultaneously saves time.

Is domain transfer refundable?

DreamHost's 97-day money-back guarantee applies to hosting, not domain transfers. Domain registration fees (including transfers) are generally non-refundable. Only transfer if you're certain.

Conclusion: Successfully Transfer Your Domain to DreamHost

Transferring your domain to DreamHost consolidates your hosting and domain management, simplifying account administration and potentially reducing costs. The process is straightforward when you follow these steps carefully.

Key takeaways: ✅ Prepare thoroughly – Unlock domain and obtain authorization code first ✅ Verify eligibility – Ensure domain meets 60-day requirements ✅ Document DNS settings – Screenshot current DNS before transferring ✅ Act promptly – Approve transfer emails quickly to expedite the process ✅ Verify after completion – Check DNS, WHOIS privacy, and auto-renewal settings ✅ Compare costs – Use Namr to ensure DreamHost offers competitive renewal pricing

Alternative option: If DreamHost's domain renewal pricing isn't competitive with your current registrar, consider pointing your domain to DreamHost hosting instead of transferring. This gives you the best of both worlds—DreamHost's solid hosting with the lowest domain costs available.

Ready to transfer? Log into your DreamHost panel and begin the transfer process today. With this guide, you'll have your domain at DreamHost within a week.

Need to compare domain costs first? Visit Namr to compare renewal pricing across 20+ registrars before committing to a transfer. Making an informed decision saves money over the long term.