Transferring a Domain to Hover

A domain transfer moves a domain name from one registrar to another — the registration itself simply continues under its new registrar. This article walks new and existing customers through preparing for a transfer into Hover, submitting it, troubleshooting common issues, and the slightly different process for .UK domains.

What You'll Need From Your Current Registrar

Before you can transfer a domain into Hover, you need two things from your current provider: the domain unlocked, and its transfer authorization code (also called an EPP or auth code).

Note: Most providers cut off access to their nameservers once a transfer starts. If you rely on your current provider's nameservers for custom DNS records — for website hosting or email, for example — prepare your domain before transferring, or you may lose service until the transfer completes.

Before you begin

• Unlock your domain with your current registrar. Most registrars require this before releasing a transfer authorization code.
• Get your domain's authorization (EPP) code from your current registrar — you'll enter it during checkout.
• Review your current registrar's transfer-away instructions, since the unlock and code-request process varies by provider. A few examples: GoDaddy, Enom, Ionos, and Network Solutions. If your registrar isn't listed, contact their support team directly.

Step 1: Start the Transfer

1. Go to Hover's transfer page, enter the domain name you want to transfer, and select the white arrow to search. Pricing for transfers is listed on Hover's domain pricing page.
2. On the results page, check the transfer cost and eligibility. A green checkmark means the domain is eligible — select Add to cart. (A blue star next to a domain name means it's a premium domain; the registry, not Hover, sets premium pricing, which may differ from standard transfer pricing.)
3. Search for and add any additional domains, then select Proceed to cart.
4. Enter your domain's authorization code and select Submit. Once it's verified, select Secure checkout.
5. Select Sign in to an existing account, or select Create an account and enter the required details.
6. Enter your full name and address as you'd like them to appear on the domain's registration records, then select Continue. If you're signed in, Hover fills this in from your account defaults. Make sure this information is accurate — it determines who has control over the domain.
7. Add your billing information (credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay), or select a saved payment method if you're signed in.
8. Check the box to agree to the Hover Terms of Service, then select Submit order.

Step 2: Wait for the Transfer to Complete

• Transfers typically take five to seven days.
• You can ask your current registrar to expedite the transfer — some will accommodate this.
• Some registrars require you to approve the transfer by email before it can complete.

Troubleshooting a Failed Transfer

• Domain is locked. Unlock it with your current registrar.
• Domain is too new, or you haven't been with your current registrar for 60 days. ICANN's 60-day change-of-registrant lock applies — you'll need to wait it out.
• Authorization code is invalid. Check for extra spaces, especially if you copied and pasted it.
• Domain is in redemption status or expired.
• There's an unresolved domain dispute. Consult your current registrar.

Transferring .UK Domains

.UK domains are registered with Nominet, which uses a different transfer mechanism than most TLDs. Instead of an authorization code, the losing registrar needs to change the domain's registrar (IPS) tag before the transfer can start. Hover supports several .UK domain levels, including second-level .UK and third-level .CO.UK, .LTD.UK, .ME.UK, .NET.UK, .ORG.UK, and .PLC.UK.

1. Contact your current registrar and ask them to change the domain's registrar tag to TUCOWS-CA. Most providers cut off nameserver access as soon as a transfer starts, so if you rely on your current registrar's nameservers for custom DNS records (hosting, email, etc.), contact us before requesting the tag change.
2. Once the TUCOWS-CA tag is applied, contact Hover Customer Support to initiate the transfer. If you're calling internationally, try a landline — cellular connections can sometimes have trouble reaching our support line.

Next steps

• Know what to expect if you ever move this domain away from Hover — see Transferring Your Domain Away From Hover.
• Expect to update contact info after the transfer? Review Registrant Verification — it may apply if your gTLD's contact details change post-transfer.

Questions? Contact Hover Support.