Overview
You can transfer a domain registration from one DreamHost account to another directly from the panel. The domain stays with DreamHost, and only the account that owns the registration changes. This article covers both panel entry points, the sender and receiver steps, bulk transfers, and what to know before you start.
The transfer takes two steps:
Sender — The current owner of the domain starts the transfer.
Receiver — The other account accepts the domain and becomes the new registration owner.
Background
The transfer process between DreamHost accounts is very similar to transferring a domain from an external provider. Please visit this article to learn more about this process.
What can I transfer between accounts?
You can transfer the following types of domains:
Domain registrations — Newly registered domains and locked domains can be transferred.
Domains with hosting on a different account — Only the registration transfers. Hosting and other services stay where they are, untouched.
Up to 10 domains at once — A bulk transfer can include domains across the same or different TLDs, all sent to the same receiving account.
How do I start a domain registration transfer?
You can start a transfer from either of the following panel entry points described below. Both use the same process.
The sender is the current owner of the domain registration and must initiate the transfer.
What is the difference between a site move and a domain transfer?
The Move Domain option in Manage Domains moves the domain registration between DreamHost accounts only. It does not include files or other site content.
To move both WordPress site files and the domain registration, use the site move tool at Manage Websites.
Manage Domains
Open the Manage Domains page.
Click the Manage button for the domain you wish to transfer. Up to 10 domains can be selected.
Select the Dashboard tab.
Click Move Domain under the Registrant section.
Enter the recipient's email address and click Continue.
This option transfers the domain registration only.
Manage Websites
Navigate to the Manage Websites page.
Click the Manage button to open Website settings, which allows you to modify various configurations for your site.
Click the Content tab.
On the Account-to-Account Site Move row, click the Start Move button.
Enter the recipient's email address and click Continue.
What happens next?
The panel generates a domain key. The receiver gets the key as a notification in the panel and by email.
The key is valid for 48 hours. If the receiver doesn't use it in that time, the sender has to restart the process .
Things to know before you start
Use the following list to confirm a transfer can go ahead.
Sending account — Only the primary account owner can start a transfer. Admin users can't. The sending account must be more than 30 days old. On newer accounts, the move button is grayed out, and hovering over it shows "Account not eligible. Please contact support."
Receiving account — Any account can receive a domain registration, whatever its age.
Domain status — Domains with an Expired or Redemption status can't be transferred between accounts. Ineligible domains are grayed out in the selection list and can't be added to a transfer.
Privileged accounts — Domains on privileged accounts can't be transferred using this process. The registration can be moved only by the account's primary owner,
Time to complete — A transfer takes up to 5 days. The domain key is valid for 48 hours after it's generated.
After the transfer — A 60-day lock applies. The domain can't be transferred between accounts again until the 60 days are up.
What fees apply when transferring between accounts?
The transfer is free. No payment is required.
Can international domains be transferred between accounts?
Some international domains can't be transferred using this process. For example, Most TLDs can be transferred, but .FR/Realtime Register is not enabled yet.
The receiving account should contact DreamHost support for further assistance.
How can I manage a transfer?
Review the following sections to learn more about how to manage a transfer.
Pending transfers
While a domain is being transferred, a banner showing the status appears at the top of the Manage Domains page.
Files and settings
WordPress files — WordPress files and configurations are transferred when using the Account-to-Account Site Move tool on the Manage Websites page.
Other types of files — DreamPress sites or other types of third-party CMS files won't transfer. DreamHost recommends either deleting this content first or moving them off your domain before initiating a transfer.
DNS-only and redirect domains — DNS-only settings transfer automatically. A redirect transfers only if it's the sole setting on the hosted domain in the sending account. Otherwise, delete the redirect in the sending account and add it again in the receiving account, or contact support for help with the transfer.
Canceling a transfer
To cancel, locate the transfer's status on the Manage Domains page and click Cancel. Both the sender and the receiving account can cancel a transfer while it has a Processing status.
How does the receiver accept the domain?
The receiver is the account that becomes the new registration owner.
Open the Manage Domains page.
A row appears at the top prompting you to move the domain to your account.Click the Continue button.
The Domain Move page opens.Paste the Domain Move Key received from the sender.
Fill in the domain registration contact information.
Click the Confirm button complete the transfer.
FAQs
Can I transfer multiple domains to different receiving accounts at once?
No. A bulk transfer sends all selected domains to the same receiving account.
What happens if one domain in a bulk transfer fails?
The remaining domains continue and complete successfully. The failed domain must be re-attempted separately.
Will all domains in a bulk transfer finish at the same time?
No. Each domain completes its process independently. The bulk option only combines the requests into a single submission.
