Transferring a domain registration between DreamHost accounts

Overview

You can transfer (move) 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 moves, and what to know before you start.

The move takes two steps:

• Sender — The current owner of the domain starts the move.

• Receiver — The other account accepts the domain and becomes the new registration owner.

What can I move between accounts?

You can move the following types of domains:

• Domain registrations — Newly registered domains and locked domains can be moved, even though they cannot be transferred to another registrar provider.

• Domains with hosting on a different account — Only the registration moves. Hosting and other services stay where they are, untouched.

• Up to 10 domains at once — A bulk move can include domains across the same or different TLDs, all sent to the same receiving account.

How do I start a domain registration move?

You can start a move from either of the following panel entry points described below. Both use the same process.

What is the difference between a site move and a domain move?

The Move Domain option in Manage Domains moves the domain registration between DreamHost accounts only.

To move both WordPress site files and the domain registration, use the site move tool at Manage Websites.

Manage Domains

1. Open the Manage Domains page.

2. Click the Manage button for the domain you wish to move.

3. Select the Dashboard tab.

4. Click Move Domain under the Registrant section.

5. If you wish to move more than one domain, select the checkbox next to each domain, then select the checkbox to the left of each domain, and choose Domain Move in the Bulk toolbar.

6. Enter the recipient's email address and click Continue.

Manage Websites

1. Navigate to the Manage Websites page.

2. Click the Manage button to open Website settings, which allows you to modify various configurations for your site.

   • If in Grid view, click the Manage button at the bottom of the website box.

   • If in List view, click the Manage button at the far right of your domain name.

3. Click the Content tab.

4. On the Account-to-Account Site Move row, click the Start Move button.

5. Enter the recipient's email address and click Continue.

What happens next?

The panel generates a move key. The sender gets the key as a notification in the panel and by email. The sender is responsible for providing the key to the receiver.

The key is valid for 5 days. If the receiver doesn't use it in that time, the sender must restart the process.

Things to know before you start

Use the following list to confirm if a move can proceed.

• Sending account — Only the primary account owner can start a move.

• Domain status — Domains with an Expired or Redemption status can't be moved  between accounts with this feature at this time.

• Privileged accounts — Domains can't be moved by privileged users using this process. The registration can be moved only by the account's primary owner.

• Time to complete — Once processed by the receiver, the Domain Move is immediately completed. The domain key is valid for 5 days after it's generated.

• After the move — A 60-day lock applies. The domain can't be moved between accounts again or transferred to another registrar provider until the 60 days are up.

What fees apply when moving domain registrations between accounts?

The move is free. No payment is required.

Can international domains be moved between accounts?

All TLDs are supported except .FR at this time. If you need to move a .FR domain to another DreamHost account, please contact DreamHost support for assistance.

How can I manage a move?

Review the following sections to learn more about how to manage a move.

Pending moves

While a domain is being moved, a banner showing the status appears at the top of the Manage Domains page.

Files and settings

• Hosting and hosted data — Any hosting and hosted files won't move. DreamHost recommends either deleting this content first or moving them off your domain before initiating a move.

• DNS-only and redirect domains — DNS-only settings move to the receiver automatically. A redirect moves 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 move.

Canceling a move

To cancel, locate the move's status on the Manage Domains page and click Cancel. Both the sender and the receiving account can cancel a move while it has a Processing status.

How does the receiver accept the domain?

The receiver is the account that becomes the new registration owner.

1. Open the Manage Domains page.
   A row appears at the top prompting you to move the domain to your account.

2. Click the Continue button.
   The Domain Move page opens.

3. Paste the Domain Move Key received from the sender.

4. Fill in the domain registration contact information.

5. Click the Confirm button complete the move.

FAQs

Can I move multiple domains to different receiving accounts at once?

What happens if one domain in a bulk move fails?

See also

• Domain registration overview

• Transfer a domain registration to DreamHost

• Transfer a domain registration away from DreamHost