Domain Names:Transfer a domain name to Alibaba Cloud

Pre-transfer checklist

Complete the following checks to confirm that your domain is eligible for transfer to Alibaba Cloud: 

Procedure

1. Migrate DNS service

   A domain transfer only changes your registrar (the platform where the domain is managed). It does not modify the DNS records, which map the domain name to your website or email server.

   However, if your current registrar also provides DNS hosting, it may disable the DNS service as soon as it receives a request to transfer the domain out.

   To reduce the risk of website or email downtime during the transfer, consider migrating DNS service to Alibaba Cloud DNS before domain transfer.

2. Create a registrant profile

   A registrant profile contains the domain owner's contact information, including their name, address, and email. On the Registrant profiles page, create a profile that matches the current registrant information. You need this profile for verifying ownership later in the transfer process.

   Note

   When transferring a .cn domain to Alibaba Cloud, you must select a CNNIC profile that has completed identity verification. Otherwise, you cannot request the transfer. For details, see Create a CNNIC profile.

3. Obtain an authorization code

   Obtain an authorization code (also known as a transfer key, transfer code, or EPP code) from your current registrar. Use WHOIS Lookup to identify your registrar, then contact them to get the code.

   For guidance on getting the authorization code from some popular registrars, refer to the following links: GoDaddy | Cloudflare | AWS | Dynadot | Porkbun

   Note

   If your current registrar refuses to provide the authorization code, you can file a complaint:

   • For .cn domains, email supervise@cnnic.cn or call 010-58813000.

   • For international domain names, fill out the Transfer Complaint Form.

   The validity period of an authorization code is determined by the registrar. You must initiate the transfer before the code expires.

4. Request the transfer

   1. Log on to the Domain Transfer page. Enter a domain and its authorization code per line, separated by a space. Then, click Submit.

      You can add up to 50 domains at a time.

      

   2. Select a registrant profile and click Next.

   3. Review the order amount and click Pay. The amount is typically a one-year renewal fee.

      Note

      After you pay for the transfer, the system automatically verifies your authorization code to begin the transfer. The order is valid for 15 days from the payment date. If the transfer is not completed within this window due to a failed domain name review or an incorrect authorization code, the order is canceled and refunded.

5. Check the transfer status

   The domain transfer process typically takes 5 to 7 business days. You can check the transfer status, submission time, and other details on the Transfer-in page. When the status shows Transfer-in Succeeded, the domain is transferred to Alibaba Cloud.

Cancel a domain transfer

You can cancel a domain transfer to Alibaba Cloud and receive a refund during two specific windows:

• After your payment is successful but before the authorization code is verified.

• Within 5 days (120 hours) after the authorization code has been verified.

To cancel the transfer, go to the Transfer-in page, click the domain you are transferring, and cancel the request. The fee will be refunded.

Billing

• Billing item: While the domain transfer itself is free, ICANN requires a one-year renewal upon transfer for most TLDs. Therefore, the fee is typically a one-year renewal fee for your domain.

• Pricing: Prices vary by TLD. You can find them in the Transfer column on the Domain Prices page. For some premium domain names, the final price is shown at checkout.

For example, if your domain's original expiration date is August 1, 2024, and you pay a one-year renewal fee during the transfer, then the expiration date is extended by one year to August 1, 2025.

FAQ

Why did I fail to transfer a domain to Alibaba Cloud?

Common reasons for transfer failure:

• The domain name is locked by the current registrar (The status code is not ok or active).

• The authorization code is incorrect or expired.

• The domain does not meet all pre-transfer conditions in the checklist.

Refer to FAQ about domain transfers to troubleshoot.

Why wasn't my domain's expiration date extended after I paid the transfer fee?

This issue usually occurs when a domain is transferred within 45 days of its most recent renewal at the previous registrar. According to ICANN policy, this operation can void the previous renewal. Wait at least 45 days after renewing before you transfer a domain.

How can I reduce the 5-to-7-day transfer waiting time?

After you submit and pay for the transfer request, log on to the losing registrar's console. In the domain transfer management section, manually approve the outgoing transfer request. This can reduce the waiting time to less than an hour.

What is a registrant profile? Why do I need to create one?

A registrant profile is your identity record as a domain registrant at Alibaba Cloud, which includes your name and contact information. Registry and regulatory policies require every domain to be associated with a verified registrant. You must select a registrant profile in the transfer process.

If the current registrant is Person A, can I select a profile for Person B during the transfer? Does domain ownership transfer to Person B upon approval?

Yes, you can select the registrant profile for Person B, and the domain ownership will also transfer to Person B. However, to ensure a smooth transfer, use a profile that matches the current owner's information. You can change the registrant after the transfer is complete.