Changing a domain owner (also known as domain transfer of ownership) is the process of updating the registered owner of a domain. This is necessary when selling a domain, restructuring a business, or transferring ownership between two entities.
Why Is It Important to Officially Change Domain Ownership?
- Legal Assurance – The new owner gains full control over the domain.
- Security – A proper transfer minimizes risks of disputes or unauthorized changes.
- Administrative Accuracy – Ensures updated billing and contact information with the registrar.
How to Change the Owner of a Domain?
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Verify Transfer Requirements with the Registrar
- Each registrar has its own procedure for domain ownership changes.
- Some domains have a lock period after registration or the last ownership change (e.g., 60 days).
- The domain must be active and not expired; otherwise, renewal is required before the transfer.
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Prepare Documentation and Obtain the Current Owner’s Consent
- Some registrars require a form to be completed for ownership change.
- For company-owned domains, a legal representative’s approval may be necessary.
- If the domain belongs to an individual, the new owner must verify their identity via email or other methods.
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Submit an Ownership Change Request with the Registrar
- Log in to the current registrar’s control panel.
- Look for the option Change Domain Owner and enter the new owner’s details.
- Most registrars require email confirmation from both the current and new owner.
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Verify the New Domain Owner
- After submitting the request, the registrar may send a verification email to the new owner.
- In some cases, SMS verification or another security method may be required.
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Complete the Domain Transfer
- Once confirmed, the new owner’s details will be updated in the WHOIS database.
- If the domain is linked to hosting or email services, DNS settings should be checked.
How Long Does It Take to Change Domain Ownership?
- .CZ domains – Usually within a few minutes to hours.
- .COM, .NET, .ORG domains – The process may take 1 to 5 days, depending on the registrar.
- Other country-specific domains – Some domains like .EU, .DE may have additional verification steps.
Common Issues When Changing Domain Ownership
- Transfer Lock Enabled – Some registrars automatically lock domains, requiring manual unlocking.
- Outdated Contact Email – If the current owner’s email is invalid, confirmation may not be possible.
- Missing Documentation – Some registrars require written approval for ownership changes.
How Much Does Changing Domain Ownership Cost?
- Most registrars offer free domain ownership changes.
- Some providers may charge an administrative fee (e.g., for premium domains or enhanced security features).
Changing the owner of a domain is a standard process that requires administrative approval from both the current and new owner. Most registrars offer a simple online transfer, but some domains may have additional verification requirements. Before transferring ownership, it’s essential to check the registrar’s policies, ensure contact details are up to date, and confirm any transfer restrictions.