A domain transfer moves a domain's management from one registrar to OpenVista; a renewal simply extends its expiry date. Both operations start from the domain pricing page, but they follow different flows and have different requirements.
Transfer versus renewal
- Transfer: the domain changes registrar. The procedure is confirmed by the registrant and usually adds one year to the expiry date.
- Renewal: the domain stays with the same registrar and its expiry date moves forward by one period.
- Transferring a domain that is already registered with OpenVista makes no sense: use the renewal flow instead.
Requirements before a transfer
For international extensions, the registry generally blocks transfers during the 60 days following domain creation or a previous transfer. The domain must also be active, not expired and free of any open dispute. National extensions such as .ma follow specific registry rules: contact support before starting the procedure.
Unlocking the domain and getting the auth code
- Log in to your current registrar's dashboard.
- Disable the domain transfer lock.
- Request the authorisation code, also called the EPP or auth code.
- Check the registrant email address: it will receive the confirmation request.
- Make sure no invoice is pending at the current registrar.
Placing the transfer order
From the domain pricing page, choose the transfer option, enter the domain name and the authorisation code you obtained. The request triggers a confirmation email that must be approved promptly: an unconfirmed request eventually expires. A complete transfer usually takes several days while the old and new registrars synchronise the record.
Tracking the transfer and checking the result
The status is visible in your client area. Once the transfer completes, check the expiry date (it should include the added period) and the registered contacts. One point often forgotten: the DNS zone is not always transferred with the domain. If records were pointing to your website or your email, recreate them at the new registrar before changing name servers, otherwise the service stops.
Renewal and expiry notices
Renewal notices are emailed to the registrant contact before the expiry date. Enable automatic renewal so you do not depend on reading those messages, and keep a valid payment method on file. An expired domain may stay a few days in a grace period, then enter a redemption period that is more expensive and not guaranteed. Do not let the expiry date pass.
Transfer refused: common causes
- The domain is still locked at the current registrar.
- The EPP code is wrong, expired or has already been used.
- The confirmation request was not approved within the deadline.
- The domain was created or transferred less than 60 days ago.
- The registrant email address is outdated, so the confirmation is never seen.
