Domain Transfer-In Process Overview

Modified on: Mon, 15 Sep, 2025 at 9:06 PM

Transferring your domain into HighLevel lets you manage registration, renewal, DNS, and product connections (email, sites, client portals) all in one place. This overview of domain transfer explains the full transfer-in workflow, including eligibility, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Eligibility & Prerequisites
Transfer-In Workflow
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions

Domain transfer-in may not be enabled on all accounts. If you do not see the option for domain transfer, please contact support to have it enabled.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

Before you start, confirm that your domain meets industry requirements and is ready for domain transfer:

Domain is older than 60 days (ICANN rule).
Domain is unlocked at your current registrar.
WHOIS privacy protection is turned off.
DNSSEC (if enabled) is disabled.
You have access to the EPP/Auth code from your registrar.
Your contact email is correct in WHOIS, since transfer approval emails will be sent there.

Transfer-In Workflow

Step 1: Start Transfer

In your location, navigate to Settings > Domains & URL Redirects > Domains Tab > Purchase/Transfer Domains Button > Transfer-In Domain Button.

Enter the domain name you want to transfer and click the Continue button.

Step 2: Eligibility Check

The system runs an eligibility check to confirm ICANN requirements.

If the domain is eligible for transfer you can continue with the transfer process.

Domain Transfer-in Step 2 Eligibility Check

Step 3: Review and Save DNS Records

Export your DNS zone file from your current registrar.

You can upload a DNS zone file directly into the transfer tool, or manually verify records.

This ensures your site and email records remain intact during the move.

Domain Transfer-In Step 3 Review DNS Records

Step 4: Finalize Transfer

Unlock Domain and Get Auth Code

Double check all of the conditions.

Click the Confirm and Finalize Transfer button to begin the process (there is no way to undo it after this step).

Domain Transfer-In Step 4 Finalize Transfer

Step 5: Approve In-Progress Transfer

You’ll receive an email at your WHOIS contact address (or a registrar panel prompt).

Approve the transfer to authorize the move.

If you don’t receive the email, check spam or verify your WHOIS contact info.

Click the Refresh Transfer Status button to see if the Transfer Status changes (typically takes 5-7 days).

Domain Transfer-In Step 5 Approve Transfer

Step 6: After the Transfer

Verify DNS records: make sure your domain points correctly to sites, funnels, or email.

Reconnect products:

Email sending domains
Website/funnel domains
Client portal or white-label login domains

Set up auto-renew (recommended).

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Auth code rejected → Double-check with registrar, request a new code.

Transfer email not received → Verify WHOIS contact email; check spam/junk folders.

Domain locked → Ensure registrar lock is fully removed.

Transfer takes longer than 7 days → Some registrars delay releases; check status in your current registrar’s panel.

Website/email downtime → Verify DNS records were imported correctly.

See the Troubleshooting section in Connecting Your Domain on GHL - A Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does transferring in a domain cost?

You’ll be charged for a 1-year renewal, added to your existing expiration date.

Q: Can I transfer in all domain extensions?

Most common TLDs (.com, .net, .org, etc.) are supported. Certain country-code TLDs may not be.

Q: What if I want to transfer out later?

You can unlock your domain and obtain an Auth code to transfer out to another registrar (see [Domain Transfer Out guide]).

Domain Transfer