Domain Renewal and Transfer
Domain is the only single point of failure that cannot be quickly replaced. An expired domain can be taken over by competitors. Domain transfer without a plan — risk of hours of downtime.
Domain Renewal
Set up auto-renewal at the registrar — mandatory. Additionally:
- Set reminders 60, 30, 14 days before expiration
- Ensure up-to-date payment information on account
- Keep WHOIS contact information current
If domain expires — most registrars have Grace Period (30 days): you can renew at regular price. Then Redemption Period (30 days): you can reclaim it for additional fee ($50–200). After that, domain goes to auction.
Domain Transfer: Step by Step
Requirements before transfer:
- Domain registered more than 60 days ago
- Domain renewed through at least the end of transfer (or transfer adds +1 year)
- Domain unlocked at current registrar
- Get Auth Code (EPP Code) from current registrar
1. Unlock transfer: current registrar → Lock: Off
2. Get Auth Code: current registrar → Transfer Out → Get Auth Code
3. Initiate transfer at new registrar: Transfer Domain → enter domain + Auth Code
4. Confirm transfer via email of administrative WHOIS contact
5. Wait: 5–7 business days
DNS Transfer (Without Domain Transfer)
If changing only DNS hosting (e.g., from hosting to Cloudflare):
1. Cloudflare → Add Site → Import DNS records automatically
2. Verify all records transferred (A, CNAME, MX, TXT)
3. Lower TTL of all records to 300 seconds in advance
4. At registrar: change NS-servers to Cloudflare NS
5. Wait for propagation: 15 min – 24 hours
DNS Propagation Check
# From different resolvers
dig @8.8.8.8 mysite.com A
dig @1.1.1.1 mysite.com A
dig @208.67.222.222 mysite.com A # OpenDNS
# Via web: dnschecker.org, whatsmydns.net
Domain Protection
- Domain Lock (Transfer Lock) — always on, except during transfer
- DNSSEC — protection against DNS spoofing
- Privacy Protection (WHOIS Privacy) — hides personal data
Domain renewal — 5–15 minutes. Organizing domain transfer — 1–2 business days with wait time.