1. Read your contract
Look for the minimum term, the notice period, any fee for leaving, and what it says about the domain and files. If you can't find your contract, ask the company for a copy in writing.
2. Find out who owns the domain
- For .uk addresses, such as .co.uk, try the Nominet lookup tool. Some owner details may be hidden.
- For .com and similar, the ICANN lookup shows which company the domain is registered with.
- Ask the company in writing who the registered owner is. Keep the reply.
3. Copy everything before you cancel
- Your email, if it runs on the same domain. This is the thing people most often forget.
- The website text, your photos and any files they will give you.
- A list of your domain settings, called DNS records. Your email depends on them.
- Access to your Google Business Profile and Search Console, in your own Google account.
4. Move the domain
.uk addresses
- Ask your current domain company first, as it should be able to move the domain for you.
- If it can't, you can do it yourself in Nominet Online Services. You log in with the admin contact email and pay a fee of £10 plus VAT. You'll need the new company's name or tag.
- If the domain is in the wrong name, you need a registrant transfer, which also costs £10 plus VAT through Nominet.
.com and similar addresses
- ICANN says moving your domain between companies is your right. Your current company must give you the transfer code, called an Auth-Code, within 5 calendar days of asking.
- A move can be refused in some cases, such as within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer, if money is owed, or if the domain is locked.
- Changing the owner's name, organisation or email can block a move for 60 days, so plan the order with your new company.
- Some companies may charge a fee for this service.
5. If they won't hand it over
Ask again in writing, quote your contract, and give a date. If the domain is registered in their name, your contract matters more than what you were told. If you still get nowhere, get legal advice. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
6. Keep your place on Google
If your website addresses change, the old ones should redirect to the new ones. Read how to rebuild a website without losing Google rankings.
Sources: The UK Domain, switching registrar, The UK Domain, registrant transfer, ICANN, transferring your domain.