Registrant Transfers

How do I transfer my domain name to another registrant?

You will need to contact your registrar of record, who will require you to fill out a form asking you to provide details of the transfer and other relevant information. If you don’t know who your registrar is, you can find out by doing a WHOIS search at www.ausregistry.com.au.

In accordance with the Transfers (Change of Registrant) Policy (2011-03) , the registrar must:
a)    receive a completed transfer form containing the text approved by auDA at Schedule A of the policy;
b)    check that the proposed new registrant is an eligible entity; and
c)    obtain confirmation of the request for transfer from the current registrant contact.

Please contact your registrar for further information and assistance.

Why does a registrant transfer involve a new two year licence?

A registrant transfer involves transferring the domain name to a different person or entity (eg. with a different ABN or ACN), and therefore a new two year licence applies.

What is the fee for a registrant transfer?

auDA does not set a fee for registrant transfer. Similar to domain name licence fees, the fee for a registrant transfer varies depending on the registrar of record. The fee charged by the registrar includes a new two year licence fee, plus administrative costs determined by the registrar. Currently, we understand that administration fees for registrant transfers range from approximately $0 to $300.

Is there a way to do a registrant transfer without any fees involved?

As mentioned in the previous question, registrant transfer fees are nevertheless determined by the registrar. We are aware that some registrars impose administration fees on registrant transfers, and some registrars do not impose any administration fees. 

You do not have to process a registrant transfer through your current registrar of record. It is permissible to transfer your domain name to another registrar first (at no cost), and then process the registrant transfer through the new registrar.

As with domain name registration, you are free to ‘shop around’ and compare fees and/or negotiate for a better rate.

Do I need to get approval or authorisation from auDA for a registrant transfer?

No. Registrant transfers are handled by the registrar of record.

However, auDA reserves the right to investigate any registrant transfer for breach of policy. Where either the current or new registrant has breached auDA policy, or otherwise acted in bad faith in order to transfer a domain name licence, auDA reserves the right to reverse the transfer or to cancel the domain name licence and delete the domain name.

How long does a registrant transfer take?

This will depend on the registrar you are registered with. Some registrars have a streamlined and mostly automated process, while others use a manual process which could take longer. Once the registrar has submitted the transfer command to the registry, the transfer will go through immediately. Please contact your registrar for more information about their processing timeframes.

Why do I have to transfer – can’t I just update the registrant contact details instead?

No. Simply updating the registrant contact details creates a potential risk for both the registrant and prospective registrant, as it means that the registry database will not reflect the true owner of the domain name.

What is the difference between a ‘registrant transfer’ and a ‘correction to registrant details’?

A ‘registrant transfer’ occurs when one registrant transfers (or 'sells') their domain name to another eligible entity. A new two year licence will be issued to the new registrant once the transfer is complete and the domain name will be registered in the name of the new registrant with their contact details.    

On the other hand, a ‘correction to registrant details’ occurs when a registrar changes the name of the registrant as listed in the registry database in order to correct an error made at the time of registration. This does not involve a transfer of domain name licence and does not result in a new two year domain name licence being issued.

Circumstances under which a registrar may process a correction to registrant details include:

(a)    where the registrar or the registrant submitted incorrect data at the time of registration (eg. to correct a misspelling of the registrant’s name);

(b)    where the domain name was incorrectly registered to the wrong party (eg. the domain name was registered in the name of a company employee instead of the name of the company, or the domain name was registered to the wrong entity within a group of related entities);

(c)    where the domain name was incorrectly registered in the name of the reseller or other agent who arranged the registration; and

(d)    where otherwise authorised by auDA.