What are disadvantages?

Transferring a domain can be confusing. Also, there is no guarantee that new registrar will be any better than old one. Again, remember that domain registration is not something that you should need to deal with very often (if you are like most people) so it may not be worth effort to change.

Can any domain be transferred?

Yes, any domain registered with any registrar may be transferred to any other registrar.

What does a registrar do?

The registrar manages your domain name. They maintain security and structures that make domain work.

Does changing registrars have any effect on ownership?

No. When you change registrars you are only changing managers. You still retain ownership.

Are there reasons why a domain may not be transferred?

Yes. Some of these are listed below.

- The domain name is in a legal dispute of some kind. - The identity of domain name holder is in dispute or unknown. - The domain name holder is in bankruptcy. - The domain has only been with registrar for 60 days. - The registrar refuses to transfer for other reasons.

How is a domain transferred?

This varies from registrar to registrar. Some require a notarized form to be delivered to them, others can do it using a web site form. How long does process take?

The registrar will usually take five to ten days to review and validate request. Once it has been validated and put into action, it will take a couple of days for change to filter through internet.

Will web site associated with domain be accessible during change?

Yes. This normally does not effect access to your web site. The registrar is changed, not web site address and other information.

In some instances worse things happen. You could receive an email in your inbox, for example, making same claim: your domain is about to expire. Click on a link and you've given (unknowingly) permission for your domain to be transferred. A few days later you might discover your web site not working, your email turned off and your domain information completely unavailable.

This is called "domain name slamming", and it is named after practice that some highly unethical long distance phone companies employ. These companies will, at least provocation, change your phone company to themselves. You could cash a check, return a post card or use any number of other means to "give permission" to change. Some of most unethical companies have been known to just change your service without even asking.

The moral of story? Keep good records of where your domain names are registered. If you do get an email or a letter, go directly to your domain registrar's web site and renew domain yourself. Don't click anything in email, respond or send back a letter. Just go to web site and renew. This way you can be sure you understand exactly what is happening, and this way you can be positive that nothing else is occurring.

And oh yes, stay away from those registrars who engage in this practice. At least, that's my humble advice. I find whole tactic unethical in extreme, and personally, I will go to extremes to not do business with any registrar who slams.