How to Transfer Your .co.za or .com Domain to PalmHost.
How to Transfer Your .co.za or .com Domain to PalmHost
Consolidating your web assets is a smart business move. When your domain registration and your web hosting are managed under a single provider like PalmHost, you reduce administrative complexity, simplify renewal billing, and centralise your technical support. This guide will walk you through transferring your existing domain to us.
It is important to note that the transfer process varies significantly based on your domain extension (TLD). Transfers for South African domains (.co.za) are typically faster and do not require security codes, whereas generic international domains (.com) involve more formal ICANN-regulated security procedures.
Prerequisites for a Smooth Transfer
Before you initiate a transfer, ensure you have these items ready:
- Account Access: You must have administrative login access to your current registrar's portal.
- Administrative Email: Ensure the email address associated with your domain's WHOIS data is current and accessible, as you will need to approve the transfer.
- Domain Maturity: Most international (.com) domains cannot be transferred if they were registered or previously transferred within the last 60 days.
Transferring a .co.za Domain
South African domains are managed differently than international extensions. There is no EPP (Authorization) code required for .co.za transfers; instead, the process relies on the gaining registrar submitting a "transfer request" to the ZACR (ZA Central Registry), which the registrant must then confirm.
Step 1: Place the Transfer Order
Visit the PalmHost website and navigate to the domain transfer page. Select .co.za, enter your domain, and complete the order. Once the order is placed, our system will automatically send an official transfer request to the ZACR.
Step 2: Confirm via Registry Email
The ZACR will send an automated email to the administrative contact email address associated with your domain. This email contains a secure link. Click the link to approve the transfer. Without this confirmation, the transfer will remain pending.
Step 3: Successful Migration
Once approved, the ZACR typically processes the transfer within a few hours. The domain will then appear in your PalmHost Client Portal.
Transferring a .com Domain (Requires EPP Code)
International .com domains require an EPP code—often called an Auth Code or Transfer Key—to prove that you are the authorised owner. This prevents unauthorised parties from "hijacking" your domain.
Step 1: Unlock Your Domain
Log in to your current registrar's portal. Find the "Domain Locking" or "Registrar Lock" status and set it to Unlock or Disable. A locked domain cannot be transferred.
Step 2: Request Your EPP/Auth Code
Look for an option labeled "Get Auth Code", "Request EPP Code", or "Transfer Authorization". Your current registrar will display this code or email it to you. Copy this string precisely—it is case-sensitive.
Step 3: Place the Order
On the PalmHost domain transfer page, select .com and enter your domain. You will be prompted to paste the EPP code. Submit the order. Our system will immediately begin the ICANN-mandated transfer process.
Step 4: Respond to the Verification Email
You will receive a verification email at your administrative address. This is a mandatory ICANN security step. Click the link to confirm the transfer request.
Important Considerations
Transferring a domain does not change your nameservers. If you want your website to point to your PalmHost server immediately, you should update your nameservers either at your old registrar before the transfer, or at PalmHost immediately after the transfer is complete.
If you are planning a migration to our high-performance managed hosting environment, we are happy to assist with the entire process. If you face any issues—such as a domain being "locked" or an EPP code being rejected—please navigate to our contact us page and open a support ticket. We will guide you through the process, ensure your domain stays secure, and help you get your assets consolidated safely under your PalmHost account.