Separate a transfer from a migration
A domain transfer changes the provider managing its registration. A website migration moves its files or application to another host. One does not necessarily require the other. Identify where your website, email and DNS run before requesting a transfer.
Check that you can authorise the transfer
Ensure you have access to the domain account and registrant email. Many generic domains use an authorisation code, also called an Auth-Code or EPP code, and may need their transfer lock removed. Do not share the code publicly or with people who are not managing the transfer.
Review locks, timing and domain status
Generic domains may have 60-day transfer restrictions following registration, a previous transfer or certain registrant changes. Country-code domains may follow different procedures. Check the specific status early; do not wait until the last day. A domain in redemption needs additional attention.
Preserve the technical configuration
Save nameservers and website and email records. Check whether your previous registrar keeps DNS service after a transfer; if not, prepare a zone elsewhere before changing delegation. Review DNSSEC where applicable and coordinate with your hosting administrator.
Verify the result
After the transfer, check the registrar, expiry date, DNS and account access. Test your website and both incoming and outgoing email. Any registration-period extension and its price depend on the extension and domain status. Check Vertona’s price and ask for help when requirements are unclear.
Reference: ICANN: generic domain transfer FAQs. Check your extension’s requirements.