Check whether a domain can be transferred to a new registrar, and what is blocking it if not.
This checker asks the official WHOIS server for your domain's extension — for example whois.verisign-grs.com for .com and .net — over the standard WHOIS port 43, with an 8-second timeout so a slow server can never hang the page. If the registry's answer points at a registrar WHOIS server, the checker follows that one referral to get the fullest record available. It then reads four facts from the record: the creation date, the expiry date, the domain status lines, and the registrar, and applies the transfer rules to them.
Three things can block a transfer, and the verdict checks them in order. First, the ICANN 60-day rule: a newly registered domain, or one transferred within the last 60 days, cannot be transferred again until 60 days have passed since that registration or transfer. Second, the transfer lock: if any status line reads clientTransferProhibited or serverTransferProhibited, the current registrar is blocking transfers, and only the domain owner can remove that lock. Third, expiry: a domain expiring within 15 days is flagged with a warning, because a transfer in flight when expiry hits can fail — renewing first is usually the safer move. If none of those apply, the domain is transferable, and the "what to do next" list walks you through the unlock, auth code and admin-email steps.
Some records hide their dates. Privacy protection and registry redaction can remove creation and expiry dates from public WHOIS entirely. When that happens this tool says so plainly and gives a partial verdict based on what is visible — it never invents dates or guesses an age. In that case the current registrar's control panel is the only reliable source for the real dates, and the 60-day question can only be answered there. Extensions whose WHOIS server is not in the checker's map are also reported clearly rather than failing silently, so you always know whether the answer is complete or limited.
Under ICANN policy, a domain cannot be transferred to another registrar within 60 days of its initial registration, or within 60 days of a previous transfer. The rule exists to prevent domain theft after a registration or transfer. After the 60 days pass, the domain becomes transferable (assuming it is unlocked and not expired). Note that changing the registrant's contact details can also trigger a 60-day lock at some registrars unless you opt out where offered.
The auth code — also called an EPP code or transfer authorisation code — is a password for your domain, issued by your current registrar. You give it to the new registrar to prove you are authorised to move the domain. Keep it private: anyone with the code and access to the approval email can initiate a transfer. If you cannot find it, your current registrar's control panel or support can provide it once you are logged in.
Registrars lock domains by default as a security measure — the clientTransferProhibited status stops unauthorised transfers. It is normal and not a problem: the owner can remove it in the registrar's control panel in a few clicks. If the status reads serverTransferProhibited, the lock was set at the registry level (for example during a dispute), and only the registrar can lift it.
Typically, yes for generic extensions (gTLDs) such as .com, .net and .org: a completed transfer usually adds one year to the expiry date, and the transfer fee normally covers that year. This is typical, not guaranteed — some country-code extensions do not extend on transfer, and a transfer that fails or is rejected adds nothing. Check the gaining registrar's terms for your exact extension before paying.
Most transfers complete within 5–7 days. The losing registrar has up to 5 days to release the domain, and many release it immediately once the owner approves. Delays usually come from an unapproved confirmation email, a still-active lock, or a wrong auth code — all of which this checker helps you rule out first.
The checker will say so and give a partial verdict from the visible record (for example, it can still detect a transfer lock). It will not guess your domain's age or expiry. Log in to your current registrar to see the real dates, confirm the 60-day question there, and make sure the admin email forwards correctly before starting the transfer.
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