Guide to Transferring a Domain

When transferring a domain, you have two options:

1. Transfer both the domain and DNS to the LF (Preferred)

2. Transfer only the domain while keeping DNS at the current provider

Not sure which option is right for your project? Refer to the flowchart [CI] Onboarding a new Project's Domain

This document outlines the standard procedures for transferring your domain to the Linux Foundation, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal service interruption. We offer two primary options to suit your specific needs.

Option 1: Transfer both Domain Registration & DNS Hosting

This is the recommended approach for most projects, as it consolidates your domain registration and DNS management under the Linux Foundation, simplifying future administration.

Process Steps:

1. Preparation at Your Current Registrar:

   • Unlock Domain: Log in to your current domain registrar's control panel and ensure the domain status is set to "unlocked" for transfer.

   • Obtain Authorization Code (EPP Code): Request the domain transfer authorization code (also known as EPP Code or transfer key) from your current registrar. This code is essential for initiating the transfer.

   • Export DNS Zone File: Download the complete DNS zone file from your current registrar. This file contains all your current DNS records (e.g., A, MX, CNAME records) and is critical for ensuring continuous service for your website and email.

2. Initiation with The Linux Foundation:

   • Zone File Submission: Provide the exported DNS zone file to the Linux Foundation via your designated support ticket or through the Customer Portal (PCC UI). Our team will import this zone file into our DNS infrastructure before initiating the domain transfer.

   • Nameserver (NS) Update: The Linux Foundation will provide you with our designated Nameserver addresses. You will then need to update your domain's Nameservers at your current registrar to point to the Linux Foundation's Nameservers. This step is crucial for directing your domain's traffic through the Linux Foundation's DNS and is performed prior to the domain transfer initiation to prevent service interruptions. Our team will provide a copy of the imported DNS records for your verification before you make this change.

   • Linux Foundation Initiates Transfer: Once your Nameservers have successfully propagated and are pointing to the Linux Foundation, our team will formally initiate the domain transfer using the provided EPP Code. We will provide you with an estimated completion timeline at this stage.

3. Confirmation & Completion:

   • Approve Transfer Confirmation Email: You will receive one or more transfer confirmation emails from your current registrar (and potentially the domain registry). It is imperative that you promptly approve these emails to authorize the transfer. Failure to do so will result in the transfer being cancelled.

   • Transfer Completion: Domain transfers typically take 5-7 business days to complete, depending on the domain extension and the responsiveness of the losing registrar. The Linux Foundation will monitor the transfer status and notify you upon successful completion.

Option 2: Domain Transfer Only (DNS Remains with Current Provider)

This option transfers only the domain registration to the Linux Foundation, allowing you to retain DNS hosting services with your current or a third-party provider. This is suitable if you have complex DNS configurations managed elsewhere.

Process Steps:

1. Preparation at Your Current Registrar:

   • Unlock Domain: Log in to your current domain registrar's control panel and ensure the domain status is set to "unlocked" for transfer.

   • Obtain Authorization Code (EPP Code): Request the domain transfer authorization code (EPP Code) from your current registrar.

2. Initiation with The Linux Foundation:

   • Linux Foundation Initiates Transfer: Provide the EPP Code to the Linux Foundation. Our IT team will verify your current Nameserver provider to confirm that your DNS is not hosted by your previous registrar (or that you have made arrangements for DNS migration if it was). Since you are not transferring DNS services to the Linux Foundation, your Nameservers will remain unchanged throughout this process. The Linux Foundation will then formally initiate the domain transfer.

3. Confirmation & Completion:

   • Approve Transfer Confirmation Email: You will receive one or more transfer confirmation emails from your current registrar (and potentially the domain registry). It is imperative that you promptly approve these emails to authorize the transfer.

   • Transfer Completion: The domain transfer process typically takes up to 7 business days. The Linux Foundation will provide you with an estimated completion timeline and notify you upon successful transfer.

Key Considerations for All Transfers:

• DNS Propagation Time: If any DNS changes are made (specifically with Option 1 where Nameservers are updated), it can take 24-48 hours for these changes to fully propagate across the global internet. During this period, some users may still be directed to older DNS records.

• Domain Lock Period: Following a domain transfer, ICANN policy often imposes a 60-day lock period during which the domain cannot be transferred to another registrar. This is a security measure.

• Service Continuity:

  • Email Services: Ensure your email settings (MX records) are correctly replicated in the new DNS zone (Option 1) or remain correctly configured with your external DNS provider (Option 2).

  • Website Services: Verify that your website's A records and other relevant records are accurate in the new DNS zone or maintained by your external DNS provider.

• Contact Information: Ensure the administrative contact email address associated with your domain is current and accessible, as this is where crucial transfer confirmation emails will be sent.