Have you ever tried to move a domain name to a new registrar but hit a brick wall and wondered what you were missing?

The secret could be an EPP code. When you get your EPP code right, the domain transfer is like handing over car keys. 

An EPP code is not just a middleman during domain transfer. It is also a shield that guards your domain from vicious attacks and illegal transfers.

In this guide, you will explore the essence of an EPP code and learn why and how to manage it to avoid compromising your domain. Dive in and let’s break it down.

What is an EPP Code?

EPP is the abbreviation of (Extensible Provisioning Protocol).

It is a unique authorization key needed for the transfer of a domain name from one registrar to another. Your EPP code is a critical security element that guards your domain from illegal transfers. 

An EPP code is also known as:

• Authorization code
• Transfer code

Why is an EPP Code Important?

This is why an EPP code is a critical part of domain name management: 

Preventing Unauthorized Transfer

An EPP code is a shield that ensures only the domain name owner or someone with administrative authority can approve a domain name transfer.

A domain name can experience hijacking, where malicious people try to steal ownership by transferring it to another registrar. 

Without an EPP code, registrars cannot proceed with a domain name transfer.

Domain Name Ownership Verification

If you want to do a domain name registration transfer, your current registrar must check the validity of the EPP code. 

In some cases, a registrar can add another layer of security by sending a confirmation email to the administrative authority. 

Scam Protection

Even when scammers fake support calls to con domain name owners to reveal security information, they cannot use the information to transfer the domain name without an EPP code. 

Enhances Secure Transfer

In addition to preventing scammers from succeeding in domain name hijacking, an EPP code also protects legitimate domain name owners from losing their domain name due to mistakes. 

Where To Get an EPP Code

Here’s where you can locate your EPP code: 

Registrar Account Dashboard

Domain registrars allow you to find the EPP code on the domain management panel. To get it, you can follow this process: 

• Log in to your account, like Namecheap, Truehost, or GoDaddy
• Go to my domains or domain management
• Choose the domain you want transferred
• Find the option to get EPP or an authorization code

Email From Registrar

Your registrar can send you the EPP code via email upon:

• Requesting a domain name transfer
• When the domain is authorized to transfer
• Requesting the code on the dashboard

Contact Support

Suppose you need your EPP code and can’t find it in the mail. You can contact live support. For example, Truehost has 24/7 chat support that is responsive within seconds. 

What To Do If You Don’t Receive Your EPP Code

What if you do not receive an EPP code after requesting one? Try this:

• Ensure your domain name is active and unlocked
• Regenerate a new EPP code
• Update the WHOIS email

How To Use an EPP Code For Transfer

You can transfer a domain name to another registrar using an EPP code through this process: 

Unlock Your Domain

Go to the registrar’s dashboard and select the domain you want to transfer. Toggle off the domain lock key. 

Some registrars, like Cloudflare, may require additional verification to unlock the domain. It is essential to follow the process required. 

Request the EPP Code

Once you are sure your domain is unlocked, you can request the EPP code. You can email your registrar or contact customer support to provide one for you. When asking for an EPP code, remember to confirm if your WHOIS email is up to date. 

Give the EPP Code To Your New Registrar

During the domain transfer, your new registrar will prompt you to enter the EPP code. To avoid mistakes, you can copy and paste the code. 

After providing your new registrar with the EPP code, follow the due process and make payment where applicable to ensure a complete transfer. 

Approve Transfer and Wait

The new registrar sends a transfer request, which you must approve for the process to be complete. Ensure to click approve within the required period to avoid redoing the process again. 

The typical wait period for a domain transfer is 5 -7 days. During the wait period, you can check the transfer page status. 

Troubleshooting Transfer Issues

You may encounter some problems during the domain name transfer. Here’s how you can troubleshoot some of them:  

Problem	Solution
Locked domain	Go to your old registrar’s dashboard and turn off the transfer lock
EPP code not yet received	Check your spam mail or contact live support
Rejected transfer	Confirm if the WHOIS details match
Website downtime	Point DNS to a temporary host before transfering

This is your checklist before performing a domain name transfer: 

• Disable registrar lock to unlock the domain
• Confirm the accessibility of the WHOIS email
• Back up the DNS records to avoid downtime
• Domain age should be 60+days old
• Do not share your EPP code

Can EPP Code be Compromised?

Yes. An EPP code can be compromised, and here’s how: 

• Through phishing emails that trick you into revealing the code
• Storing an EPP code in an insecure location
• Malware on your computer
• Social engineering tactics against your registrar

What Happens When EPP is Compromised?

If an unauthorized person has your EPP code, they can transfer your domain without permission. To prevent the compromising of your EPP code, do this: 

• Keep the code a secret and only accessible to trustworthy parties
• Store the EPP code securely
• Enable domain lock at your registrar
• Contact support if you suspect that your EPP code has been compromised 

Final Thoughts on EPP Code

Your EPP code is like a digital signature. Without it, no one can move your domain. It is the first line of defense and keeps your domain protected from hackers and malicious parties. 

Need to transfer your domain to a new registrar? It’s simple: unlock your domain, request an EPP code, send it to your new domain registrar, follow due process and make any needed payment, click to approve, then wait. 

Remember to guard your EPP code. 

Whenever you encounter a domain transfer issue, quickly check the WHOIS email status to confirm if your domain is locked.