A domain transfer is nothing but a domain registrar transfer, as it means the transfer of the name from one registrar to another. There was a time when all domain names were handled by Network Solutions, Inc. leaving you with no choice at all. But the monopoly no longer exists and now you can choose from over a hundred domain registers according to your needs and financial capability.

For transfer of domain, you should apply to the gaining registrar, as it is responsible for the operation. It is the duty of the gaining registrar to ensure that the application for transfer by the domain owner is a valid one. The validation usually is in the form of an email sent to the administrative contact that requires a reply. In some cases, however, signed faxes are used.

Losing registrars these days may resort to 'double-checking.' In this case, they will perform additional security checks if you seek transfer from them. The losing registrars may ask you to reply to an email, or dispatch a notarized letter.

As in the case of cheap transfers, you will find a number of registrars that will offer you free transfer of domain names. The process of transfer is not complex, but is comprised of a number of steps that must be followed. Although the transfer is free of cost, they nonetheless charge an amount (mostly less than ten dollars) as domain registration fee and adds one year to the current domains expiry date. Some registrars will also allow you to use their value added services.