Transfer a domain to UKC
Start the transfer with UKC, then complete the required step at your current registrar
UK domains such as .uk and .co.uk transfer using the UKC registrar tag, MICROLITE. Many global domains such as .com and .net need an AuthInfo or EPP code. A registrar transfer does not automatically move your website or email, so leave the nameservers unchanged unless you are also planning a service move.
Which domain transfer process should you use?
The extension at the end of the domain determines the transfer method. Use the table below before changing anything at the current registrar.
| Domain type | What you need | What happens to the expiry date |
|---|---|---|
| .uk family, including .co.uk, .org.uk and .me.uk | Place the UKC transfer order and ask the current registrar to change the IPS tag to MICROLITE | The existing expiry date is retained. The transfer itself does not add another registration year |
| Many generic domains, including .com, .net and .org | Unlock the domain, obtain the AuthInfo or EPP code and complete the UKC transfer order | A paid transfer commonly adds one registration year, subject to the extension and registry rules. Checkout confirms the current term and price |
| Other country-code domains | Follow the extension-specific instructions shown during ordering or ask UKC support | Eligibility, paperwork, price and renewal treatment vary by registry |
What should you check before starting?
You can access both accounts
Make sure you can sign in to the current registrar and the UKC account that should receive the domain.
The domain is eligible
Check that it is active and not in redemption, a dispute or an applicable transfer lock. Start well before expiry.
Contact details are current
For a global domain, transfer approval or validation messages may be sent to the relevant contact address.
DNS details are recorded
Save the current nameservers and important website, mail and verification records before making any separate DNS change.
How do you transfer a .uk or .co.uk domain to UKC?
- 1Place the transfer order with UKC
Enter the full domain name on the UKC transfer page, leave the authorisation-code field blank and complete checkout.
- 2Change the registrar tag
At the current registrar, change the domain’s IPS tag to MICROLITE. The tag must be entered exactly.
- 3Check My Domains
Open the UKC Client Area and look for the domain under Domains and My Domains. If it does not appear after the tag change, open a support ticket with the order number.
- 4Test the existing services
Confirm the website and email still work. The registrar change should not require a nameserver change.
The UKC registrar tag MICROLITE is listed by Nominet for UKC Labs Ltd. If your current registrar cannot change the tag, ask its support team or use the registrar-change process available through Nominet.
How do you transfer a .com, .net or other global domain?
- 1Unlock the domain
Turn off the registrar or transfer lock at the current provider. A recently registered, transferred or contact-updated domain can still be subject to a time-limited lock.
- 2Request the transfer code
Obtain the AuthInfo, EPP or authorisation code from the current registrar. Treat this code like a password.
- 3Place the UKC transfer order
Enter the domain on the UKC transfer page, complete checkout and follow the approval instructions sent for the order.
- 4Approve and monitor the transfer
Respond promptly to genuine approval messages. Check My Domains and keep the domain unlocked until completion.
Will the transfer move your website or email?
No. The registrar manages the domain registration. Nameservers and DNS records connect the domain to its website and email providers. If those DNS settings remain unchanged, the connected services should normally continue in the same place during the registrar transfer.
Transfer the domain only
Leave nameservers unchanged. After completion, UKC manages registration and renewal while the existing website and email remain with their current providers.
Move services as well
Plan the hosting or mailbox migration separately. Copy the data, prepare DNS, test the new service and only then switch records.
Why can a domain transfer fail or pause?
Wrong IPS tag
For a UK domain, confirm the tag is exactly MICROLITE and that the UKC order is in the intended account.
Domain still locked
For a global domain, remove the transfer lock and check whether a registry-mandated waiting period applies.
Incorrect or expired code
Request a current AuthInfo or EPP code and enter it carefully through the approved transfer flow.
Expired or recovery status
The current registrar may need to renew or restore the domain before it becomes transferable.
Approval was missed
Check the order contact inbox and junk folder for a transfer approval message, then ask support whether the request must be restarted.
Registry-specific requirements
Some country-code extensions require eligibility evidence, forms or a different transfer process.
Domain transfer questions
How long does a domain transfer take?
A .uk tag transfer and a generic-domain transfer are different processes. Completion depends on the registry, the current registrar, any lock and how quickly approval steps are completed. Do not promise a fixed completion time for an important move.
Does a .uk transfer add another year?
No. A .uk registrar-tag transfer keeps the existing expiry date. Renew the domain later through UKC at the price current at that time.
Does a .com transfer add another year?
Many generic-domain transfers include a one-year extension, but registry rules and recent renewals can affect this. The UKC checkout shows the current transfer term and price before payment.
Can I transfer an expired domain?
Sometimes, but the answer depends on its extension and lifecycle status. It may need renewal or recovery with the current registrar first. See the expired domain transfer guide.
Can I transfer the domain without moving the website?
Yes. Keep the current nameservers and DNS records in place. A separate hosting move is optional.
What will I get after the domain reaches UKC?
You can manage the domain in the UKC Client Area. A parked domain also includes Domain Website Builder, DNS Manager, web forwarding and email forwarding. Paid hosting and mailbox services remain separate unless the order says otherwise.
Ready to bring the domain to UKC?
Start the transfer, then follow the instructions for your extension
Review the current price and term in checkout. If the domain is expired, locked or business-critical, ask UKC support before changing anything.