Domain Transfer

Domain transfer allows your clients to move a domain name registered with another registrar to HostMyServers, while managing it from your WHMCS. Transfer is a long operation (from a few hours to 7 days depending on the TLD).

Transfer Prerequisites

Before initiating a transfer, the domain must meet the following conditions:

Condition	Detail
Domain unlocked	The transfer lock must be disabled at the current registrar
Authorisation code (EPP/AuthCode)	Provided by the current registrar, often from the client area
Expiry > 7 days	A domain expiring in less than a week cannot be transferred
Not in redemption period	A domain in redemption cannot be transferred
Domain registered for > 60 days	ICANN registries impose a 60-day delay since the last transfer or registration

Initiating a Transfer from the WHMCS Cart

1. The client goes to your WHMCS cart and chooses Transfer an Existing Domain
2. They enter the full domain name
3. They enter the authorisation code (EPP/AuthCode) provided by their current registrar
4. They validate and pay (some TLDs include a one-year renewal in the transfer price)
5. WHMCS initiates the transfer via the HostMyServers API

Transfer Tracking

Transfers are not instantaneous. WHMCS displays the domain as Transfer in Progress for the duration of the operation.

Typical Delays by TLD Family

TLD	Typical delay
.com, .net, .org	5 to 7 days (5-day FOA window)
.fr	48h to 5 days
.eu	5 to 7 days
New TLDs (.io, .dev…)	5 to 7 days
Some ccTLDs	Variable depending on the national registry

FOA Email (Form of Authorization)

For ICANN-managed TLDs (.com, .net, .org…), a confirmation email (FOA) is sent to the domain's administrative contact. The holder must approve the transfer by clicking the link in this email. Without this approval, the transfer automatically expires after 5 days.

Inform your clients to check their inbox (including spam) after initiating the transfer.

Tracking from the WHMCS Back Office

Clients → relevant client → Domains tab → click on the domain

The module displays the real-time status via the HostMyServers API. Possible statuses:

WHMCS Status	Meaning
Pending Transfer	Transfer initiated, awaiting confirmation
Active	Transfer completed successfully
Cancelled	Transfer refused or expired

The automatic synchronisation (cron) updates the status every 24h. To force an immediate update, use the Sync button from the domain record.

Manual Transfer from the Back Office

To initiate a transfer manually (without going through the cart):

1. Clients → relevant client → Add Domain → type Transfer
2. Fill in the domain, EPP code and duration
3. Check Run Module Command Now
4. Click Add

Cancelling a Transfer

If a transfer needs to be cancelled before completion:

1. From the domain record in WHMCS, click Cancel Transfer
2. The module sends a cancellation request to the HostMyServers API
3. The domain remains with the current registrar

Refund

Refund in case of transfer cancellation depends on your commercial policy. HostMyServers does not charge for transfers that do not complete.

Common Transfer Errors

Error message	Probable cause	Solution
Invalid auth code	Incorrect or expired EPP code	Request a new EPP code from the current registrar
Domain is locked	Transfer lock is still active	Ask the client to unlock their domain at the current registrar
Domain not eligible	Domain registered less than 60 days ago	Wait until the 60-day period ends
Domain expired	The domain has expired	Renew first with the current registrar
Transfer already pending	A transfer is already in progress for this domain	Cancel the current transfer or wait for it to complete