How to properly transfer domain ownership from an agency

If your agency “owns” your domain, you don’t really own your website.

Your website may be hosted on their domain for now.

But if things go wrong or you stopped paying for their services...

Your domain name might be abandoned, and you can't take over it without having to go through the agency first.

Worst case is that they could hold it hostage...

Only releasing or transfering it at their terms.

Domain ownership is super important...

So here’s how to properly transfer domain ownership from an agency, step by step, so you stay in control.

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1. Confirm "who" actually owns your domain

Go to WHOIS Lookup and check the registrar details.

You should see popular registras like namecheap, porkbun, godaddy, etc.

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2. Ask for access to the registrar

Your domain is registered with that domain registrar.

So here's what you have to do:

✅ Ask the agency for login credentials to the registrar account.
✅ If they registered it under their bulk or company account, request a domain transfer to your own registrar account.

If they say “we’ll manage it for you” but refuse to hand access?

🚨 Big red flag.

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3. Get the authorization/EPP code

To transfer a domain between registrars, you’ll need an EPP/Auth code.

It's basically a code unique to the domain registered, only given when a transfer is requested.

✅ Ask the agency to provide it for transfer.
✅ Without it, you cannot move your domain.

If they stall or “can’t find it,” push harder.

It’s their obligation.

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4. Unlock the domain

Domains are usually locked to prevent unauthorized transfers.

This is a preconfigured setting enabled on all registras, but it's easy to unlock it.

✅ Request the agency to unlock the domain so you can move it.
✅ You’ll see the status change in your registrar dashboard once it’s unlocked.

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5. Initiate the transfer on your side

Once you have the EPP code and the domain is unlocked:

1. Go to your new registrar (e.g. Namecheap, GoDaddy).
2. Start the “Transfer Domain” process.
3. Enter the domain name + EPP code.
4. Pay the transfer fee (usually covers 1 extra year of renewal) to the registrar (not to the agency, unless they proposed to help you transfer).

✅ Confirm ownership via the email linked to the domain.

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6. Verify & complete the transfer

The process usually takes 5–7 days.

✅ Keep an eye on emails from both registrars.
✅ Approve any confirmation requests.

Once complete, the domain will appear in your new account, which will be under your name.

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How to avoid this mess in the future

• Always register domains with your own account (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Porkbun, etc).
• Use your business email for registration, not personal.
• Keep your login credentials safe.
• Try not to let agencies register domains “on your behalf” without giving you access.

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Don’t let your domain be held hostage

Your domain is your digital identity.

Losing it means losing control of your business online.

🚀 At Schuah Solutions, we make sure:
✅ You own your domain, hosting, and website.
✅ No hidden transfer fees or hostage tactics
✅ Full transparency from day one

All for just RM375/month.

Fill out the form below for a FREE website draft and take back control of your online assets.

Because if you don’t own your domain, you don’t own your business online.