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How-To SessionComplexity: MediumDomainsDNS

How to Transfer a Domain to Cloudflare

Move your domain to Cloudflare for simpler management, stronger security defaults, and long-term flexibility.

You can do this without taking your website offline when DNS records are kept consistent.

If any step is confusing, contact 4leggedIT and we can guide you through it or handle the process with you.

Quick Path

  • Decide if you want to transfer the registrar (or just use Cloudflare DNS).
  • Add the domain to Cloudflare and review imported DNS records first.
  • Unlock the domain and get the authorization (EPP) code from your current registrar.
  • Start the transfer in Cloudflare and approve any email prompts.

Security & Privacy

  • Treat domain transfers as sensitive: authorization (EPP) codes and approval emails should be shared only with trusted admins.
  • Enable 2FA on your registrar and Cloudflare accounts before starting if possible.
  • Avoid making unrelated DNS/website changes during a transfer; keep the focus on stability.
1

Step 1 — Decide if transferring the domain is the right move

➡ What this step does

This step helps you decide between transferring your domain registration and only moving DNS management.

Many organizations start by using Cloudflare DNS first, then transfer the registrar later.

📋 What to do
  1. Transfer the domain to Cloudflare if you want one place to manage renewals and DNS.
  2. If you only want Cloudflare’s DNS features (and you do not want to transfer the registrar), follow How to Move DNS to Cloudflare (Without Transferring Your Domain).
  3. If your website is live, avoid making extra changes while you transfer. Keep the focus on stability.
✅ What should happen

You know whether you are transferring the registrar or only using Cloudflare DNS.

2

Step 2 — Confirm you have what you need before starting

➡ What this step does

This step prevents delays or failed transfers.

Transfers require registrar access and an email approval step.

📋 What to do
  1. Confirm the domain has been registered for more than 60 days (many registrars block transfers before that).
  2. Confirm you can log in to your current registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
  3. Confirm the domain is unlocked (often called “Registrar Lock” must be disabled).
  4. Confirm you can retrieve the authorization (EPP) code from the registrar.
  5. Confirm you have access to the email address listed on the domain registration (WHOIS/registrant contact).
  6. If DNSSEC is enabled at your current provider, it usually needs to be turned off before moving DNS or transferring the domain. If you’re not sure, contact 4leggedIT and we’ll help you check it safely.
✅ What should happen

You have registrar access and the domain is ready to transfer.

3

Step 3 — Add your domain to Cloudflare (import DNS records)

➡ What this step does

This step brings your DNS records into Cloudflare so the website and email keep working.

You should review the detected records carefully before changing anything else.

📋 What to do
  1. Sign in to Cloudflare.
  2. If you do not have your domain in Cloudflare yet, start with Cloudflare Account Setup.
  3. Click Add a site and enter your domain (example: yourrescue.org).
  4. Choose the free plan unless you have a specific reason not to.
  5. Cloudflare will scan for DNS records. Review the results.
  6. Confirm your website-related records (common: A, AAAA, CNAME) are present.
  7. Confirm your email-related records (common: MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are present if you use domain email.
  8. If you want a plain-language overview of record types like CNAME, MX, and TXT, see DNS Records 101 in Cloudflare.
  9. Do not delete records you do not recognize. Ask for help if you are unsure.
  10. If your website is currently live, do not change nameservers yet. Finish the transfer steps first.
✅ What should happen

Your domain is added to Cloudflare and DNS records are visible in the DNS tab.

4

Step 4 — Unlock the domain and retrieve the authorization (EPP) code

➡ What this step does

This step happens at your current registrar.

The EPP code is required to start the transfer in Cloudflare.

📋 What to do
  1. Log in to your current registrar.
  2. Find the domain settings page.
  3. Disable registrar lock (unlock the domain).
  4. Request or display the authorization (EPP) code.
  5. Copy the EPP code somewhere safe. You’ll paste it into Cloudflare.
✅ What should happen

The domain is unlocked and you have the EPP code ready.

5

Step 5 — Start the transfer in Cloudflare

➡ What this step does

This step initiates the registrar transfer to Cloudflare.

You will paste the EPP code and confirm your contact details.

📋 What to do
  1. In Cloudflare, open Domain Registration.
  2. Choose Transfer Domains and enter your domain.
  3. Paste the EPP code when prompted.
  4. Confirm your contact information.
✅ What should happen

The transfer is initiated and Cloudflare shows the transfer as in progress.

6

Step 6 — Review payment and approve the transfer

➡ What this step does

This step completes the submission and any required approval prompts.

Transfers often take several days to finalize.

📋 What to do
  1. Complete checkout if Cloudflare requests payment (the fee typically includes one additional year of registration).
  2. Check email for any transfer approval request from your current registrar.
  3. Approve the transfer if prompted.
  4. Wait for the transfer to complete (commonly 5–7 days).
✅ What should happen

The transfer completes and Cloudflare becomes the domain registrar.

7

Step 7 — After the transfer: confirm stability and simplify management

➡ What this step does

This step ensures your website and email stayed stable, and your domain is managed in one place.

It also sets you up for publishing and SSL later.

📋 What to do
  1. In Cloudflare DNS, confirm the key DNS records still match what your website and email require.
  2. Confirm your website loads normally and email still arrives where it should.
  3. Confirm domain renewals are now visible in Cloudflare.
✅ What should happen

Your domain and DNS are managed in Cloudflare and everything continues to work as expected.

Official References

Open these only if something doesn’t match your screen.

You do not need to read them to complete the guide.

Cloudflare Cloudflare: Transfer a domain to Cloudflare Registrar

Related How-To Sessions

Cloudflare Account Setup

Create and secure the Cloudflare account your organization controls.

DNS Records 101 in Cloudflare

Plain-language DNS basics (A, CNAME, MX, TXT) and safe changes.

How to Move DNS to Cloudflare (Without Transferring Your Domain)

Many teams move DNS first, then transfer the registrar later.

Publish With Cloudflare Pages + GitHub

Deploy from GitHub and connect your custom domain.

Cloudflare Email Forwarding

Forward addresses like info@yourrescue.org to an inbox.

Want 4leggedIT to Help With a Safe Transfer?

If your site and email are live and you want to avoid disruption, contact 4leggedIT and we’ll help you transfer your domain safely.

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