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 satisfaction. A domain transfer is in effect a domain registrar transfer as it means the transfer of the name from one registrar to another.

If you are interested in doing so, you can transfer your domain at any time. The cost of transfer depends on the domain registrar. It usually varies from $5 to $20 or more. Some are even ready to drop the fee, provided you agree to extend your domain for a period of two years. They will be equally keen to get your business, as you will be on the transfer. So bargain hard and ensure a good deal for yourself. Remember, you cannot transfer a domain within the first 60 days of registration.

There is no bar on any domain registered with any registrar being transferred to another. You dont have to worry about the ownership of the domain. It still stays with you; you only change managers when you change registrars. The job of the registrar is to manage your domain name.

However, it may not be possible to transfer a domain name if it is involved in a legal dispute, or the identity of its owner is unknown, or the owner is in bankruptcy.

For domain transfer, some registrars demand a notarized form, while others can do it using a web site form. It normally requires five to ten days to review and validate a transfer request. Once it is done and put into action, a couple of days are needed for the change to filter through the Internet. Rest assured: the change will not affect access to your Web site while the process is on.