To transfer a .co.za domain, you request the transfer through your new registrar, confirm it through the approval step the registry and your current registrar require, and wait for the registry to move the domain across. The transfer itself is straightforward. The part that trips people up is DNS: if your current provider hosts your DNS records, your website and email can stop working mid-transfer unless you prepare first.
This guide covers the preparation, the transfer process and what to check afterwards.
Transfer vs just changing hosting
Before you start, make sure a transfer is actually what you need. There are three separate things:
| What you're moving | What it involves | Is a transfer needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar (who you renew the domain with) | A domain transfer | Yes |
| DNS (who answers for your records) | Changing nameservers or records | No |
| Hosting (where your website and email live) | Moving files, databases and mailboxes | No |
If you only want your website on a new host, you can keep the domain where it is and change DNS. See how to move your website to a new host. Transferring the registrar is worth it when you want everything in one place, better tools, or simpler billing.
How .co.za transfers work
.co.za domains are held in a central registry operated by ZACR (ZA Central Registry), under the oversight of ZADNA, the .za regulator. Each domain is managed by one accredited registrar at a time. A transfer changes which registrar manages it.
The exact steps are set by the registry's current policies and implemented by registrars, and they can change over time. In general:
- The new registrar submits a transfer request to the registry.
- The transfer must be authorised, either with an authorisation code from your current registrar or through an approval step sent to the registrant or the current registrar, depending on the process in force.
- Once approved, the registry moves the domain to the new registrar.
Your new registrar will tell you exactly what's needed. For NewHost, start on the domains page and we'll guide you through the current process.
Step 1 - Check the domain is ready to transfer
Log in to your current registrar and confirm:
- You are the registrant, or you have the registrant's co-operation. The registrant is the legal holder, and approvals may go to their email.
- The registrant email address is current and you can receive mail there. This is the most common cause of stuck transfers.
- The domain isn't close to expiry or already expired. Renew first if it's about to lapse, or ask your new registrar how they handle transfers near the renewal date.
- There's no lock or dispute on the domain. Some registrars apply a transfer lock you need to remove.
- Your account is paid up with the current registrar.
Step 2 - Protect your DNS
This step prevents downtime. Find out where your DNS is hosted:
- If your domain uses your hosting provider's nameservers (or a separate DNS service), the transfer doesn't affect DNS. Your records keep working.
- If your domain uses the current registrar's own DNS, those records may disappear when the domain leaves.
In the second case, copy every DNS record before you start: A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT (including SPF, DKIM and DMARC), SRV and any verification records. Recreate them at the new DNS provider and switch nameservers to it before or as part of the transfer. DNS records explained covers each record type.
A quick way to see your current records from the command line:
dig +short NS example.co.za
dig +short A example.co.za
dig +short MX example.co.za
dig +short TXT example.co.za
Step 3 - Request the transfer
With your new registrar:
- Enter the domain name in their transfer form.
- Provide the authorisation code, if the process requires one.
- Confirm the registrant details.
- Pay any transfer fee. Some registrars include a renewal period with the transfer; check what yours does.
Step 4 - Approve and wait
Watch the registrant email address (and your spam folder) for any approval requests, and respond promptly. The transfer completes once the registry processes it. Timing depends on the approval process and how quickly each party responds, so allow some time and don't make other changes to the domain while it's in progress.
Step 5 - Check everything afterwards
Once the transfer completes:
- Website loads over HTTPS on both
example.co.zaandwww.example.co.za - Email sends and receives
- Nameservers are what you expect
- Registrant details are correct at the new registrar
- Auto-renew is on, and the renewal date is noted
- Two-factor authentication is on for the new registrar account
When transfers get stuck
Common reasons and fixes:
- Approval emails going to an old address. Update the registrant email at the current registrar, then restart the transfer.
- Domain expired or in a grace period. Renew first, then transfer. See what happens when your domain expires.
- Registrant is a former employee or developer. Get them to update the registrant to your business, or seek help through the registrar. For contested ownership, get legal advice.
- Current registrar unresponsive. Your new registrar can often advise on escalation.
Frequently asked questions
Will my website go down when I transfer my .co.za domain?
Not if your DNS is hosted somewhere that isn't affected by the transfer, or if you recreate your records at the new DNS provider first. Downtime happens when DNS lives with the old registrar and disappears with the domain.
How long does a .co.za transfer take?
It depends on the approval process and how quickly the registrant and registrars respond. Many transfers complete quickly once approved. Ask your new registrar about typical timing.
Do I lose the time left on my registration?
Policies vary by registry and registrar. Some transfers include or add a renewal period, others don't. Check with your new registrar before you start.
Can I transfer a domain that's about to expire?
It's safer to renew it first. Transfers close to or after expiry can be delayed or refused, and you risk the domain lapsing mid-process.
Do I need to move my email when I transfer the domain?
No. Email hosting is separate from domain registration. As long as your MX and related DNS records stay in place, email keeps working after the transfer.
Want your domain, DNS and hosting managed in one dashboard? Transfer your .co.za to NewHost from the domains page, or contact us if you'd like help planning the move.