Are you looking forward to registering a new NZ domain hosting for your website? Wondering how long this transition can take?

Whether you are rebranding your business or you have simply found great domain names that better suit your needs, changing your domain name is a big step.

But how long does it take to get a new domain up and running? This is what we are going to discuss on this blog.

Let’s dive in!

Why Change Domain Name?

Before we dive into the timeline, let’s consider why you might want to change domain name:

  1. Rebranding your business
  2. Expanding your product range
  3. Moving to a different country
  4. Finding a shorter, more memorable domain
  5. Switching to a better domain extension (like .com or .io)

How Long Does it Take to Change Domain Name?

Now, for the big question: how long does it take to change domain name? The short answer is: about 5-7 days. But let’s break that down a bit more.

The Official Timeline

According to the rules set by ICANN (the organisation that oversees domain names), your old registrar has up to 5 days to release your domain once they have verified the transfer. However, the whole process often takes a bit longer due to a few factors:

  1. Verification time
  2. Administrative delays
  3. Potential issues that need resolving

Factors that can Affect the Timeline

Several things can impact how long it takes to get a new domain:

  1. Domain Lock: You will need to unlock your domain before moving, if it is locked for safety reasons. This could make the process take longer by one day.
  2. Incorrect Information: If your contact information or authorisation code is wrong, it can also cause further delays.
  3. Registrar Policies: Some registrars have extra steps or waiting times that can make the process take longer.
  4. Domain Age: If you just bought or moved your name, you may have to wait 60 days before you can transfer it again.

How to Speed Up the Process?

  1. Prepare in Advance: Before you start the move, make sure that your domain is unlocked and your contact information is correct.
  2. Respond Quickly: Keep an eye on your email and answer any messages coming from your provider right away.
  3. Choose a Fast Registrar: It is known that some registrars handle transfers faster than others.
  4. Avoid Changes During Transfer: While the move is going on, don’t make any major changes to your domain settings.

What Happens After the Transfer?

After you move your domain, you will need to link the new domain name to your website. In order to do this, you have to modify your DNS settings.

This can take another 24 to 48 hours to fully spread across the internet.

Quick Glance – Process of Changing Your Domain Name

  1. Choose your new domain name
  2. Unlock your current domain
  3. Contact your registrar for an authorisation code.
  4. Start the transfer process with your new registrar
  5. Wait for the transfer to complete

Conclusion

When you decide to change domain name, you are actually going through a process called domain transfer. This means moving your domain from one registrar (the company that manages your domain) to another.

In most cases, it takes about a week to change domain name. While it may seem like a long time, it is a necessary step to have a great domain name that fits your business perfectly.