These are the stages a domain will go through while being transferred from another registrar to GreenGeeks, as well as the possible reasons a domain transfer may fail.
Steps in the Domain Transfer Process
Awaiting auto-verification of the transfer request
An auto-verification transfer order has been submitted and we are in the process of obtaining the current whois data to generate the verification email.
Transfer in Process – Acquiring Current Whois for Transfer Verification
When an auto-verification transfer request is initiated, our system attempts to obtain the registrant and/or administrative contacts from the current registrar to generate the transfer verification email. If the current registrar blocks outside whois queries we will be unable to automatically retrieve the required whois information to proceed with the transfer request. When that occurs, the transfer goes to a verification queue where it is manually updated. Normally manual updates are completed within 48 hours, but there may be delays where manual processes are concerned.
Auto-verification of transfer request initiated
The current whois information has been collected and the verification email has been sent to the authorized contacts. However, we have not yet received a response. The transfer will remain in this status until the verification email is responded to, or the transfer canceled and closed. If the transfer is not responded to within seven (7) days, it will be canceled.
If the email address is not the correct or current address for the domain, please contact the current registrar and update your contact information. If you update the contact information, you will have to cancel the current transfer order and submit a new request.
Transfer Pending – Awaiting Release by Current Registrar
The verification email for the transfer has been sent and responded to. The domain transfer has been initiated with the global registry and is in PENDING TRANSFER status and is awaiting approval and release by the losing (current) registrar. The process is complete from our side, and the domain must be released to the registry by the losing registrar.
Once the domain is pending, the losing registrar has five days to respond. The domain is sent into PENDING TRANSFER status once the verification email has been authorized or valid EPP key submitted.
No changes can be made to domains in PENDING TRANSFER status (including expiration).
Possible Reasons for Domain Transfer Failure
Canceled – Domain contacts did not respond to verification e-mails
The verification email was not replied to by the authorized domain contact(s). If the transfer is not responded to within seven (7) days, it will be canceled with this status.
Canceled – Domain contacts did not approve the transfer of the domain
One of the authorized contacts declined the transfer request.
Canceled – Domain is currently not registered and cannot be transferred
The domain name is not a registered domain name, therefore is not active or transferable. This status will be returned for transfer attempts made for domains in “Redemption Period” or “Pending Delete” status.
Canceled – Domain is locked at current registrar or is not yet 60-days old
The domain status is currently “Registrar-Lock.” If the domain is over 60 days old the current registrar may have the domain locked for another reason. Contact the current registrar and request that the lock be removed.
Domains that are not yet 60-days old are not transferable between registrars. This is a global registry rule, not a restriction instituted by GreenGeeks.
Canceled – Transfer already initiated for this domain
If a domain is already in “pending transfer” status, duplicate transfer requests for the domain will be canceled with this status message.
Canceled – Transfer rejected by losing registrar
The transfer request was validated by the domain registrant and admin contact and sent to the registry for release and approval by the losing (current) registrar. A request was then sent to the global registry for approval and release by the losing registrar, but the request was rejected by the losing registrar.
We do not have access to the reason(s) the current registrar has rejected your transfer request. Please contact the losing registrar for additional information.