How to Transfer Your Domain to Bluehost 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Transferring a domain to Bluehost consolidates your domain registration and hosting in one place, simplifying management and billing. The process is straightforward but involves several steps that must be completed in the right order. This guide walks through the entire process, from preparing your domain at your current registrar to completing the transfer at Bluehost.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

Step 1: Unlock Your Domain at Your Current Registrar

Log into your current domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) and find the domain lock setting. It is usually called "Domain Lock," "Transfer Lock," or "Registrar Lock." Disable it. This unlocks the domain and allows it to be transferred.

Step 2: Get Your Authorization Code (EPP Code)

In your current registrar's domain management panel, look for "Authorization Code," "EPP Code," "Transfer Key," or "Auth Info." Request the code — it will be emailed to the admin contact on file. Save this code; you will need it for the Bluehost transfer.

Step 3: Initiate the Transfer at Bluehost

1. 1.Log into your Bluehost dashboard at my.bluehost.com
2. 2.Navigate to Domain > Transfer
3. 3.Enter your domain name and click Check Transferability
4. 4.Enter your EPP code (authorization code from Step 2)
5. 5.Review and confirm the transfer — the cost is $12.99 for .com domains (includes 1-year renewal)
6. 6.Check your admin email for the transfer approval email and click the approval link

Step 4: Wait for Transfer Completion

After approval, the transfer takes 5-7 days. During this time:

• →Your website remains live at your current host — the transfer does not affect hosting
• →Your DNS records remain managed by your current registrar until the transfer completes
• →Your email continues to work as configured at your current provider

Step 5: Update DNS After Transfer

Once the transfer completes, update your DNS records to point to Bluehost if you are also moving your hosting:

• →Update nameservers to Bluehost's nameservers (found in your Bluehost dashboard)
• →Or update individual A records, MX records, and CNAME records as needed
• →DNS propagation takes 4-48 hours. During this time, some visitors may see your old site and some may see your new site

Common Domain Transfer Mistakes to Avoid

• →Canceling hosting before DNS propagation: Keep your old hosting active for at least 7 days after updating DNS to ensure all visitors reach your new site
• →Not updating email MX records: If you have custom email, update MX records to point to your email provider. Domain transfer does not automatically migrate email.
• →Forgetting to unlock the domain: The most common transfer failure is a locked domain. Always verify the lock is disabled before initiating the transfer.
• →Wrong admin email: If the admin contact email in WHOIS is outdated, you will not receive the transfer approval email. Update it at your current registrar first.

For more Bluehost guides, see our How to Start a Website 2026 and Bluehost Review 2026.