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Transfer your domain and set up DNS

Published 10 March 2026 ·Updated 1 October 2026

A registrar manages a domain’s registration and renewal. A DNS provider operates the records and nameservers that make websites, email, and other services work. They can be the same company, but they do different jobs.

You can transfer a domain to a new registrar and keep using your current DNS provider. If you also want to move DNS, prepare that as a separate step. Changing nameservers before the new zone is ready can interrupt your website or email.

Before you start

Check the transfer requirements for your domain extension and current registrar. Rules differ: the required transfer code, domain status, lock settings, and timing can vary.

Have these ready:

• access to your current registrar account
• the domain’s authorisation code, if the extension requires one
• the account and organisation that should own the domain at the new registrar
• access to your current DNS records if you also plan to move DNS

Treat an authorisation code like a password. Get it from your current registrar or registry using their stated process, and share it only with the registrar you chose. Some extensions use a different name or process for this code.

Some registries have additional local rules. For current information about the .dk transition and registrar choices, see The new .dk model — how to choose a registrar.

Option A: Transfer the domain and keep your DNS

Choose this route if your website, email, and DNS should stay with the current DNS provider.

1. Check that the domain extension is supported and eligible for transfer.
2. Follow your current registrar’s instructions to unlock the domain or get its transfer code, if required.
3. In DNS by echo reply, choose the organisation that should own the domain and open Registration → Transfer.
4. Choose Transfer In, enter the domain and required code, then review the contact details, terms, and current quote.
5. Submit the order and follow its status in the product. Processing time depends on the registry and registrar.
6. After completion, check the registered domain and confirm that its nameservers are still the ones you expect.

A registrar transfer does not normally change nameservers. Still, check the delegation after the transfer and make sure important website and email lookups continue to work.

Option B: Transfer the domain and move DNS

Choose this route if DNS by echo reply should also operate the zone. Keep the current DNS service active while you prepare the new one.

1. Record the current nameservers and copy the DNS records. Pay particular attention to A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, and TXT records for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
2. Create the zone in DNS by echo reply and add the records. The current web interface does not import a general BIND zone file, and the transfer wizard does not copy records from your current DNS provider.
3. Compare the new zone with the old one and query the new nameservers directly to check the answers.
4. Complete the registrar transfer, if you are changing registrar too.
5. Change the domain’s nameservers to the values shown for the new zone. Depending on the domain, make this change at the registrar or through the registry.
6. Test the website, email, and other important services. Keep the old zone active while nameserver changes propagate; caches may continue using the previous delegation for a while.

If DNSSEC is enabled, plan the DS-record change as part of the migration. Follow the DNS migration guide and verify DNSSEC after changing nameservers. A DS record that does not match the new zone can make the domain fail to resolve.

Price and included DNS

Registration and transfer prices depend on the domain extension and the operation. The transfer flow shows the current quote and applicable details before you submit the order.

DNS hosting for a domain registered through echo reply is included for that domain’s own zone and does not consume the account’s normal zone allowance. The product shows the current included record and query capacity. Each eligible account can also have one free Basis zone.

After the transfer

• Confirm that the expected registrar is recorded for the domain.
• Check that the nameservers match your intended DNS provider.
• If you moved DNS, test the website, email, and important TXT records.
• Check DNSSEC and the DS record if DNSSEC is enabled.
• Review renewal settings and domain contact details.

For help, write to support@echo-reply.net.