Transfer Domains into OpenSRS

A transfer-in moves a domain from another registrar or reseller into your OpenSRS account. You initiate the request from the Reseller Control Panel (RCP), the legacy Reseller Web Interface (RWI), or the API, and the domain owner approves it through an emailed authorization link. This article walks through the requirements, the submission flow in each interface, and how to track an order to completion.

Note: OpenSRS publishes the list of TLDs that can transfer into OpenSRS in column L of the TLD reference chart.

How transfers in fit into the broader transfer process

The transfer-in flow is the gaining-side mirror of a transfer-away. You submit the request, the registrant authorizes it, OpenSRS forwards it to the losing registrar, and the registry finalizes the move. For the full lifecycle including system-level details and TLD nuances, see A Complete Guide to Domain Transfers.

Before you begin

Confirm all of the following for the domain you want to transfer:

• The domain is unlocked at the losing registrar.
• You have the authorization (EPP) code when one is required.
• The domain has no hold status at the registrar or registry.
• The domain has resided at the previous provider for more than 60 days since it was first registered or last transferred.
• The administrative contact email on the WHOIS record is valid and reachable.
• Your OpenSRS account has sufficient balance to cover the renewal year added by the transfer.

Warning: If the domain is less than 60 days old or was transferred within the last 60 days, the registry will reject the transfer.

Step 1: Submit the transfer order

You can submit transfer orders from the RCP, the RWI, or the API. Pick the interface that matches your workflow.

Submit from the Reseller Control Panel

1. Log in to the Reseller Control Panel.
2. On the Domains tab, click the + (plus) icon.
3. Enter the domain name in the search field and click Search.
4. Click Transfer?. This option appears only when the domain is transferrable.
5. Enter the registrant username and password so your end-user can manage the domain through the Manage Web Interface (MWI), or click Associate with existing user to attach the domain to an existing profile.
6. Select the domain settings you want, such as auto-renew, contact privacy, and lock domain.
7. Fill in the owner, admin, billing, and technical contacts.
8. Select the nameservers for the domain.
9. Optionally apply a DNS template or choose a custom messaging language.
10. Click Submit.

The order moves to Waiting for owner approval.

Submit from the Reseller Web Interface

The RWI is the only interface that lets you supply the authorization code with the order itself.

1. Log in to the RWI.
2. Enter the domain name in the Transfer a domain field and click Transfer in the order management section.
3. Complete the domain information form to create a new registrant profile.
4. Click Submit.

If the auth code is accepted, the order advances directly to Waiting for registry approval.

Step 2: Owner approves the transfer

OpenSRS emails the registrant a link to the authorization page. The owner submits the domain's authorization code through the link to approve the transfer. The order times out after five days with no response, and the request declines.

If the registrant did not receive the email, you can resend it from the classic RWI:

1. Log in to the classic Reseller Interface.
2. Click Waiting owner approval under View Transfers.
3. Tick the Resend email box for the relevant domain and click Submit.

Step 3: Registry processes the transfer

Once the authorization code is validated, OpenSRS forwards the request to the registry. No further reseller or registrant action is required. The losing registrar may email the domain owner to confirm or reject the request. If the owner does not reject within five days, the registry automatically processes the transfer.

Step 4: Monitor and verify the order

Check transfer status in the RCP under the domain's Status column. The RWI provides more detail on individual transfer orders.

• Waiting for owner approval — The registrant has been emailed and has not yet responded.
• Waiting for registry approval — OpenSRS has submitted the order to the registry and is awaiting completion.
• Completed — The registry processed the transfer and the domain is active in your account.
• Declined — The owner, reseller, or losing registrar rejected the request, or the order timed out.

Next steps

• Manage a transfer-away — See Transfer Away Process when a domain is leaving your account.
• Review the full transfer lifecycle — Read A Complete Guide to Domain Transfers for system-level detail, registry errors, and notifications.
• Transfer a .UK domain — Update the IPS tag using Transfer .UK Domains.
• Transfer a .DE domain — Meet DENIC nameserver requirements with Transfer .DE Domains.
• Push domains between resellers — Use the bulk push tool in Push Multiple Domains to Another Reseller.
• Read GDPR transfer changes — Review the post-GDPR transfer flow at GDPR Domain Transfer Process Changes.

Questions? Contact OpenSRS Support.