How to Transfer a Domain to Bluehost (2026)

Want to move your domain registration to Bluehost without breaking your website or email? The important work happens before you click Transfer.

A registrar transfer changes who manages your domain registration. It does not automatically move WordPress, website files, mailboxes, or DNS records.

This guide explains eligibility, authorization codes, Bluehost’s current transfer screens, DNS preparation, and what to check afterward.

Think of it as changing the office that holds your house deed—not physically moving the house.

Quick Answer: How to Transfer a Domain to Bluehost

First, confirm Bluehost supports your domain extension and that your domain is eligible to transfer.

Next, back up DNS settings, unlock the domain at your current registrar, and request its authorization code.

Start the transfer through Bluehost, pay the displayed fee, and enter the EPP code under Transfer Status.

Monitor approval emails and transfer status. Once complete, confirm nameservers, website access, email delivery, and renewal details.

Bluehost documents the current process in its official transfer-in guide, updated July 7, 2026.

Before You Start: Transfer or Connect?

A domain transfer moves the domain’s registration management from one registrar to another.

A domain connection keeps registration where it is while pointing the domain toward your hosting service.

You can host a website at Bluehost without moving its registration. That may be the safer choice when you only need hosting.

For that different task, read our guide to connecting a domain to Bluehost without losing email.

• Transfer registration: You want Bluehost to handle domain renewal and registration management.
• Connect only: You want Bluehost hosting but prefer to keep your current registrar.
• Migrate a website: You need to move WordPress files, databases, or other site content separately.
• Migrate email: You need a separate plan to move stored mailboxes and messages.

Check Domain Transfer Eligibility First

Bluehost’s transfer tool checks whether it can accept your domain extension and whether the domain is currently eligible.

For many common generic domains, a recent registration or registrar transfer creates a 60-day restriction.

A change of registrant may also trigger a 60-day lock. Avoid changing ownership details just before transferring unless necessary.

Registrar and registry rules vary by extension, so do not assume every domain follows exactly the same timeline.

Check Bluehost’s supported-extension guidance and ICANN’s transfer-policy information before beginning.

Also check your domain’s expiration date before starting. An expired domain, especially one in redemption, may need renewal or restoration before transfer.

If the domain is close to expiring, ask your current registrar whether to renew first to avoid delays or a failed transfer.

• The domain is registered and not subject to a dispute or blocking status.
• The domain has passed applicable initial-registration and recent-transfer waiting periods.
• Your current registrar allows the transfer lock to be removed.
• You can access the registered contact email for notices and approvals.
• The domain extension is supported for transfer into Bluehost.
• You can obtain a valid EPP or authorization code.

Important Exception: Unsupported Domain Extensions

Bluehost explicitly says it does not currently accept transfers of .uk domains into its platform.

If your extension is unsupported, leave registration at the existing registrar and connect the domain to Bluehost hosting instead.

Do not change a .uk registrar tag to Bluehost based on instructions intended for supported extensions.

Protect Your Website, Email, and DNS Before Transferring

A transfer should not be treated as a DNS migration. These are separate operations with different failure risks.

Write down the current nameservers and export or copy the active DNS zone before you start.

Record the website’s A, AAAA, or CNAME entries, including the root domain and www hostname.

Also preserve MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, verification TXT, and any other service-specific records.

Check where DNS is actually hosted. Your registrar, hosting provider, and authoritative DNS provider might be three different companies.

If your existing registrar supplies DNS service, ask what happens to that service after transferring registration.

Some configurations continue using unchanged external nameservers. Others require a DNS plan before the registrar change.

Do not change nameservers merely because you are transferring registration. Only do so when your hosting and DNS plan requires it.

Timing tip: Bluehost warns that DNS changes may be unavailable during a pending transfer. Prepare necessary settings before submitting your request.

Email Safety Checklist

• Send and receive a test message before the transfer.
• Save MX priorities and email authentication records.
• Keep access to an independent contact email for transfer approvals.
• Confirm your DNS host will remain available throughout the transfer.
• Avoid changing email providers at the same time unless you have a separate migration plan.

If DNSSEC is enabled, verify how DS records and DNS signing will be maintained when DNS providers change.

Incorrect DNSSEC settings can prevent resolvers from finding the domain, even when other records look correct.

Schedule changes for a quiet period and keep a rollback record of the original settings.

Step 1: Unlock Your Domain at the Current Registrar

Sign in to the registrar that currently manages the domain registration. This may differ from your web host.

Open the domain’s security, transfer, or registration settings and find its transfer lock.

Disable the transfer lock only when you are ready to begin. Keep other account protections enabled.

If the option is unavailable, contact the registrar and ask why the domain cannot be unlocked.

Do not share your registrar password or authorization code publicly. Both can expose control of your domain.

Step 2: Request Your EPP Authorization Code

The EPP code, also called an AuthInfo or transfer code, helps authorize a move to a different registrar.

Request it from your current registrar. Depending on the provider, it may appear in the dashboard or arrive by email.

Copy the code exactly, including capitalization, punctuation, and any special characters.

Use the code only in Bluehost’s legitimate transfer workflow. Never publish it in screenshots or support forums.

Make sure you can access the domain contact email throughout the process, even if your website email is disrupted.

Step 3: Start the Transfer in Bluehost

According to Bluehost’s July 2026 instructions, you can begin from the Bluehost website or the Bluehost Portal.

From the Portal, open Domains and look for Add a Domain, then choose the transfer-in option.

If the domain already appears as an external domain, its card or list view may offer a Transfer In action.

Bluehost also documents a Marketplace transfer option. The available labels may vary with account type and interface updates.

Enter the domain without www, then submit it for eligibility checking.

If Bluehost accepts the request, review the cart, any optional add-ons, and the final transfer charge.

Do not assume the transfer is free. Check the actual fee and renewal terms displayed at checkout.

Will a Domain Transfer Add a Year?

Bluehost says its transfer charge generally includes a one-year registration renewal for supported transfers.

However, registry rules and registration-period limits can affect the result for particular extensions.

Confirm the resulting expiration date after completion rather than relying on a blanket one-year promise.

Step 4: Enter the EPP Code and Monitor Status

After completing Bluehost’s transfer checkout, return to the Bluehost Portal and open Domains.

Choose Transfer Status. Look for a pending authorization-code prompt or a domain marked AUTH CODE NEEDED.

Enter the exact EPP code from your current registrar and submit it for verification.

Bluehost may need time to validate the code and communicate with the previous registrar.

Check the transfer status regularly and watch the contact email for approval or rejection messages.

Respond promptly to legitimate requests, but verify the sender and destination before clicking links.

How Long Does a Bluehost Domain Transfer Take?

Bluehost says common transfers often finish in about five to seven days, but completion time is not guaranteed.

Some transfers complete sooner. Others take longer because of registry rules, approval delays, or incorrect information.

Transfer time and DNS propagation time are different. A completed registrar transfer does not necessarily require a new DNS propagation period.

Changing nameservers separately may create a DNS update window, often described as 24–48 hours.

Do not repeatedly change DNS records during a pending transfer unless a verified issue requires correction.

Troubleshooting a Failed or Delayed Transfer

The Domain Is Still Locked

Return to your current registrar and check whether the transfer lock was actually removed.

If a policy lock applies, ask when it expires rather than repeatedly resubmitting the request.

Bluehost Rejects the Authorization Code

Request a fresh code if needed and copy it carefully. Avoid leading spaces, missing punctuation, or an expired code.

Use Bluehost’s Transfer Status page to review the error, and contact support if it persists.

The Domain Is Too New or Recently Transferred

Check registration and transfer dates. A common 60-day restriction may prevent the move for eligible generic extensions.

Wait until the restriction ends, then check the transfer tool again.

The Website Works but Email Stops

This usually calls for a DNS and email-routing investigation, not a new registrar transfer.

Compare active MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records with the values required by your actual email provider.

Restore missing records in the authoritative DNS zone and test delivery in both directions.

The Transfer Is Pending for Too Long

Check the registered contact mailbox, including spam, and inspect Bluehost’s transfer status for any required action.

Do not assume a pending transfer has failed simply because several days have passed.

Use Bluehost’s transfer troubleshooting guide for provider-specific errors and escalation steps.

After the Transfer: Confirm Everything Works

Once Bluehost shows the domain as transferred, verify its registration status and expiration date in the domain dashboard.

Confirm the registrar and registrant information are correct and that renewal preferences match your intentions.

Visit the root domain and www version using a private browser window and another network if available.

Check that HTTPS works without certificate warnings and that the expected website appears.

Send and receive test email messages, including to an address outside your usual mail provider.

Inspect DNS records and DNSSEC status if you changed DNS providers. Otherwise, avoid unnecessary edits.

Finally, enable the domain transfer lock again and secure the account with available multifactor authentication.

• Registrar and renewal date confirmed.
• Correct nameservers and DNS records confirmed.
• Website and HTTPS verified.
• Incoming and outgoing email tested.
• Domain transfer lock re-enabled.
• Billing and contact details reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a GoDaddy domain to Bluehost?

Usually, if Bluehost supports its extension and the domain meets transfer rules. Unlock it at GoDaddy, obtain its EPP code, and start the Bluehost transfer. Check DNS and email first.

Do I need Bluehost hosting to transfer a domain?

You can transfer domain registration without moving your website hosting. Bluehost lists hosting as an optional transfer-checkout add-on.

Check the final order and skip any products you do not need.

Will transferring my domain move my WordPress website?

No. Transferring registration does not copy WordPress files, plugins, themes, or databases. Plan a separate website migration if you are changing hosting providers.

Will I lose my email when transferring?

Not automatically. Email can continue if its DNS and hosting arrangements remain valid. Problems arise when nameservers, DNS zones, or email services change without preparation.

Can I transfer a domain less than 60 days old?

Many generic domains are restricted within 60 days of initial registration or a previous registrar transfer. Extension-specific policies may differ. Check Bluehost’s eligibility tool.

Can I transfer a .uk domain to Bluehost?

Bluehost’s July 2026 documentation says .uk transfers into its platform are unsupported. Keep registration with a supported registrar and connect the domain to Bluehost hosting if desired.

Is a Bluehost domain transfer free?

Do not assume so. Bluehost describes a one-time transfer charge, generally associated with a renewal year. Check the current checkout amount and extension-specific conditions.

How do I find my EPP code?

Request it through your current registrar’s domain transfer settings or support team. Keep the code private and enter it only in the legitimate Bluehost transfer workflow.

Can I keep my existing nameservers?

Often, yes, when your DNS provider will continue serving the domain after transfer. Verify that service with the current provider before relying on unchanged nameservers.

What should I do after the transfer finishes?

Check renewal dates, DNS, website access, HTTPS, email delivery, contact information, and domain lock. Save a record of the final configuration for future troubleshooting.

Final Advice: Transfer Only When It Solves a Real Problem

Moving registration to Bluehost can simplify domain management, but it is not required to host a website there.

The safest approach is to verify eligibility, protect DNS and email, submit the correct EPP code, and check services afterward.

Compare your choices with our domain ownership guide and Bluehost pricing overview before committing to a change.

Use current Bluehost instructions for your particular extension and account. Transfer rules and dashboard labels can change.

Official Sources and Further Reading

• Bluehost’s current transfer-in instructions
• Bluehost’s supported domain extensions
• Bluehost’s transfer troubleshooting guide
• ICANN’s transfer policy guidance
• Bluehost’s domain transfer page