How to Transfer a Domain from Bluehost to Porkbun
So, you want to learn how to transfer a domain from Bluehost to Porkbun? Let’s do it!
Steps to Transfer a Domain From Bluehost
Before reviewing this guide, we recommend taking a peek at Bluehost's guide for transferring domains away from their platform.
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Unlock your domain at Bluehost. This guide shows you how.
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- Grab an authorization code (aka EPP key) from Bluehost. This key is a one-use password that allows you to transfer a domain from Bluehost to Porkbun. This guide shows you how to get your code. Bluehost will email it to you once requested.
- 3
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Initiate your Porkbun domain transfer.
Type in your domain to be transferred under Domain Name, then copy the authorization code in your email from Bluehost and paste it into the Auth Code field. Hit "Submit."
The transfer or transfers will be added to your cart. From Your Cart, click "Continue to Billing" to pay for your domain transfers. Once you’ve paid, Porkbun and Bluehost will send you an email asking you to confirm the transfer from Bluehost. Find and click the provided link to confirm the transfer.
You can check on the status of pending transfers by logging into your Porkbun account and clicking "Transfer" at the top of the page.
Here's an article that tells you what the different statuses mean.
Possible Issues When Transferring a Domain
There are a few scenarios where you simply can't transfer a domain from Bluehost to Porkbun… or anywhere else.
Was your domain first registered fewer than 60 days ago? If so, you’ll need to wait until the 60-day mark before transferring it to Porkbun. We feel your pain, but our hands are tied.
Was your domain transferred fewer than 60 days ago? Same deal as above. ICANN rules say a domain must stay at one registrar for 60 days before it can be transferred to another.
Additionally, if you renew an expired domain at Bluehost, then transfer the domain to Porkbun within 45 days, your registration may not be extended for an additional year. For more information, check out our guide "If I transfer a domain to Porkbun, will I lose any existing months or years of registration?"
Does your domain already have more than nine years of registration? Since domains can only ever have ten years registration max, sometimes the registry won't allow transfers that already have nine years of registration.