Domain transfer stuck in pending status or transfer not completing.

Resolution Steps

1. 1Confirm the domain is currently unlocked at the losing registrar — a locked domain cannot transfer.
2. 2Verify the customer has the correct EPP/authorization code from the losing registrar.
3. 3Check whether the domain was registered or transferred within the last 60 days — ICANN lock applies.
4. 4Confirm the WHOIS email address is accessible; the transfer approval email goes there.
5. 5Ask the customer to check spam/junk folders for the transfer approval email.
6. 6Verify the domain is not in Redemption Grace Period or Pending Delete status.
7. 7Check the transfer status in the Domains dashboard — look for "Pending Approval" vs "Pending Transfer."
8. 8If approval email was not received, resend the transfer authorization from the Domains tool.
9. 9Advise the customer that standard transfers take 5–7 days; expedited transfers are not available for all TLDs.

"I completely understand — waiting on a domain transfer can feel stressful, especially if you're trying to get a site live. Let me check exactly where things stand right now. [check transfer status] Okay, I can see your transfer is currently in [status]. Here's what's happening: [explain status clearly]. The most common reason transfers stall is that the approval email hasn't been confirmed yet. That email goes to the address on the domain's WHOIS record — do you have access to [WHOIS email]? It may be in your spam folder. [if email confirmed] Perfect. The transfer should complete within [timeframe]. I'll note this on your account so our team can follow up if it doesn't move by [date]."

Quick Links

Related Issues