How to transfer your domain from Dreamhost to Web.com

6 MINS
Web.com Team

Your domain name is your online identity. It’s how people find you on the internet, and it’s essential for building a successful website or online business. 

If your domain is currently registered with Dreamhost and you’re thinking about switching to Web.com, we’re here to help make the switch easy and hassle-free. 

This guide will take you through the steps on how to transfer your domain name from Dreamhost to Web.com. It covers the benefits and potential challenges you need to know about when transferring your domain. 

What is a domain transfer? 

A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain name from one domain registrar (the company who manages a domain) to another. When you transfer a domain, you’re essentially changing the company that’s responsible for managing your domain name.

There are several reasons why you might consider transferring your domain: 

  • Better services. It could be a good reason to switch if you find another domain provider that offers better customer support, more features, or improved domain management tools.  
  • Cost-effectiveness. Moving to a new provider may save you money on domain registration fees or offer you more competitive pricing. 
  • Business expansion. If your business is expanding, you may transfer your domain to a domain provider that matches your new plans or accommodate your growing online presence. 
  • Rebranding. When your business rebrands or changes its name, you might consider transferring your domain to match the new brand identity. 
  • Consolidation. You could transfer your domain to have all your domains managed by a single registrar. 

Domain transfer vs Domain change of ownership 

One common misconception that people often encounter is confusing a domain transfer with a change of ownership. 

A domain transfer involves moving a domain from one domain registrar to another while keeping the ownership details the same. The purpose is usually to switch to a different domain provider for various reasons, such as better services, pricing, or management tools. But the domain stays under the same person or business. 

On the other hand, a change of ownership refers to transferring the legal ownership of a domain from one person or business to another. This typically occurs when the current owner sells or transfers their domain to a new owner, often involving a change in contact and administrative information. 

High level overview of the domain transfer process 

Towards the end of this article, you will find a step-by-step process for transferring your domain from Dreamhost to Web.com.  

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to do to get your domain ready for transfer:  

  • Ensure your domain is eligible for transfer. Not all domains are eligible for transfer, so it’s essential to check if your domain meets the requirements for a transfer. Generally, the domain must be at least 60 days old and not locked or under any dispute. 
  • Unlock your domain and disable privacy settings 
  • Back up website data and files 

Transferring your domain from Dreamhost to Web.com  

Part 1: Initiate the domain transfer from Dreamhost to Web.com  

To transfer your domain from Dreamhost to Web.com, follow these steps:  

  1. Log in to your Dreamhost account.
  2. Look for a section or tab related to “Domains” or “Domain Management.” The exact wording may vary depending on the Dreamhost control panel’s version.  
  3. Click on the “Domains” or similar section to access your domain management settings. Find the list of domains associated with your account.  
  4. Locate the domain that you want to transfer to Web.com.  
  5. Check if there is an option for “Domain Lock” or “Registrar Lock.” If it’s currently enabled (locked), there should be an option to unlock it. Click on that option to disable domain locking.  
  6. Confirm the action if prompted. It may ask you to confirm the unlock operation.  
  7. Within the domain management section, find the specific domain you’re transferring to Web.com.  
  8. Look for an option related to “Transfer Out” or “Transfer Authorization.” Click on that option.  
  9. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the transfer request. This may involve reviewing your contact information and verifying the domain transfer.  
  10. DreamHost may send you an email to the administrative contact associated with the domain. Check your email and click on any verification link provided to confirm the transfer.  

Part 2: Begin the Transfer with Web.com 

1. Go to the Web.com Domain Transfer page.

2. In the blank field, type in your domain name, and then click CONTINUE.

Step 3: In the checkout page, you have the option to add additional years of registration. Once done, click CONTINUE TO CHECKOUT

4. Confirm your account information, then click SUBMIT PAYMENT

5. Check for the authorization emails from Dreamhost. Typically, they send the email to the admin email address linked to your domain name. 

6. Log in to your Web.com Account Manager, and then enter your authorization code. This will initiate the transfer process between your Dreamhost and Web.com. 

transfer domain to web.com

How to manage the transition period 

Updating DNS settings and name servers    

Once the domain transfer is complete, it will distribute the records associated with the domain name based on where the name servers are directed in the registry’s database. So, initiating a transfer on a domain name that uses Dreamhost’s name servers without changing it to Web.com would result in website and email downtime.     

Here are some scenarios where you may need to make some changes after the transfer is complete.   

  • Hosting is still with Dreamhost: If your website hosting or email services are bundled with Dreamhost, then you’ll need to update your DNS settings to maintain functionality.   
  • New services are provided by Web.com. If you plan to use services offered by Web.com—like website hosting or email—you’ll need to update your DNS settings accordingly.   
  • New additional services. If the move to Web.com also coincides with adding new services (such as Google Workspace), you may need to update your DNS settings or name servers.   

Head over to our help section if you want to learn more about updating your DNS settings with Web.com.

Test website functionality after the transfer 

After the transfer, test your website’s functionality, including all webpages, forms, and interactive elements. Don’t forget to test the contact forms, eCommerce functionality, and any third-party integrations on your website after the transfer. 

Testing ensures that everything is working properly, and your website is fully operational. Address any issues immediately to shorten website downtime and guarantee a positive user experience. 

Transfer your domain name to Web.com today  

Domain transfers usually happen when you prefer to look for providers who can offer better perks than what your current provider offers. Although it’s not an easy process, this guide can help you ensure a seamless transition to maintain your website’s functionality during the transition.  

For a frictionless domain transfer from Dreamhost to Web.com, see our domain transfer services. Simply enter your domain on our page and proceed whether you want add-ons or not. On top of our domain transfer services, we also have related products, such as hosting, business email, marketing services, and more.  

TRANSFER YOUR DOMAIN TODAY

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