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Transfer a Domain to Amazon Route 53

Transfer a domain from your current registrar to Amazon Route 53 following this preparation checklist, DNS migration, and transfer request steps to avoid downtime.

info

Verify that your domain's TLD (e.g., .com, .net, .mx) is supported by Route 53 before starting: Supported TLD list .

Prerequisites​

  • Access to your current domain registrar account
  • Access to the registrant email address listed in WHOIS (authorization emails will be sent there)
  • The domain must be at least 60 days old since registration or last transfer
  • If DNSSEC is enabled, you must disable it at the current registrar before transferring

Let's Start​

Stage 1 — Pre-transfer checklist​

Complete all of these before touching the AWS Console:

  • Confirm TLD support — verify your domain extension is in the supported TLD list
  • Verify access to registrant email — you will receive authorization emails there
  • Unlock the domain — disable the "Transfer Lock" or "Domain Lock" at your current registrar
  • Confirm domain age — at least 60 days since registration or last transfer
  • Get the Auth Code (EPP Code) — request it from your current registrar; required for most TLDs
  • Disable DNSSEC — if enabled, disable it at the current registrar before transferring
  • Check domain status in WHOIS — status must be ok. Domains with any of these statuses cannot be transferred:
    • clientTransferProhibited
    • pendingDelete
    • pendingTransfer
    • redemptionPeriod
    • serverTransferProhibited
warning

If your domain expires in less than 7 days, renew it at the current registrar before attempting the transfer.

Stage 2 — Migrate DNS records first (recommended)​

AWS recommends migrating your DNS service before transferring the domain registration to avoid downtime.

  1. Create a hosted zone in Route 53 with the same name as your domain. SleakOps can create this for you.
  2. Copy all DNS records (A, MX, CNAME, TXT) from your current provider to the new Route 53 hosted zone.
  3. (Optional) Update name servers at your current registrar to the Route 53 name servers to test resolution before the transfer.

Stage 3 — Submit the transfer request in Route 53​

  1. Go to Route 53 → Registered domains → Transfer in.
  2. Enter the domain name and click Check to confirm it is transferable.
  3. Enter the Auth Code from Stage 1.
  4. Configure DNS: select your Route 53 hosted zone (recommended) or keep your current name servers.
  5. Review and complete the registrant contact information — it should match your current registrar to avoid ownership-change blocks.
  6. Review the cost (typically includes a 1-year renewal) and confirm the order.

Stage 4 — Complete the transfer​

  • Watch your registrant email for an authorization link.
  • Monitor progress at Route 53 → Pending requests.
  • Depending on the TLD, transfers take anywhere from a few minutes to 10 days.
  • Once complete, AWS sends a confirmation email.
  • (If applicable) Re-enable DNSSEC after the transfer is complete and DNS is working correctly.