Yes, you can transfer an existing domain to a new host or platform, and in many cases you do not even need a full “domain transfer” to move your website successfully.
A domain has two separate pieces: the registrar (where you bought the domain name) and the hosting or platform (where your website files live). If you are changing hosting (like moving to a new WordPress host) you can usually keep the domain at the same registrar and simply update DNS to point to the new server. If you want billing and control in one place, you can also transfer the domain to a new registrar, then point DNS from there.
| Option | What it does | Best when | Typical timing | Common risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keep domain at current registrar, change DNS | Leaves domain ownership where it is, updates records to new host or platform | You want the fastest move with the fewest moving parts | Minutes to 48 hours for DNS propagation (often faster) | Email breaks if MX records are not copied |
| Transfer domain to a new registrar | Moves domain management (renewals, DNS, locks) to a new provider | You want everything under one login or your current registrar is hard to work with | Often 5 to 7 days, sometimes quicker | Transfer lock or wrong admin email stalls the process |
If you are switching platforms (for example, WordPress to Shopify, or WordPress to Squarespace), the domain piece is still the same. The platform move is mostly about rebuilding or migrating content, then pointing DNS to the new platform’s records. If you want us to handle the full migration and cutover, our website design team plans the move so your pages, tracking, forms, and SEO basics carry over cleanly.
Here is the clean, low-stress checklist we follow for most Orlando businesses: (1) Confirm who the registrar is (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) and who has login access. (2) Decide if you are transferring the domain or just changing DNS. (3) Set up the new host or platform first and get the required DNS records from them. (4) Copy every existing DNS record you still need before changing anything, especially MX (email), SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. (5) Lower DNS TTL a day in advance if possible to speed up the cutover. (6) Move the site, test it on a temporary URL or staging, and verify forms, call tracking, and analytics. (7) Point DNS to the new destination, then watch for issues for 24 to 48 hours.
If you do choose a full domain transfer, most registrars require the domain to be unlocked and you will need an authorization code (often called an EPP code). Also, many domains have a 60-day transfer lock after a new registration or a recent transfer, so timing matters.
The most common surprise is email. Your website can move perfectly and your inbox can still go down if the email DNS records were not copied over. If you want a smoother hosting move without juggling vendors, our WordPress hosting service is built around safe migrations and ongoing maintenance.
If you are weighing platforms before you move, this FAQ on code vs CMS helps you pick a setup that fits your team. If your main worry is rankings during the move, our guidance on HTTPS and SEO explains what typically changes when SSL and hosting switch.
If you tell us your current registrar, your new host or platform, and whether you have email on the same domain, we can outline the exact steps to move with minimal downtime and no lost leads.
