Move a domain with AuthInfo

Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read

Do I even have to move my domain?

Often not. For a new website it is enough to change the records at your current provider. Moving a domain makes sense if you want to leave the old provider completely, if the domain is expensive there or if it is tied to a package you want to cancel. At STRATO, for example, cancelling the package also cancels the included domains, according to STRATO.

What is the AuthInfo?

The AuthInfo is a password for switching the provider of a .de domain. According to DENIC there are two ways: the domain holder has the current provider create an AuthInfo, or the new provider requests one directly from DENIC, which is then sent to the holder by post. According to DENIC the code is valid for 30 days. If it is correct, the domain moves to the new provider immediately. For other endings such as .com it is often called an auth code or EPP code.

How does the move work?

1. 1

   Secure what you have. Write down all DNS records at the old provider, especially MX, SPF, DKIM and verification records.

2. 2

   Sort out mailboxes. Are they with the old provider? Then create new ones beforehand and copy the mails.

3. 3

   Request the AuthInfo from your current provider in your customer account.

4. 4

   Start the transfer with the new provider using the code.

5. 5

   Create the records. Enter all the records you noted exactly the same way at the new provider, ideally before the transfer.

6. 6

   Check. Test the website, receiving email and sending.

7. 7

   Cancel the old contract, but only now.

Who owns the domain?

The registered domain holder. Before the move, check that you are the holder and not a former service provider. If that isn't the case, the change of holder has to be settled first. Switching providers does not change the holder.

What pitfalls are there?

• Cancelling before the transfer. If you cancel the domain with the old provider before it has moved, you risk it being deleted.
• Void instead of cancel. According to STRATO, a void takes effect immediately and returns the domain to the registry.
• Missing email records. If MX and SPF are missing at the new provider, no mail arrives after the transfer.
• Expired code. After 30 days you need a new one.
• Extra services left behind. Forwards, spam filters or archives that ran at the old provider have to be set up again.

What does moving a domain cost?

With many providers the transfer itself costs nothing or little. After that you pay the ongoing domain price at the new provider. Compare the price from the second year, because domains have introductory offers too.

At freeehouse you don't have to move your domain. It stays where it is, and we only change the record for the website. If you expressly want to, you can move it to us for €12 a year. What it costs

What about endings other than .de?

For endings like .com, .eu or .net the move works similarly, but the code is usually called an auth code or EPP code, and the rules of the respective registry apply. Often the domain has to be unlocked at the old provider for the transfer, and for some endings there is a lock period after a registration or a move. If in doubt, ask your new provider which steps it needs.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• DENIC: Providerwechsel bei .de-Domains, accessed 23 October 2026
• DENIC: Domainrichtlinien, accessed 23 October 2026
• STRATO FAQ: Wie kann ich eine Bestellung stornieren?, accessed 23 October 2026
• STRATO FAQ: Wie kann ich kündigen?, accessed 23 October 2026

Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.

Read more