An EPP code (also called auth code, transfer code, or authorisation code) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a domain. It acts as a password for domain transfers without the correct EPP code, a registrar cannot accept an inbound transfer of that domain.
What an EPP code looks like
A typical EPP code is 6–16 characters of letters, numbers, and sometimes special characters:
G7$kP2!mXq3nT8 or AbC123-xYz9 or TRA-NSFE-R123
The format varies by registrar and TLD. Some registrars generate simple codes; others generate complex ones for security.
How EPP codes work in a domain transfer
- Domain owner requests the EPP code from their current registrar (the “losing registrar”)
- Losing registrar provides the code via email or the control panel
- Domain owner initiates the transfer at the destination registrar (the “gaining registrar”) and enters the EPP code
- Gaining registrar verifies the EPP code against the registry’s record
- Transfer proceeds if the code is correct and the domain is unlocked
EPP code expiry
EPP codes typically expire in 7–30 days (varies by registrar). If you request an EPP code and don’t use it promptly, you may need to request a new one.
Some registrars generate a new EPP code each time you request it, invalidating any previous codes. Request the code only when you are ready to initiate the transfer.
How to get your EPP code
The method varies by registrar:
- GoDaddy: My Products → Domain Settings → “Get authorization code” → emailed to registrant email
- Namecheap: Domain List → select domain → Sharing & Transfer → Authorization Code → Send Code
- Cloudflare: Dashboard → Domain Registration → select domain → Configuration → Auth Code
If you cannot find the option in the control panel, contact the registrar’s support team. All ICANN-accredited registrars are required to provide EPP codes to domain owners on request.
EPP codes for country-code TLDs
Not all TLDs use EPP codes:
- .co.uk and .uk: The Nominet registry uses a different transfer process no EPP code required. The gaining registrar submits a transfer request to Nominet directly.
- .de: Uses an AUTHINFO code (equivalent to EPP), managed through DENIC (the German registry)
- .fr: Uses a similar authorization token through AFNIC (the French registry)
Always check the specific transfer process for your TLD before initiating the generic EPP process applies to most gTLDs (.com, .net, .org, .io) but country codes have their own procedures.