How to Transfer Your Domain to AWS Route 53 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Transferring your domain to AWS Route 53 gives you integrated DNS management with other AWS services. This guide walks you through the complete transfer process from any registrar, with detailed steps for GoDaddy and Namecheap users.

Before You Start

Ensure you meet these requirements before initiating a transfer:

• Domain age: Must be registered for at least 60 days
• Recent transfer: Cannot have been transferred in the last 60 days
• Not expired: Domain must not be expired or in redemption period
• Admin email access: You need access to the email on the domain's WHOIS record
• TLD supported: Check AWS documentation for supported domain extensions

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Step 1: Prepare Your Domain for Transfer

At Your Current Registrar

1. Unlock the domain
   • GoDaddy: My Products > Domain > Domain Settings > Domain Lock: Off
   • Namecheap: Domain List > Manage > Unlock Domain
2. Disable WHOIS privacy (temporarily)
   • Privacy protection must be off to receive transfer approval emails
3. Get the Authorization Code (EPP/Transfer Key)
   • GoDaddy: Domain Settings > Transfer > Get authorization code
   • Namecheap: Domain List > Manage > Sharing & Transfer > Auth Code
4. Save your current DNS records
   • Export or screenshot all A, CNAME, MX, TXT records
   • You'll need to recreate these in Route 53

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Step 2: Initiate Transfer in AWS Route 53

1. Sign in to the AWS Management Console
2. Navigate to Route 53 (search in services)
3. In the left sidebar, click Registered domains
4. Click Transfer domain
5. Enter your domain name and click Check
6. If available for transfer:
   • Review the transfer price
   • Click Add to cart
7. Click Continue

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Step 3: Enter Authorization and Contact Details

1. Enter the Authorization Code from your current registrar
2. Configure nameservers:
   • Option A: Use Route 53 nameservers (creates hosted zone automatically)
   • Option B: Keep current nameservers (transfer registration only)
3. Enter contact information for:
   • Registrant contact
   • Administrative contact
   • Technical contact
4. Enable privacy protection (optional but recommended)
5. Enable auto-renewal (recommended)
6. Click Continue

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Step 4: Review and Submit

1. Review your transfer details and pricing
2. Read and accept the terms and conditions
3. Click Submit
4. You'll receive a confirmation email at your registrant email address

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Step 5: Approve the Transfer

You'll receive emails requiring action:

1. From AWS: Verify your email address (click the link)
2. From current registrar: Approve or deny the transfer
   • Approving speeds up the transfer
   • If ignored, transfer completes automatically after 5-7 days

Check transfer status: Route 53 > Registered domains > Pending requests

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Step 6: Set Up DNS in Route 53 (If Using Route 53 DNS)

If you chose to use Route 53 nameservers, a hosted zone was created automatically. Now add your DNS records:

1. Go to Route 53 > Hosted zones
2. Click on your domain's hosted zone
3. Click Create record
4. Add your DNS records:
   • A record: Points domain to IP address
   • CNAME: Creates aliases (www, etc.)
   • MX: Email server records
   • TXT: SPF, DKIM, verification records

Example: Point Domain to Web Server

Record Type	Name	Value	TTL
A	(blank for root)	203.0.113.50	300
CNAME	www	example.com	300

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Route 53 Pricing Breakdown

Component	Cost	Notes
Domain transfer	$12-15/year	Varies by TLD (.com = $13)
Annual renewal	$12-15/year	Same as transfer cost
Hosted zone	$0.50/month	Per hosted zone
DNS queries	$0.40/million	First billion queries
Health checks	$0.50/month	Optional, per endpoint

Typical monthly cost for small site: $0.50-$1.00 (hosted zone + minimal queries)

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Transfer Rejected

• Ensure domain is unlocked
• Verify authorization code is correct (no extra spaces)
• Check domain isn't within 60-day lock period
• Confirm admin email is accessible

Website Down After Transfer

• Check if nameservers changed unexpectedly
• Verify DNS records were created in Route 53
• Allow 24-48 hours for DNS propagation
• Use dig or online tools to check DNS resolution

Email Not Working

• Ensure MX records are configured correctly
• Add SPF and DKIM TXT records
• Verify record values match your email provider's requirements

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Benefits of Using Route 53

• AWS integration: Works seamlessly with EC2, S3, CloudFront, ELB
• High availability: 100% SLA for DNS queries
• Fast propagation: Global anycast network
• Advanced features: Geolocation routing, health checks, failover
• API access: Automate DNS management with AWS CLI/SDK

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Related Articles

• How to Use AWS Health Dashboard
• How to Use AWS Pricing Calculator