What is an EPP code?

An EPP code (Extensible Provisioning Protocol code), also known as an authorisation code, auth code, or transfer key, is a unique security code required to transfer most domain names from one registrar to another.

How EPP codes work:

  1. EPP code is assigned to each domain by the current registrar
  2. Only the domain owner (you) can request the EPP code
  3. You provide the EPP code to the new registrar when initiating a transfer
  4. The new registrar uses the code to authorise the transfer request
  5. Without a valid EPP code, the transfer cannot proceed

EPP code security features:

  • Unique per domain: Each domain has its own EPP code
  • Confidential: Only accessible to the domain owner through the registrar control panel
  • Prevents unauthorized transfers: Ensures only the legitimate owner can initiate transfers
  • Regeneratable: If compromised, you can request a new EPP code

Which domains require EPP codes?

Domains that use EPP codes:

  • Generic TLDs (gTLDs): .com, .net, .org, .info, .biz, .name
  • New gTLDs: .shop, .online, .store, .tech, .app, etc.
  • Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs): Most international ccTLDs like .uk, .de, .eu, .in

Domains that do NOT use EPP codes:

  • South African .za domains: .co.za, .net.za, .org.za, .web.za (use ZACR email approval process instead)
  • Some other ccTLDs: Transfer processes vary by registry

Before requesting an EPP code

Before requesting your EPP code, ensure:

  • Domain is unlocked: Disable registrar lock before transferring (see How to Unlock Your Domain)
  • Domain is active: Domain must not be expired or suspended
  • 60-day waiting period: Domain must be at least 60 days old (ICANN requirement for .com/.net/.org)
  • No recent transfers: If domain was recently transferred to 0724 Hosting, wait 60 days
  • WHOIS email is accessible: Transfer confirmations are sent to the registrant email in WHOIS

How to request an EPP code in the client area

Step 1: Log in to the client area

  1. Navigate to https://ca.0724.co.za
  2. Enter your email address and password
  3. Click Login

Step 2: Access your domains

  1. Click Domains in the top navigation menu
  2. Select My Domains from the dropdown
  3. You will see a list of all domains in your account

Step 3: Select the domain

  1. Find the domain you want to transfer
  2. Click on the domain name (or click Manage)
  3. You will be taken to the Domain Management page

Step 4: Request EPP code

  1. Scroll to the EPP Code or Authorisation Code section
  2. Click Get EPP Code, Request Auth Code, or Email EPP Code
  3. Choose delivery method (if prompted):
    • Display on screen: EPP code shown immediately in the client area
    • Email to registrant: EPP code sent to WHOIS registrant email address
  4. Click Submit or Request

Step 5: Retrieve your EPP code

Depending on your selection:

  • On-screen display: EPP code appears on the page immediately (e.g., Ab3d!9xK2pL)
  • Email delivery: Check your registrant email inbox (including spam folder) for an email with subject like "EPP Code for domain.com"

Step 6: Copy and save the EPP code

  1. Copy the EPP code exactly as shown (it is case-sensitive)
  2. Save it somewhere secure (password manager, secure note)
  3. Do not share the EPP code publicly or with unauthorized parties

Understanding EPP code format

EPP codes vary by registry but typically:

  • Length: 8-32 characters
  • Characters: Mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and sometimes special characters
  • Case-sensitive: Must be entered exactly as displayed (e.g., AbC123 is different from abc123)
  • Example formats:
    • Xy3kP9mN
    • a8Df#2k!9L
    • transfer-auth-12345

Using the EPP code to transfer your domain

After obtaining your EPP code:

Step 1: Choose your new registrar

  • Select the registrar you want to transfer to
  • Create an account if you don't have one

Step 2: Initiate the transfer

  1. Go to the new registrar's domain transfer page
  2. Enter your domain name
  3. The system will verify the domain is eligible for transfer
  4. Enter the EPP code when prompted
  5. Complete the transfer order (may require payment for 1-year renewal)

Step 3: Approve the transfer

  1. The new registrar submits the transfer request to the registry
  2. You receive a transfer approval email at your registrant email address
  3. Click the approval link in the email
  4. The transfer begins processing

Step 4: Transfer completion

  • Automatic completion: Transfers complete in 5-7 days automatically if not cancelled
  • Expedited transfer: You can approve the transfer at 0724 Hosting to complete immediately
  • Domain renewal: Most transfers include a 1-year extension of the registration period

EPP code not displayed or received

If you cannot see or receive your EPP code:

Check spam/junk folder:

  • EPP code emails may be filtered as spam
  • Check all email folders including junk, spam, and promotions
  • Add noreply@0724.co.za to your email contacts

Verify registrant email address:

  1. Check WHOIS to confirm registrant email is correct
  2. Update WHOIS email if incorrect (see Update WHOIS Details)
  3. Wait 15 minutes for WHOIS update to process
  4. Request EPP code again

Domain not eligible for EPP code:

  • .za domains: Do not use EPP codes (use ZACR transfer process)
  • Some ccTLDs: May have alternative transfer methods
  • Check with the gaining registrar for specific requirements

Contact support:

If you still cannot obtain your EPP code, contact 0724 Hosting support with:

  • Your domain name
  • Description of the issue (not displayed, email not received, etc.)
  • Confirmation you have access to the registrant email address

Special considerations for .za domains

South African .co.za, .net.za, .org.za, and other .za domains do NOT use EPP codes.

.za domain transfer process:

  1. Unlock domain: Disable registrar lock in the client area
  2. Verify WHOIS email: Ensure registrant email is current and accessible
  3. New registrar initiates: Contact the new registrar to start the transfer
  4. ZACR transfer request: New registrar submits request to ZACR (ZA Central Registry)
  5. Email approval: You receive transfer approval email from ZACR
  6. Approve transfer: Click the approval link in the email within the specified timeframe (usually 5-7 days)
  7. Transfer completes: After approval, ZACR processes the transfer

Important for .za transfers:

  • No EPP code required: Do not request an EPP code for .za domains
  • Email approval only: Transfer authorisation is done via email link from ZACR
  • Response timeframe: Approve within the specified timeframe or transfer will be cancelled
  • Check spam folder: ZACR emails may be filtered as spam

EPP code security best practices

Keep EPP codes confidential:

  • Treat EPP codes like passwords
  • Do not share EPP codes via public channels (social media, forums, public tickets)
  • Only provide EPP codes to authorised registrars during legitimate transfers
  • Store EPP codes securely (password manager, encrypted note)

Regenerate if compromised:

If you suspect your EPP code has been compromised:

  1. Go to Domain Management in the client area
  2. Request a new EPP code
  3. The old EPP code is immediately invalidated
  4. A new EPP code is generated and provided
  5. Enable registrar lock to prevent unauthorized transfers

Monitor for unauthorized transfers:

  • Watch for transfer notification emails from the registry
  • If you receive a transfer notification you did not initiate, immediately contact support to cancel it
  • Keep registrar lock enabled when not actively transferring

Common EPP code issues and solutions

Error: "Invalid EPP code"

If the new registrar rejects your EPP code:

  • Check for typos: EPP codes are case-sensitive; ensure exact match
  • No spaces: Remove any leading/trailing spaces when copying
  • Request new code: EPP code may have been regenerated; request a fresh one
  • Domain unlocked: Verify registrar lock is disabled
  • Domain active: Ensure domain is not expired or suspended

Error: "Domain not eligible for transfer"

Common eligibility issues:

  • 60-day lock: Domain registered or transferred within the last 60 days (ICANN policy)
  • Domain expired: Renew the domain before transferring
  • Redemption period: Domain in grace or redemption cannot be transferred
  • Pending delete: Domain scheduled for deletion cannot be transferred
  • Registry lock: Some domains have special registry-level locks (contact support)

Transfer taking too long

Domain transfers typically complete in 5-7 days. To expedite:

  1. Log in to the 0724 Hosting client area
  2. Go to Domains → My Domains
  3. Click the domain being transferred
  4. Look for Approve Transfer or Accept Transfer option
  5. Click to approve immediately (transfer completes within a few hours)

ICANN 60-day transfer lock

ICANN requires a mandatory 60-day transfer lock for most gTLDs (.com, .net, .org, etc.) after:

  • Initial registration: 60 days from the date you registered the domain
  • Transfer between registrars: 60 days from the date of the last transfer
  • Registrant name change: 60 days after changing the registrant name or organisation in WHOIS

Checking 60-day lock status:

  1. Go to Domains → My Domains in the client area
  2. Click your domain
  3. Check the registration date or last transfer date
  4. Calculate 60 days from that date
  5. If within 60 days, you must wait before transferring

Exceptions to 60-day lock:

  • Transfers between accounts at the same registrar (internal transfers) may not have the 60-day lock
  • Some registries allow waiving the 60-day lock in specific circumstances (rare)
  • Contact support if you believe you qualify for an exception

Getting help with EPP codes

If you need assistance obtaining EPP codes, troubleshooting transfer issues, or have questions about domain transfers, contact 0724 Hosting support. We can help with:

  • Requesting EPP codes if you cannot access the client area
  • Verifying EPP code format and validity
  • Troubleshooting "invalid EPP code" errors
  • Approving outgoing transfers to expedite completion
  • Understanding 60-day transfer lock status
  • Explaining .za domain transfer process (no EPP codes)