Is my Domain Eligible to Transfer to Squarespace?

What Are the Domain Transfer Eligibility Requirements?

Squarespace has specific criteria your domain must meet before a transfer can proceed. Check each one before initiating the process to avoid delays or failed transfers.

Supported Top-Level Domain (TLD)

Your domain must use a TLD that Squarespace supports. Common TLDs like .com, .net, .org, .info, and .co are supported. Many newer TLDs (.io, .design, .studio, etc.) are also supported. However, certain country-specific domains - including .ca, .co.uk, .com.au, .de, and .uk - have special requirements or may not be transferable. Check Squarespace's current supported TLD list before starting.

Domain Must Be at Least 60 Days Old

ICANN regulations require domains to be at least 60 days old before they can be transferred to a new registrar. This applies to newly registered domains and domains that were recently transferred from another registrar. If you registered or transferred your domain within the last 60 days, you need to wait before initiating a transfer to Squarespace.

Domain Must Be Unlocked

Most registrars apply a transfer lock (also called a registrar lock or domain lock) by default. This prevents unauthorized transfers. You must log in to your current registrar's dashboard and disable the lock before Squarespace can process the transfer. The setting is usually found under Domain Management, Security, or Transfer settings.

You Need an Authorization Code

An authorization code (also called an EPP code or transfer key) is required to initiate the transfer. Request this from your current registrar - most provide it instantly through their dashboard. Some registrars email it to the domain's admin contact. This code proves you have authority to transfer the domain.

Domain Must Not Be Expiring Soon

Transfer your domain at least 15 days before its expiration date. Transfers can take 1-14 days depending on your current registrar, and a domain that expires mid-transfer can cause complications including loss of the domain. If your domain is close to expiring, renew it at your current registrar first, then transfer.

Which Domains Cannot Be Transferred to Squarespace?

Some domains are ineligible regardless of whether they meet the standard criteria. Knowing these restrictions upfront saves time and frustration.

Registry Premium Domains

Premium domains - domains that registries price above the standard rate due to perceived value - cannot be transferred to Squarespace. These are typically short, generic, or high-demand domain names. If you purchased a premium domain from another registrar, you need to keep it there and connect it to Squarespace using DNS settings instead of transferring.

Domains With 9+ Years of Registration Remaining

ICANN limits domain registrations to a maximum of 10 years. When you transfer, Squarespace adds one year to your existing registration. If your domain already has 9 or more years remaining, the transfer would exceed the 10-year limit and will be rejected. Wait until your remaining registration drops below 9 years.

Subdomains

You cannot transfer a subdomain independently. Subdomains (like shop.yourdomain.com) are part of the parent domain's DNS configuration. To use a subdomain with Squarespace, transfer the parent domain or point the subdomain via DNS records.

Domains Containing "Squarespace" or "sqsp"

Squarespace does not allow transfers of domains that contain their brand names. This is a trademark protection policy.

How Much Does a Domain Transfer to Squarespace Cost?

Domain transfer pricing ranges from $20 to $70 depending on the TLD. This fee covers one year of domain registration at Squarespace. You do not lose any time you already paid for at your current registrar - your existing registration period carries over, and the new year from Squarespace is added on top.

For example, if you have 9 months remaining on your current registration and transfer to Squarespace, you will have 21 months of registration after the transfer. Every transferred domain includes free WHOIS privacy and SSL certificate at no additional cost. For a full breakdown of Squarespace pricing, see our guide on how much Squarespace costs.

How to Transfer Your Domain to Squarespace

Once you have confirmed your domain meets all eligibility requirements, the transfer process is straightforward.

Step 1: Prepare at Your Current Registrar

Unlock your domain, disable WHOIS privacy (some registrars require this for transfers), and request your authorization code. Update the admin contact email to an address you actively monitor - you will receive confirmation emails during the transfer.

Step 2: Initiate the Transfer in Squarespace

In Squarespace, go to Settings > Domains > Use a Domain I Own > Transfer. Enter your domain name and the authorization code. Squarespace will verify eligibility and display the transfer fee. Complete the payment to start the transfer.

Step 3: Confirm and Wait

You will receive a confirmation email. Some registrars also send an approval email to the domain's admin contact - respond to it promptly to speed up the process. Transfer times range from 1 day to 2 weeks depending on the current registrar. You can check the transfer status in your Squarespace domain settings. If you are also setting up email, our guide on getting email for your domain on Squarespace covers post-transfer email configuration.

Transfer vs. Connect: Which Should You Choose?

You do not have to transfer your domain to use it with Squarespace. The alternative is connecting your domain by updating DNS records at your current registrar to point to Squarespace's servers.

When to Transfer

Transfer when you want to manage everything - domain, website, and billing - in one place. Transferring simplifies renewals and eliminates the need to maintain an account at your old registrar. If you are building your entire online presence on Squarespace, transferring makes long-term management easier.

When to Connect Instead

Connect (without transferring) when your domain is at a registrar you prefer, when you use domain-level features your current registrar offers that Squarespace does not, or when your domain is ineligible for transfer (premium domains, unsupported TLDs). Connecting is also better when you need your domain to resolve immediately - DNS changes propagate in hours, while transfers take days. To understand what Squarespace does with your domain after connecting, see our post on whether Squarespace owns your domain.

What to Watch Out For During the Transfer

A few common issues can cause delays or disruptions during the transfer process.

DNS Changes and Downtime

During the transfer, your DNS records may change. If you have email, subdomains, or other services configured through your domain's DNS, document all your current DNS records before transferring. After the transfer completes, reconfigure these records in Squarespace's DNS settings. Brief downtime during DNS propagation is normal - plan the transfer during low-traffic hours.

Email Service Continuity

If you use email through your domain (like [email protected]) with a third-party provider such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, verify that your MX records are correctly configured in Squarespace after the transfer. Missing or incorrect MX records will disrupt email delivery. For domain registration options, our guide on registering a domain with Squarespace covers the full process including email setup considerations.

ICANN Transfer Policies

Per ICANN regulations, updating your domain's WHOIS contact information can trigger a 60-day transfer lock at some registrars. Update your contact info well before initiating a transfer. Also, your current registrar cannot refuse to release the domain once you have provided a valid authorization code - if they delay, contact ICANN's transfer dispute resolution process.

Check Your Eligibility and Transfer with Confidence

Most domains transfer to Squarespace without issues. Verify your domain is unlocked, at least 60 days old, and uses a supported TLD. Get your authorization code, initiate the transfer in Squarespace, and confirm the emails. The process is straightforward when you check the requirements first.