Though you purchase a domain name through a specific registrar, you’re not required to keep your domain name with them. You may change registrars whenever you wish, except during a 60-day period after initial registration or recent transfer. This is mandated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and not simply a requirement of your chosen registrar. When you’re ready to switch registrars, you’ll need to follow the procedure to transfer the domain from the existing registrar to your new one. First, you must contact the existing registrar and obtain a transfer key. The current registrar will then enable your domain name to be released. Next, provide your newly chosen registrar with the transfer you were given. They use it as authorization with the old registrar to allow the transfer. The two registrars then facilitate the transfer of ownership. Domain transfers most occur within a few days. Note: One caveat to the process is that neither registrar will change your domain’s DNS records or name servers. Should you need to make any changes you will need to change them either prior to the transfer with your old registrar or wait until the transfer is complete and then change them at the new registrar.