I have two domains with Yahoo (one .com and one .net) that I am trying to switch to 1and1. Yahoo is going to renew these domains @ $9.95 on Saturday unless I cancel. So today I signed up for a 1 year plan on these names from 1and1 @ $5.99 each. I unlocked the names using the Yahoo control panel and now I am not sure what to do next. Do I just wait for 1and1 to take control of them? How do I know when this occurs? Do I still need to cancel though Yahoo? Thanks guys!
Usually you can only transfer if there is at least 60 days left before the domain expires but it all depends on the policy of Yahoo here. Basically for transfer, you will unlock the names at the current registrar and then at the new one, request for a domain transfer for those names. Then wait. You should get an email from the new dns registrar to confirm the transfer and in a few days another from Yahoo to confirm the transfer and you be set. Usually this will take between 5 to 7 days. But since you are so close to the expiration of the domain names, I seriously doubt the transfer would be successful. Your only option would probably be to renew the domains at Yahoo then wait a few months to transfer it to 1and1. Of course, if you do not want the domain names, you can just let them expire.
Thanks for the reply. I believe the no transfer rule apply within 60 after the registration date, not within 60 days of the expiration date. If the transfer goes through before yahoo renews then I should pay $5.99 x 2. If the transfer happens after Saturday, will I pay $9.95 x 2 to Yahoo as well as the $5.99 x 2 for 1and1? In this case, would I get 2 more years on each domain?
Yes you should not get any time forfeited. Basically, if both clears you should have 2 years added to it. If one fails, one side will refund you your money for the transfer. So technically you will not lose anything. Taken from 1and1 FAQ on Domain Name Transfers Source : http://faq.1and1.com/domains/domain_transfers/2.html