Transfering Domain to Route 53

Question

I'm planning to transfer a domain from Hostinger to AWS and have already gone through the basic transfer steps. I noticed that the transfer cost is approximately $40. I need some clarification on a few points before proceeding:

* If I initiate the transfer 30 days before the domain's expiration and pay the $40 transfer fee, will I have to pay an additional renewal fee after 30 days? How long will the domain remain valid after the transfer?
* I’m okay with the $40 fee, but will AWS deduct this amount from the existing startup credits on the account, or will it require an external payment method?
* From what I’ve read, the domain transfer can take 4–5 days. Is it safe to transfer a domain if some resources are already in production? Will I be able to update or add DNS records during the transfer process?
* If anyone has a blog post or step-by-step guide for transferring domains from Hostinger to AWS, please do share.

Thanks in advance!

re:Post Agent · Accepted Answer

Thank you for your questions about transferring your domain from Hostinger to Amazon Route 53. I'll address each of your points:

1. Domain Expiration and Renewal:
When you transfer your domain to Route 53, the transfer fee typically includes a one-year extension to your domain's registration period. This means that after the transfer is complete, your domain's expiration date will be extended by one year from its current expiration date. You won't need to pay an additional renewal fee immediately after the transfer. The domain will remain valid for the extended period, which includes the time remaining on your current registration plus one year.

2. Payment Method:
Unfortunately, AWS credits cannot be used to pay for domain transfer fees. You will need to use an external payment method, such as a credit card, to cover the transfer fee. AWS applies this fee to your account separately from any credits you may have.

3. Transfer Process and DNS Management:
The domain transfer process typically takes 5-7 days, but it can sometimes be completed more quickly. During this time, your existing DNS settings will continue to function, so your production resources should not be affected. However, it's generally recommended to avoid making significant DNS changes during the transfer process. Once the transfer is complete, you'll be able to manage your DNS records through Route 53.

4. Transfer Guide:
While I can't provide a specific blog post or step-by-step guide for transferring from Hostinger to AWS, the general process involves:
- Unlocking the domain at Hostinger
- Obtaining the authorization code from Hostinger
- Initiating the transfer in Route 53
- Approving the transfer (you may receive emails for this)
- Configuring DNS settings in Route 53 after the transfer is complete

For detailed instructions, it's best to refer to the official AWS documentation on transferring domains to Route 53. They provide comprehensive guidance on the transfer process, requirements, and potential considerations for different top-level domains.  
**Sources**  
[Transferring domains - Amazon Route 53](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/Route53/latest/DeveloperGuide/domain-transfer.html)  
[Transferring registration for a domain to Amazon Route 53 - Amazon Route 53](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/Route53/latest/DeveloperGuide/domain-transfer-to-route-53.html)

Transfering Domain to Route 53

Relevant content