Transfer account to another entity - instructions defective.

Question

The instructions given here are DEFECTIVE. I am frustrated as I have been trying to do this simple transfer for months. 
https://repost.aws/knowledge-center/transfer-aws-account

I want to assign ownership of my AWS account and its associated resources to another entity.

I already completed the sales support form and got a response that I don't actually have to do that and they pointed me to this page.

1. First, it tells me to deactivate MFA. As soon as I attempt to transfer the account, it makes me reenable. So why am I doing that for?
2. There is no place called "Next to Account Settings, choose Edit." The closest i could find was as Account Details -> Actions -> Update Email Address and Password.
3. I enter an email address of the new entity
 "This email address is already associated with an AWS account. Try again or sign in with that account."
Well, yes, the new entity happens to have an AWS account. I STILL WANT TO TRANSFER MINE TO THEM. 
NOWHERE in the instructions does it say that I can't do that. 
I CAN'T sign in to that account, and what good would it do if I could?

re:Post Agent · Answer

I understand your frustration with the account transfer process. Let me clarify what's happening and what options you have.

The issue you're encountering is that AWS doesn't allow transferring an account to an email address that's already associated with another AWS account. This is a fundamental limitation of the AWS account system that isn't clearly stated in the transfer instructions.

When transferring AWS account ownership to another entity:

1. The receiving entity must use an email address that is not already associated with any AWS account.

2. The deactivation of MFA is typically required during the transfer process as a security measure, but you're right that the system may prompt you to re-enable it at certain points, which can be confusing.

3. The "Edit" option for account settings may have a different name depending on the console version, so "Update Email Address and Password" under Account Details → Actions is the correct path.

For your specific situation, since the new entity already has an AWS account, you have a few options:

1. Ask the new entity to provide an alternative email address that isn't associated with any AWS account.

2. If the goal is to consolidate resources, consider using AWS Organizations to manage multiple accounts instead of transferring ownership. The existing account could be invited to join the new entity's organization.

3. Contact AWS Support again with this specific issue (email already in use) to see if they can provide a specialized solution for your case. You can open a case in your Support Center to reach them: [go.aws/support-center](https://console.aws.amazon.com/support/home)

The account transfer process requires consent from AWS and following their specific procedure, which unfortunately doesn't support transferring to an email already associated with another account.  
**Sources**  
[Transfer my account to a new owner | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QU2qTMZqczQ8mo_cZRG5Rj3Q/transfer-my-account-to-a-new-owner)  
[Move an account to AWS Org from another Org | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QUd8oGp5STRgWveFxfolWV_w/move-an-account-to-aws-org-from-another-org)  
[Problem logging into another account | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QUUMxRR30hRBikp11F9nNCaQ/problem-logging-into-another-account)

Transfer account to another entity - instructions defective.

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