Changing webhosts and keeping domains

[iwakura]

Hey everyone,
I'm wondering how domains work exactly. As some of you may know, I have a domain and webhosting right now for flash cart reviews, and I'm thinking about changing webhosts as soon as my hosting expires. This website was the first I have ever owned/run, I have a few questions.

1. I recieved the domain for free with the hosting packaging, but I am still the rightful owner to it, right?
2. I've heard I have to pay yearly for domain costs. Who and where do I pay?
3. How would I transfer the domain from my old webhost to a new one?

Thanks guys.

 

[THeLL]

1. Yes, and you can verify that by using domaintools.com on your domain name (URL).
2. You'll need to pay your new webhost. It's about 7 dollars.
3. Google!

 

[Samutz]

Hosts have different costs for hosting domains. Mine is $9 a year.

The basic steps for transferring are:
1. Unlock the domain.
2. Get the authorization code.
3. Request transfer (auth code needed).
4. Email will be sent to the "admin" email of the domain (according to the whois info, but should be you) to request transfer. This email includes a link and instructions on how to verify the transfer.
4. Wait a week or so (depends on the hosts and registrar).

1 and 2 are done with the old host.
3 is done with the new host.
4 should be done by you since you are both the "previous owner" and "new owner".
Some hosts have tools and such on their websites that will let you do this easily. But some may require you to email/call them to get it done.

 

[iwakura]

thank you!
this helps quite a bit.

my current one doesn't have MySQL...which I just realized after 2 months