Understanding the Difference Between Transferring Domains and Changing Domain Ownership
After a domain name sale is completed, the seller must move the domain name to the new owner's account. Depending on where the new owner's account is, the seller moves the domain with a domain transfer or a change of account.
A domain transfer (also known as a "registrar transfer"), initiated by the new owner, moves the domain to an account with a third-party registrar. The transfer includes a one-year extension of the current registration period. For more information about initiating a domain transfer through your third-party registrar, contact your registrar.
A change of account (also known as a "change of ownership" or "registrant transfer"), initiated by the seller, moves the domain to another account with the same registrar. The domain expiration date does not change because a change of account does not include a registration extension. For more information about moving a sold domain, see Moving My Sold Domains.