Transferring a Domain into Church Fuel Software

This SOP outlines the step-by-step process for transferring a church's existing domain into their Church Fuel Software sub-account. Following this process ensures all DNS records are maintained, preventing downtime, and manages the domain directly at the sub-account level.

🛑 Important Prerequisites & Cautions

60-Day Rule: A domain cannot be transferred if it was purchased or previously transferred within the last 60 days. Ensure you are outside of this window before beginning. If you change the contact info on a domain that also can reset this window.

DNS SEC: Verify in the current registrar's DNS settings that DNS SEC is not enabled. It is usually off for most users.

Registrar Hoops: Be prepared for potential verification steps required by the current domain registrar (like GoDaddy) during the transfer process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Enable Domain Rebilling for the Sub-Account

Before initiating the transfer, navigate to the agency-level settings for the specific sub-account and enable domain rebilling. This ensures that while you pay for the transfer upfront, the cost is properly charged against the church's wallet credits once their wallet is set up. Once enabled, navigate into the sub-account's Settings > Domain URL Redirects and select Transfer In.

The church (or the account manager) must email success@churchfuel.com to request that the domain purchase and rebilling options are turned on for their specific sub-account.

Initiate the Transfer in Church Fuel

Navigate to the specific sub-account's settings.
Go to the "Domain URL Redirects" section.
Select the option to "transfer in".

Auto-Scan DNS Records

Initiate the auto-scan for the domain's DNS records.
This feature pulls in all existing DNS records so the domain can be successfully managed at the sub-account level.

Note: While this scan handles most major DNS providers (like GoDaddy), it may not work perfectly for every single provider. Importing these records ensures there is zero downtime for the church's website during the transfer.

Unlock the Domain at the Current Registrar

Log into the church's current domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy) and navigate to the domain overview.
Locate the domain lock setting and turn it off to unlock the domain.
Back in Church Fuel, hit the refresh button to verify the lock status now reflects as "unlocked".

Obtain and Enter the Authorization Code

In the current registrar, request the code to transfer to another registrar.
Copy the provided 6-digit authorization code.
Paste this authorization code into the prompt within Church Fuel.

Understand Billing and Expiration

The transfer does not cause the church to lose any time they've already paid for; instead, it adds an extra year to the domain's current expiration date.
The agency pays for the transfer upfront, but the customer will be charged for the domain transfer against their wallet credits once their wallet is set up.

Monitor and Finalize the Transfer

The system states the transfer will take up to 5 to 7 days.
However, for major providers like GoDaddy, the transfer often completes on the same day once it is unlocked and the authorization code is provided.
Click "refresh status" periodically to check on the progress.
Check your email for any final verification links or confirmations regarding the transfer.

Here is an addendum you can attach to your SOP for churches starting from scratch and needing to purchase a brand-new domain directly through the platform.

Addendum: Purchasing a New Domain within Church Fuel Software

Objective

This addendum outlines the process for purchasing a new domain directly within a Church Fuel Software sub-account. Purchasing a domain natively streamlines the process, as the system automatically configures the necessary DNS records.

1. Request Domain Purchase Access

Important First Step: The ability to purchase domains natively must be enabled at the agency level.
The church (or the account manager) must email success@churchfuel.com to request that the domain purchase and rebilling options are turned on for their specific sub-account.

2. Navigate to Domain Settings

Once support confirms the feature is enabled, log into the church's sub-account.
Navigate to Settings (usually located at the bottom of the left-hand menu).
Select Domains from the settings menu.

3. Search for a Domain

Click the Add New Domain or Create New Domain button.
Select the option to Buy a new domain (rather than adding an existing one).
Enter the desired church domain name into the search bar to check for availability.

4. Purchase and Register

The system will display a list of available domains and their annual prices.
Select the desired domain and click to proceed.
Confirm the purchase. The cost of the domain will be charged against the church's wallet credits or the credit card on file for their sub-account.

5. Automatic Configuration

Unlike transferring an outside domain, purchasing a domain directly within the software means the system will automatically configure the required DNS records.
The domain will appear in the Domains list and is immediately ready to be attached to funnels or websites within Church Fuel.