.nl, .be and .de: what to look out for

Your domain's extension determines a few details of the transfer. Here are the main differences for .nl, .be and .de.

.nl

The transfer code is often called a token or EPP code and is 12 characters long. You request it from your current provider.
There is no transfer lock. The code itself is the security.
You don't need permission from your old provider. With a valid code, the transfer at SIDN is completed straight away.
Won't your current provider give you the code? Then you can ask SIDN for help. Read Escalating a transfer with SIDN.
When a domain is transferred, SIDN keeps the contacts from your old provider. After the transfer, we set the technical contact to WebOké. If the administrative contact isn't you, for example because it's still set to your old provider, we replace it with your own details. You can see the contacts in My WebOké under My Domains, on the Contacts tab.
A cancelled .nl domain first goes into quarantine for 40 days. So don't cancel it before the transfer is complete.

You always request the transfer code yourself from DNS Belgium, via the DNS Belgium website. Your current provider and WebOké can't retrieve it for you.
DNS Belgium sends the code to the registrant's email address. If that address is no longer correct, first ask the provider where the domain is currently registered to update it.
There is no transfer lock. With a valid code, the transfer is completed straight away.

The transfer code is called an AuthInfo-Code or Auth-Code. You request it from your current provider. With some German providers, you only get it after cancelling and choosing a provider change, see chapter 6. An AuthInfo code is valid for 30 days. So make sure you use it in time.
Fill in the registrant's details in full when you transfer. With a .de transfer, we pass the registrant on to DENIC straight away.
Turn off DNSSEC at your old provider one day in advance. For .de, other computers remember the old key for a day. See DNSSEC and transferring: turn it off first, or take the key with you.

For .com and most other international extensions, you need a transfer code and the transfer lock must be turned off.
The transfer takes 5 to 7 days, because your old provider first has to release the domain.
If the domain was registered or changed registrant less than 60 days ago, it can't be transferred yet.
.eu and .nu have no transfer lock.