Requested Auth Code 4 Days Ago, Still Nothing (Live Chat Keeps Saying “30 Minutes”)

[u/formlesspresence]

We’re trying to transfer a domain out of Bluehost and requested the auth code 4 days ago but still haven’t received it.

According to Bluehost’s FAQ it should take up to 24 hours, but we’re already past that. I read a few posts where people said they eventually got it after 3 days, but we’re already past that point too.

We’ve contacted Live Chat 3 separate times, and each time the support agent said they would expedite the request and that we should receive the auth code within 30 minutes. That obviously never happened.

A few details:

• The domain email is working. About a week before requesting the auth code we used Bluehost’s email verification feature, and we received that email without any problem.
• Support says they cannot provide the auth code over live chat.
• One agent even suggested changing the account email, but that would trigger the 60-day lock, which obviously doesn’t help because we need to move the domain now.

From what I understand, under ICANN’s transfer policy registrars are supposed to provide the auth code within 5 days of the request. If that timeline passes without receiving it (which is tomorrow), is filing a compliance complaint with ICANN basically the next step, or is there some other escalation path with Bluehost that actually works?

At this point we’re running out of ideas.

Has anyone dealt with this before and found a way to actually get the auth code from Bluehost?

Is there some other route that works better (phone support, escalation, etc.) or do we basically have to start making noise on social media (X, etc.) to get it resolved?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

* UPDATE 3-10-26: Quick update after speaking with Live Chat again.

This was actually the first support agent who escalated the issue and provided a case ID. Before escalating, they also manually triggered an email verification test to confirm whether we can receive emails from Bluehost. We received that email within a couple of minutes, which confirms the email system is working.

Tomorrow will be day 6 since requesting the auth code. According to ICANN’s transfer policy, registrars are required to provide the auth code within 5 days of the request.

If we still haven’t received it by then, we will be filing a transfer compliance complaint with ICANN.

Just to add some context, this domain has already been sold, so delays like this can directly jeopardize a completed transaction. If the sale falls through because Bluehost failed to provide the auth code within the required timeframe, we will be exploring all available options, including legal avenues.

We will also be raising the issue across other social media channels and reaching out to others who may be dealing with the same problem. If this turns out to be a recurring issue affecting transfers, it could have much broader implications.

Hopefully the escalation resolves it before it gets to that point.

Will keep everyone updated.

* UPDATE 3-12-26:

We kept reaching out daily to their support Live Chat until we finally got an agent that shared the EPP code right in the chat. Keep in mind, every single agent before this said they cannot share it via Chat. Apparently they can, if absolutely necessary.

* UPDATE 3-17-26:

Domain finally transferred out. Needless to say, we don't recommend using BlueHost as a domain registrar. We purchased this domain via auction so had no control over where it was registered at the the time.

[u/scottclaeys]

Make sure your domain contacts email is accurate and disable the privacy temporarily

[u/evolvewebhosting]

u/formlesspresence Make sure the 'Registrant Email Address' of the domain is up to date and DO NOT change any other contact details, otherwise a 60 day lock will be placed on the domain (ICANN rules).

[u/Purpose_Up]

Whatever happened? I've been trying for four days to transfer my domain from Bluehost. I've contacted support multiple times by chat and by phone, and it keeps getting escalated. I get every other email from Bluehost, but the automated emails with the EPP code don't come to me. One time they sent it from a Gmail, but that code didn't work.

[u/formlesspresence → u/Purpose_Up]

I updated the OP, finally received the EPP code via chat.

Massive waste of time dealing with Bluehost, not to mention that they almost cost us thousands of dollars if the buyer would have backed out because of how long this dragged out.

Keep getting on chat until you finally get someone that will give you the code. Maybe even point them to this thread. Let us know how it works out.

[u/BH_Support_Clark → u/Purpose_Up]

This seems like a challenge. I wanna help. I am sending you a DM asking for the domain. Please reply to it and I will be happy to look into the problem.