Operating and Maintaining the RA Services > Transferring DOI Names from One Registrant to Another

If a compilation of multiple assigned DOI names (for example, a journal containing a collection of articles; an imprint; a recording catalogue; etc.) is transferred from one registrant to another (both registrants being related to the same Registration Agency (RA)), the DOI names within that compilation are transferred as well. Each RA will develop appropriate procedures for proper transfers. Transfers may be a sale, or any form of exchange, commercial or otherwise. If the new owner is not already a registrant, special arrangements may have to be made appropriate to the case. Consult the DOI Foundation for guidance if necessary.

The individual DOI names stay the same, it means that what the DOI name identifies is not changed. This is a fundamental requirement. The DOI name prefix does NOT change (recall that a prefix is not meaningful, but is initially assigned to a registrant for convenience in generating DOI names only; no reverse look-up can be inferred to a prefix). The administrative value is changed in order for the new owner to modify its data elements (most likely the URL element). Both registrants involved in the transfer need to send email to the DOI technical support service provider at doi-admin@doi.org giving permission for the transfer. The technical support service provider will assist RAs to ensure an efficient and successful outcome.