How to Transfer a GoDaddy Domain: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're moving to a different registrar or transferring to another GoDaddy account, this guide covers the complete domain transfer process.

If you're moving a domain between two GoDaddy accounts (not to a different registrar), see our guide on how to move a GoDaddy domain to another GoDaddy account.

Transfer to another registrar: Moving your domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap, Cloudflare, or any other registrar. Takes 5–7 days.

Transfer to another GoDaddy account: Moving your domain between two GoDaddy accounts using GoDaddy's Account Change feature. Takes a few hours.

Transfer into GoDaddy: Moving a domain from another registrar to GoDaddy. Takes 5–7 days.

Step 1: Check Transfer Eligibility

Your domain must meet these requirements:

• Registered for at least 60 days
• Not in a pending transfer or dispute
• Not expired
• Not a domain type that restricts transfers (some country-code TLDs have restrictions)

Step 2: Unlock the Domain

1. Log in to GoDaddy
2. Go to My Products → Domains
3. Click the domain name
4. Find Domain Lock and turn it off (unlock the domain)

Step 3: Disable WHOIS Privacy (If Needed)

Some registrars require the WHOIS contact email to be visible to send the authorization code. If you don't receive the code, temporarily disable privacy protection.

Step 4: Get the Authorization Code

1. In your domain settings, find Get Authorization Code or Transfer Away from GoDaddy
2. GoDaddy will email the code to the address on your account
3. The code is typically valid for a limited time (often 30 days)

Step 5: Initiate the Transfer at the Receiving Registrar

Go to the registrar you're transferring to and start a domain transfer. You'll need to:

• Enter your domain name
• Provide the authorization code
• Pay the transfer fee (usually includes one year of registration)

Step 6: Approve the Transfer

GoDaddy will send an email asking you to approve the outgoing transfer. Approve it promptly — if you don't respond, the transfer will complete automatically after 5 days, but approving it speeds up the process.

1. Get the authorization code from your current registrar
2. Unlock the domain at your current registrar
3. Go to GoDaddy → Domains → Transfer
4. Enter your domain and authorization code
5. Complete the purchase
6. Approve the transfer via email

Before you start, review what to consider before transferring your domain registrar to avoid common mistakes.

When you transfer a domain, the DNS records may or may not transfer depending on the registrars involved. It's best practice to:

1. Document your current DNS records before initiating the transfer
2. Verify DNS records are correct after the transfer completes
3. Test your website and email after the transfer

"Domain not eligible": Check the 60-day lock period and domain status.

Authorization code not working: Codes expire. Request a new one if yours is more than a few days old.

Transfer taking longer than 7 days: Contact the receiving registrar's support.

VSF Technology handles domain transfers for businesses in Tampa Bay and nationwide. Contact us for expert help with any domain transfer.