The basic process: get an authorization code, unlock your domain, then start the transfer at GoDaddy

Moving a domain to GoDaddy means telling your current registrar to release it and then asking GoDaddy to pull it over. The registrar you use now (like Namecheap, Network Solutions, or your web host) holds the domain in their system. GoDaddy can take ownership, but only if your current registrar unlocks it and gives you an authorization code — sometimes called an auth code, EPP code, or transfer code.

The transfer itself takes 5 to 7 days once GoDaddy receives your request. During that time, your website and email keep working normally. You do not need to move your website files or email separately — those live on your web host, not at your registrar. The domain transfer only moves the registration record.

GoDaddy charges a transfer fee that varies by domain type (.com, .org, .net, and others have different prices). The fee typically includes one year of renewal at GoDaddy's rates. Check GoDaddy's current pricing before you start, because rates change and some domain extensions cost more than others.

Key Takeaways

  • You must unlock your domain at your current registrar and request an authorization code before GoDaddy can accept the transfer.
  • The transfer takes 5 to 7 days after GoDaddy receives your request, and your website and email continue working the entire time.
  • GoDaddy charges a transfer fee that includes one year of renewal, and the price depends on your domain extension (.com costs less than .tech, for example).
  • You will receive confirmation emails from both your current registrar and GoDaddy during the transfer — do not ignore them, as some require you to click a link to proceed.

Step 1: Log in to your current registrar and unlock the domain

Go to the website of whoever currently holds your domain registration. This is the company you pay renewal fees to each year. Log in with your account credentials.

Look for a section called "My Domains," "Domain Management," "Manage Domains," or similar. Click on the domain you want to move. You should see a lock icon or a toggle that says "Locked" or "Unlocked." Click it to unlock the domain. Some registrars require you to confirm this action by email — check your inbox and click the confirmation link if prompted.

Unlocking does not move the domain or change anything visible to visitors. It straightforward tells your registrar to allow other companies to request a transfer. You can lock it again later if you want.

Step 2: Request the authorization code from your current registrar

While you are still logged into your current registrar, look for a button or link that says "Get Authorization Code," "Request Auth Code," "Get Transfer Code," or "Get EPP Code." Click it. The code will appear on screen or be sent to the email address on file for the domain.

The authorization code is a string of letters and numbers, usually 6 to 16 characters long. Copy it and save it somewhere safe — you will need it in the next step. Some registrars send the code by email within minutes; others display it when ready. If you do not see it after 10 minutes, check your spam folder or contact your registrar's support.

Do not share this code with anyone except GoDaddy during the transfer process. It is like a password for your domain.

Step 3: Start the transfer at GoDaddy

Go to GoDaddy.com and log in to your account. If you do not have a GoDaddy account yet, create one — it takes two minutes and requires only an email address and password.

Look for a link or button that says "Transfer Domain" or "Transfer a Domain to GoDaddy." Enter your domain name in the search box. GoDaddy will check whether the domain can be transferred and show you the transfer fee for your specific domain extension.

Add the transfer to your cart and proceed to checkout. You will be asked to enter the authorization code you received from your current registrar. Paste it exactly as it appeared — spaces and capitalization matter. Review the total cost, which includes the transfer fee plus one year of renewal at GoDaddy's rates.

Step 4: Confirm the transfer and wait for completion

After you complete the purchase at GoDaddy, you will receive a confirmation email from GoDaddy. This email will say the transfer is pending and may include a link asking you to confirm. Click that link if it appears — some transfers require this step to proceed.

Your current registrar will also send you an email asking whether you approve the transfer. This is a security measure. Open that email and click the approval link. If you do not approve within 5 to 7 days, the transfer will be cancelled and you will get a refund.

Once both sides approve, the transfer completes within 24 to 48 hours. GoDaddy will send you a final confirmation email saying the domain is now registered with them. At that point, you can manage the domain through your GoDaddy account.

What happens to your website and email during the transfer

Your website keeps working exactly as it did. The domain transfer only changes who manages the registration record — it does not touch your website files or your hosting account. If your website is hosted elsewhere (like Bluehost, SiteGround, or your web host), nothing changes there.

The same is true for email. If you use email addresses at your domain (like you@yourdomain.com), they continue working through your email provider. The domain transfer does not affect email service at all.

The only thing that changes is where you log in to renew the domain or update its settings. After the transfer, you do that through GoDaddy instead of your old registrar.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not ignore the confirmation emails from either your current registrar or GoDaddy. The transfer will not complete if you skip the approval step. Set a reminder to check your email (including spam) for the next week.

Do not assume the transfer failed if it takes the full 5 to 7 days. That is normal. GoDaddy will show the transfer status in your account — log in and look for "Pending Transfers" or a similar section to see where things stand.

Do not lock the domain at your current registrar before the transfer completes. If you locked it again by accident, unlock it again and contact your current registrar's support to explain. They can usually restart the transfer.

Do not wait until your domain is about to expire to transfer it. If the domain expires during the transfer, the process stops. Renew it at your current registrar first if you are close to the expiration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a domain that is less than 60 days old?

No. ICANN rules require domains to be at least 60 days old before they can be transferred. If your domain is newer than that, wait until the 60-day window passes. You can still transfer it later — there is no time limit on the other end.

What if my current registrar will not give me the authorization code?

Contact their support team and ask why. Common reasons include an unpaid invoice, a locked account, or a recent change to the domain owner's contact information. Resolve the issue with your registrar first, then request the code again. If they refuse without a valid reason, file a complaint with ICANN at icann.org.

Do I lose my domain during the transfer?

No. The domain stays registered to you the entire time. The transfer only changes which company manages it. Your website and email work normally throughout the process.

How much does it cost to transfer a domain to GoDaddy?

GoDaddy charges a transfer fee that varies by domain extension. A .com transfer costs less than a .tech or .io transfer, for example. The fee includes one year of renewal. Check GoDaddy's website for the exact price of your domain type before you start the transfer.

Can I transfer my domain back to my old registrar later?

Yes. The same process works in reverse. You unlock the domain at GoDaddy, request an authorization code, and start a transfer at your old registrar. You will pay another transfer fee to move it back.