The basic steps to transfer a domain to GoDaddy

Moving a domain to GoDaddy involves unlocking it at your current registrar, getting an authorization code, and then starting the transfer process at GoDaddy. The whole process typically takes 5 to 7 days, though it can be faster. Your domain stays active and your website keeps working during the transfer — you do not lose service.

The transfer happens between registrars, not between you and GoDaddy directly. Your current registrar (the company where you registered or currently manage the domain) has to release it, and GoDaddy has to receive it. Both companies follow the same rules set by ICANN, the organization that oversees domain registration worldwide.

You will need three things before you start: access to your current registrar account, the domain name itself, and the authorization code (sometimes called an auth code or EPP code). If you do not have access to your current account, you will need to recover it or contact that registrar's support team first.

Key Takeaways

  • You must unlock your domain at your current registrar and request an authorization code before GoDaddy can accept the transfer.
  • The authorization code is a unique string of characters that proves you own the domain and want to move it.
  • GoDaddy charges a transfer fee (usually around $7.17 per year for most extensions), and your domain registration period extends by one year after the transfer completes.
  • The transfer process takes 5 to 7 days on average, and your domain continues to work normally during that time.
  • After the transfer completes, you manage your domain entirely through GoDaddy, including DNS records, renewal, and any future transfers.

Unlocking your domain at your current registrar

Before GoDaddy can accept your domain, your current registrar must unlock it. A locked domain cannot be transferred — this is a security feature to prevent unauthorized transfers. Log into your account at your current registrar and look for a domain management or settings section. The exact location varies by registrar, but it is usually labeled "Domain Lock" or "Transfer Lock."

Unlock the domain and wait for confirmation. Some registrars unlock when ready; others send you an email to confirm. Once it is unlocked, you can request the authorization code. Do not delete any records or change nameservers yet — those stay in place until the transfer finishes.

If you cannot find the unlock option or do not have access to your account, contact your current registrar's support team. They can unlock it for you or help you recover your account. Keep your current registrar account active until the transfer is complete — you may need to access it again if something goes wrong.

Getting your authorization code from the current registrar

The authorization code (also called an EPP code, auth code, or transfer code) is a unique string that proves you own the domain. Request it from your current registrar through the same account where you unlocked the domain. Many registrars email it to you automatically after you unlock; others require you to request it separately.

The code is usually 20 to 30 characters long and contains letters and numbers. Write it down or copy it somewhere safe — you will need it when you start the transfer at GoDaddy. The code typically expires after 30 days, so do not wait too long to use it.

If your registrar does not email the code to you within a few hours of unlocking, check your spam folder or request it again through your account. If you still cannot find it, contact your registrar's support team and ask them to send it directly.

Starting the transfer process at GoDaddy

Go to GoDaddy's domain transfer page and enter your domain name. GoDaddy will check whether the domain can be transferred and show you the cost. Most transfers cost around $7.17 per year for standard extensions like .com, .net, and .org, though some extensions cost more. The transfer also adds one year to your domain's expiration date.

Add the domain to your cart and proceed to checkout. You will need a GoDaddy account to complete the transfer. If you do not have one, you can create it during checkout. Enter your billing information and complete the purchase.

After you pay, GoDaddy will ask for your authorization code. Paste it in exactly as you received it — do not add spaces or change anything. GoDaddy will then send a transfer request to your current registrar. Your current registrar may send you an email asking you to confirm the transfer. Check your email (including spam) and confirm if asked.

What happens during the 5 to 7 day waiting period

Once GoDaddy submits the transfer request, your current registrar has up to 5 days to release the domain. During this time, your domain continues to work normally — your website stays online and email keeps flowing. You can still manage the domain at your current registrar if you need to.

GoDaddy will send you status updates by email. If your current registrar asks you to confirm the transfer, respond quickly — delays in confirmation can slow the process. If you do not see a confirmation email from your current registrar within 24 hours, check your spam folder or log into your current registrar account to see if there is a pending transfer request.

After your current registrar releases the domain, GoDaddy receives it and completes the transfer. This final step usually takes 24 to 48 hours. You will receive an email from GoDaddy confirming that the transfer is complete. At that point, your domain is fully under GoDaddy's management.

Managing your domain after the transfer completes

Once the transfer is complete, you manage everything through GoDaddy — renewals, DNS records, nameservers, and any future transfers. Log into your GoDaddy account and go to your domain management section. You will see all your domain settings there.

If you use a website builder or hosting service, you may need to update your nameservers at GoDaddy to point to that service. Your website builder or hosting provider will give you the nameserver addresses to enter. This step is only necessary if you are not using GoDaddy for hosting.

Your domain will renew automatically through GoDaddy on your renewal date unless you turn off auto-renewal. You can change this setting in your account at any time. Keep your GoDaddy account information current — GoDaddy uses it to contact you about renewals and any issues with your domain.

Common problems during domain transfers

The transfer is stuck or taking longer than 7 days. Check your email for a confirmation request from your current registrar — if you do not confirm, the transfer will not proceed. If you do not see one, log into your current registrar account and look for a pending transfer request. You can also contact GoDaddy support with your domain name and they can check the status.

You do not have access to your current registrar account. You will need to recover your account or prove you own the domain. Most registrars have an account recovery process through your email address. If that does not work, contact their support team with proof of ownership (like a receipt or the email address associated with the account).

Your authorization code is not working. Make sure you copied it exactly with no extra spaces. If it still does not work, the code may have expired — request a new one from your current registrar. Authorization codes expire after 30 days, so if you requested it a while ago, ask for a fresh one.

Your domain is locked and you cannot unlock it. Contact your current registrar's support team. They can unlock it for you. Some registrars require you to verify your identity or answer security questions before they unlock a domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my website go down during the transfer?

No. Your domain stays active and your website keeps working throughout the transfer. The nameservers do not change unless you change them, so everything continues to point to your current hosting. The transfer only changes which company manages your domain registration.

Do I have to transfer my hosting to GoDaddy too?

No. You can transfer just the domain registration and keep your hosting anywhere. After the transfer, you will manage the domain at GoDaddy and your hosting at your current provider. If you want to move hosting to GoDaddy, that is a separate process.

What if I change my mind after I start the transfer?

You can cancel the transfer before your current registrar releases it, usually within the first few days. Log into your GoDaddy account and look for the transfer status. If you see a cancel option, you can use it. After your current registrar releases the domain, cancellation becomes much harder — contact GoDaddy support when ready if you need to stop it at that point.

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

Most transfers cost around $7.17 per year for common extensions like .com, .net, and .org. Some extensions cost more. The transfer fee also adds one year to your domain's expiration date. Check GoDaddy's pricing page or enter your domain during the transfer process to see the exact cost for your extension.

Can I transfer a domain that is about to expire?

Yes, but it is easier if you renew it first at your current registrar. Domains that are very close to expiration (within 30 days) can sometimes cause transfer delays. If your domain is expiring soon, renew it before you start the transfer to avoid complications.