Moving a domain from GoDaddy to another registrar

To move your domain from GoDaddy to a different registrar, you need to unlock the domain at GoDaddy, get an authorization code, and then start the transfer at your new registrar. The process takes between 5 and 7 days once you initiate it, though some of that time is waiting for automatic confirmations. You will keep your domain active the entire time — there is no downtime if you follow the steps in order.

The registrar you are moving to will guide you through most of the technical steps. Your main job is to unlock the domain and provide the authorization code when asked. GoDaddy will not stop you from leaving, and the transfer fee at your new registrar is usually between $8 and $15 for the first year.

Key Takeaways

  • You must unlock your domain in your GoDaddy account before any registrar can accept a transfer request.
  • GoDaddy will email you an authorization code (also called an auth code or EPP code) once you unlock the domain — save this code because you will need it at your new registrar.
  • The transfer process takes 5 to 7 days and includes automatic confirmation steps; your domain stays active throughout.
  • You will receive emails from both GoDaddy and your new registrar asking you to confirm the transfer — you must respond to at least one of these to complete the move.
  • If you have DNSSEC enabled on your domain, you may need to disable it before the transfer or your new registrar may ask you to do so after.

Step 1: Log in to GoDaddy and unlock your domain

Go to your GoDaddy account and find the domain you want to move. In the domain settings, look for an option labeled "Lock" or "Domain Lock" — it will show as either locked or unlocked. Click on it to unlock the domain. GoDaddy will ask you to confirm this action because an unlocked domain can be transferred away.

Unlocking the domain does not remove it from your GoDaddy account or affect your website. It simply tells GoDaddy's system that you are allowed to move it. The unlock takes effect immediately.

Step 2: Request and save your authorization code

After you unlock the domain, GoDaddy will email you an authorization code within a few minutes. This code is also called an auth code or EPP code. Open the email from GoDaddy and copy the entire code — it is usually a string of letters and numbers. Save it somewhere you can find it again, such as a text file or email draft, because you will need to paste it into your new registrar's transfer form.

If you do not receive the email within 10 minutes, check your spam folder. If it is not there, log back into your GoDaddy account and look for a section that shows your authorization code directly — most registrars display it in the domain settings once the domain is unlocked.

Step 3: Start the transfer at your new registrar

Log into your account at the registrar where you want to move your domain. Look for an option to transfer a domain in or search for "domain transfer." You will be asked to enter your domain name and then paste the authorization code you saved from GoDaddy. Some registrars ask for the code right away; others ask for it later in the process.

At this point, your new registrar will check that the domain is unlocked and that the code is correct. If either one is wrong, the transfer will not proceed — you will get an error message telling you to fix it. Once the information is accepted, the transfer officially begins.

Step 4: Confirm the transfer when asked

Within a few hours, you will receive confirmation emails from both GoDaddy and your new registrar. These emails ask you to confirm that you want the transfer to happen. You must click the confirmation link in at least one of these emails — usually the one from your new registrar is the one that matters most, but read both to be sure.

If you do not confirm within the timeframe given in the email (usually 5 to 7 days), the transfer will be cancelled and your domain will stay at GoDaddy. Check your spam folder if you do not see these emails, because they often end up there.

Step 5: Wait for the transfer to complete

After you confirm, the transfer moves into a waiting period. Your new registrar will contact GoDaddy's system to pull the domain over. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours, though it can take up to 7 days. During this time, your domain keeps working normally — your website stays online and your email continues to function.

You will receive a final email from your new registrar once the transfer is complete. At that point, your domain is fully moved and you manage it through your new registrar's account instead of GoDaddy's. Your old GoDaddy account will no longer show the domain.

What to do if your domain has DNSSEC enabled

DNSSEC is a security feature that some domains have enabled. If your domain uses DNSSEC, you may need to disable it before the transfer or your new registrar may ask you to do so after the domain arrives. Check your GoDaddy domain settings for a DNSSEC section — if it shows as enabled, you can disable it there before you unlock the domain.

If you are not sure whether DNSSEC is on, ask your new registrar during the transfer process. They will tell you if it is causing a problem and walk you through disabling it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my website go down during the transfer?

No. Your domain stays active the entire time, so your website and email keep working. The transfer only changes who manages the domain in the background — it does not interrupt service.

What if I do not receive the authorization code email?

Check your spam and promotions folders first. If it is not there, log into your GoDaddy account, go to your domain settings, and look for a section that displays the auth code directly. You can copy it from there instead of waiting for the email.

Can I transfer my domain if I have an active website on it?

Yes. The transfer only changes the registrar — it does not affect your hosting or website files. Your site will stay online throughout the process as long as your hosting account remains active.

What happens to my GoDaddy account after the transfer?

Your GoDaddy account stays open, but the domain will no longer appear in it. You can keep the account if you have other domains there, or you can close it. Closing it does not affect the domain you transferred.

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

Most registrars charge between $8 and $15 for a domain transfer in the first year. Some offer lower introductory rates. Check your new registrar's pricing before you start the transfer so you know what to expect at checkout.