What you need before you start
Moving a domain to GoDaddy requires four things from your current registrar: an authorization code (also called an auth code or transfer code), confirmation that the domain is unlocked, the domain's current expiration date, and proof of ownership. You'll also need access to the email address associated with the domain account, because GoDaddy will send a confirmation link there during the transfer.
The authorization code is the critical piece — without it, the transfer cannot proceed. Most registrars will email this to you immediately when you request it, though some require you to log in and generate it yourself. If your domain is locked, you must unlock it before starting the transfer. A locked domain is a security feature that prevents unauthorized transfers, and GoDaddy cannot accept a locked domain even if you have the correct code.
Check your domain's expiration date before you begin. If it expires within 30 days, some registrars won't allow a transfer. If your domain is expiring soon, renew it at your current registrar first, then wait a few days before requesting the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- You must unlock your domain at your current registrar and obtain an authorization code before GoDaddy can accept the transfer.
- The transfer process takes 5 to 7 days after you initiate it at GoDaddy, and you'll need to confirm the transfer through an email link.
- GoDaddy will charge a renewal fee (usually $8.99 to $17.99 per year depending on the domain extension) to complete the transfer and extend your registration by one year.
- Your domain will continue to work at your current registrar until the transfer completes, so there is no downtime if you follow the steps in order.
- If you have email, DNS records, or other services tied to your domain at the old registrar, you must move or reconfigure them before or immediately after the transfer finishes.
Getting the authorization code from your current registrar
Log into your account at your current registrar's website. Look for a section labeled "Domain Management," "My Domains," or similar. Find the domain you want to move and look for an option to request a transfer code, authorization code, or auth code — the exact wording varies by registrar.
Some registrars (like Namecheap or Network Solutions) generate the code immediately and display it on screen; others email it to the account holder within minutes. A few require you to verify your identity through a confirmation email before they'll release the code. Write down the code or copy it somewhere safe — you'll need it in the next step.
If you cannot find the option to request a code, contact your registrar's support team directly. They can generate it for you and confirm that your domain is may be able to access for transfer. This is also the time to ask them to unlock your domain if it's currently locked.
Unlocking your domain at the current registrar
A locked domain cannot be transferred, even with the correct authorization code. In your registrar's domain management section, find the domain and look for a lock icon or an option labeled "Lock Domain," "Domain Lock," or "Transfer Lock." If the domain is locked, you'll see an option to unlock it — click that option.
Unlocking is instant and does not affect your domain's function or your website. It simply removes the security restriction that prevents transfers. Some registrars unlock automatically when you request an authorization code; others require a separate step. If you're unsure whether your domain is locked, your registrar's support team can tell you in one message.
Starting the transfer at GoDaddy
Go to GoDaddy.com and log into your account. If you don't have a GoDaddy account yet, create one — it takes two minutes and requires only an email address and password. Once logged in, click on "Domains" in the main menu, then look for an option to transfer a domain in (the exact link name varies, but it's usually labeled "Transfer Domain" or "Bring Your Domain to GoDaddy").
Enter the domain name you want to transfer in the search box. GoDaddy will check whether the domain is available for transfer and show you the renewal cost. Most domain transfers cost $8.99 to $17.99 per year depending on the extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.), and this fee extends your registration by one year from the current expiration date. Review the price and click "Continue" or "Add to Cart."
Complete the checkout process as you would for any purchase. GoDaddy will ask for billing information and a contact email address. Use the same email address associated with your domain at the current registrar if possible — this makes the confirmation step easier, though it's not required.
Providing the authorization code and confirming the transfer
After checkout, GoDaddy will ask you to enter the authorization code you obtained from your current registrar. Paste it into the field exactly as it was given to you — codes are case-sensitive, so copy and paste rather than typing. Click "Verify" or "Submit."
GoDaddy will then send a confirmation email to the email address on file at your current registrar. Open that email and click the confirmation link. This step proves you own the domain and authorizes the transfer to proceed. If you don't see the email within 15 minutes, check your spam folder.
Once you confirm the transfer, your current registrar will receive a notification. They have a window (usually 5 to 7 days) to object or cancel the transfer. In most cases, they do nothing and the transfer completes automatically. You can check the status of your transfer in your GoDaddy account under "Domains" — it will show "In Progress" until the transfer is complete.
What happens to your website and email during the transfer
Your domain continues to point to your website and email throughout the transfer process. There is no downtime. The transfer only changes which company manages the domain's registration and renewal — it does not change where your website is hosted or where your email is hosted.
However, if your email or website is hosted by your current registrar (not a separate hosting company), you must move those services before the transfer completes. Check whether your registrar provides hosting or email service. If they do, contact them to learn how to move your data to a new provider or to GoDaddy's hosting services before the transfer finishes.
If you use custom DNS records (for example, to point your domain to a third-party email service or a website hosted elsewhere), those records will transfer to GoDaddy automatically. After the transfer completes, log into your GoDaddy account and verify that your DNS records are correct. If they're missing or wrong, add them back in GoDaddy's DNS management section.
After the transfer is complete
Once GoDaddy confirms the transfer is complete (you'll receive an email notification), your domain is now registered with GoDaddy. Log into your GoDaddy account and verify that the domain appears in your domain list with the correct expiration date.
Update your domain's nameservers if necessary. If you use a third-party DNS provider (like Cloudflare or Route 53), you'll need to point GoDaddy's nameservers to that provider's nameservers. If you use GoDaddy's default nameservers, no action is needed — your DNS records are already there.
Set up auto-renewal in your GoDaddy account so your domain renews automatically before it expires. Go to your domain settings, find the auto-renewal option, and enable it. This prevents accidental expiration and the complications that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a domain transfer take?
The transfer usually takes 5 to 7 days after you confirm it through the email link. Some transfers complete in 24 hours; others take the full week. GoDaddy will send you an email when the transfer is complete. During this time, your domain continues to work normally.
What if I don't receive the confirmation email from GoDaddy?
Check your spam and junk folders first. If it's not there, log into your GoDaddy account and look for a notification in your account dashboard. You can also resend the confirmation email from GoDaddy's transfer status page. If you still don't receive it after 24 hours, contact GoDaddy support — they can manually confirm the transfer for you.
Can I transfer a domain that's about to expire?
Most registrars won't transfer a domain within 30 days of expiration. If your domain is expiring soon, renew it at your current registrar first, then wait a few days before requesting the transfer. The renewal extends the expiration date and makes the domain may be able to access to move.
Will my website go down during the transfer?
No. The transfer only changes the registrar — it does not change where your website is hosted. Your website will continue to work throughout the transfer process. DNS records transfer automatically, so there is no downtime.
What if my current registrar refuses to unlock my domain?
Registrars are required by ICANN rules to unlock domains upon request. If yours refuses, contact their support team in writing and reference ICANN policy. If they still refuse, file a complaint with ICANN's dispute resolution process. In practice, this rarely happens — most registrars unlock within minutes of a request.