You need an authorization code from GoDaddy and a registrar ready to receive it

Moving a domain from GoDaddy to another registrar involves unlocking the domain at GoDaddy, getting an authorization code (also called an auth code or transfer code), and providing that code to your new registrar. The process usually takes three to five business days once the new registrar receives your authorization code. GoDaddy will not stop you from leaving — the authorization code is a standard part of how domain transfers work across all registrars.

The steps are straightforward, but timing matters. If you move your domain while it is actively pointing to a website or email service, you need to plan the transfer so your site and email stay live. Most transfers happen without downtime if you follow the order correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must unlock your domain at GoDaddy and request an authorization code before any registrar can accept the transfer.
  • Your domain must not be within 60 days of expiration or renewal for most registrars to accept the transfer.
  • The new registrar will guide you through entering the authorization code and completing the transfer on their end.
  • DNS records and nameservers do not transfer automatically — you must update them at your new registrar after the domain arrives.
  • The transfer locks your domain for 60 days after completion, preventing another transfer until that period ends.

Step 1: Unlock your domain at GoDaddy

Log into your GoDaddy account and go to your domain list. Find the domain you want to move and click on it. Look for a lock icon or a "Domain Settings" or "Manage" option. In the domain settings, find the option to unlock the domain — GoDaddy calls this "Unlock Domain" or sometimes "Domain Lock." Click to unlock it. GoDaddy will send you a confirmation email; the unlock usually takes effect within a few minutes.

A locked domain cannot be transferred. This lock is a security feature that prevents someone from taking your domain without permission. Unlocking it does not remove it from your account or affect your website — it simply allows the transfer process to begin.

Step 2: Request your authorization code from GoDaddy

After unlocking, return to the domain settings and look for "Authorization Code," "Auth Code," or "Transfer Code." Click to reveal or send the code. GoDaddy will display it on screen and also email it to the email address on file for your account. Copy the code exactly as shown — it is case-sensitive and usually contains letters and numbers.

Keep this code in a safe place. You will need it within the next few days to complete the transfer at your new registrar. If you lose it, you can request a new one from GoDaddy at any time.

Step 3: Choose your new registrar and start the transfer there

Select a registrar where you want to move your domain. Common options include Namecheap, Porkbun, Google Domains, Network Solutions, and many others. Each registrar has different pricing and features, so compare renewal rates and any services you might need.

Log into your new registrar's account and look for an option to transfer a domain in. This is usually labeled "Transfer Domain," "Incoming Transfer," or "Move Your Domain Here." You will be asked to enter your domain name and your authorization code from GoDaddy. The new registrar will then contact ICANN (the organization that oversees domain transfers) to begin the process.

Step 4: Confirm the transfer at your email address

Both GoDaddy and your new registrar will send confirmation emails to the email address associated with the domain. You must click the confirmation link in at least one of these emails — usually the one from your new registrar — to approve the transfer. If you do not confirm within the timeframe given (usually five to seven days), the transfer will be cancelled.

Check your spam folder if you do not see the confirmation email. The domain will not move without your confirmation, so this step is critical.

Step 5: Update your DNS records at the new registrar

Once the transfer completes, your domain will be in your new registrar's account, but it will not automatically point to your website or email service. You need to update the DNS records (also called nameservers) at your new registrar to match where your website and email are hosted.

If your website is hosted with a separate company, that company will provide you with nameserver addresses or DNS records to enter. Log into your new registrar's domain settings, find the DNS or nameserver section, and enter the information your hosting provider gave you. This usually takes effect within a few hours to 48 hours. Until you do this, your website will show an error or a blank page.

If you are unsure what DNS records to use, contact your web hosting provider — they can tell you exactly what to enter.

What to know about timing and your domain expiration

Your domain must not expire within 60 days for most registrars to accept the transfer. If your domain is close to expiring, renew it at GoDaddy first, then wait a few days before requesting the authorization code. Renewing adds time to your domain's life and resets the 60-day window.

The transfer itself does not change your expiration date — it simply moves the domain to a new registrar. Your renewal date stays the same. When your domain expires at the new registrar, you will renew it there instead of at GoDaddy.

After the transfer completes, your domain will be locked for 60 days. This prevents another transfer during that period. You can unlock it again after 60 days if you want to move it elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my website go down during the transfer?

Not if you update your DNS records correctly before the transfer completes. If you wait until after the transfer to update DNS, there may be a few hours of downtime. To avoid this, update your DNS records at GoDaddy before you unlock the domain, so they are already pointing to your hosting provider when the domain arrives at the new registrar.

What if I do not confirm the transfer email?

The transfer will be cancelled and your domain will remain at GoDaddy. You can request a new authorization code and try again. There is no penalty for cancelling — you can start over whenever you are ready.

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

Yes. As long as your DNS records are set up correctly, your website will keep working during and after the transfer. The domain and the website are separate — moving the domain does not affect the website files themselves, only where the domain points.

How long does the transfer take?

Once you confirm the transfer email, the process usually completes within three to five business days. Some registrars complete it faster. You will receive a confirmation email when the transfer is done.

Do I lose my email if I transfer the domain?

Not if your email is hosted separately from your domain registrar. If you use GoDaddy's email hosting service, you will need to either keep that service active at GoDaddy or move your email to your new registrar or a different email provider before the transfer. Check with your new registrar about email hosting options.