Moving a domain from GoDaddy to another registrar

To move your domain from GoDaddy to a different registrar, you need an authorization code (also called an auth code or transfer code) from GoDaddy, then submit that code to your new registrar. GoDaddy will not stop you from leaving. The process takes three to five business days once your new registrar receives your code, and your domain stays active the entire time — there is no downtime.

The steps are straightforward but must happen in order. You unlock the domain at GoDaddy, get the authorization code, give that code to your new registrar, and then confirm the transfer when your new registrar sends you an email. After confirmation, GoDaddy will release the domain and your new registrar takes over.

Your website and email keep working during the transfer. The only thing that changes is which company renews your domain and handles its settings.

Key Takeaways

  • You must unlock your domain in your GoDaddy account before requesting an authorization code, or the code will not work.
  • The authorization code is a string of letters and numbers that proves you own the domain — keep it private and do not share it except with your new registrar.
  • Your new registrar will email you a confirmation link within 24 hours; you must click it to complete the transfer, or it will fail after five days.
  • If your domain is less than 60 days old or was just renewed, ICANN rules may prevent the transfer — contact GoDaddy support to check.

Step 1: Unlock your domain in 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 setting labeled "Domain Lock" or "Transfer Lock." Click to unlock it. GoDaddy will ask you to confirm; click yes. This step must happen first — a locked domain cannot be transferred.

Unlocking takes effect immediately. You do not need to wait. Once unlocked, move to the next step.

Step 2: Request your authorization code from GoDaddy

While still in your domain settings at GoDaddy, look for an option called "Get Authorization Code," "Auth Code," or "Transfer Code." Click it. GoDaddy will send the code to the email address on file for your account within a few minutes. Check your inbox and spam folder.

The code is usually 20 to 30 characters long and looks like a random mix of letters and numbers. Write it down or copy it somewhere safe. Do not share it with anyone except your new registrar. If you lose it, you can request a new one from GoDaddy at any time.

Step 3: Start the transfer at your new registrar

Go to your new registrar's website and look for an option to transfer a domain in. Most registrars have a "Transfer Domain" button on their homepage or in their main menu. Click it and enter your domain name. The registrar will ask you for the authorization code from GoDaddy — paste it in exactly as it appears, with no extra spaces.

You will also be asked to confirm the registrant contact information (the name and address associated with the domain). This should match what GoDaddy has on file. If it does not match, the transfer may fail. Check your GoDaddy account to see what name and address are listed, and use the same information at your new registrar.

Your new registrar will charge a transfer fee at this point, usually $8 to $15. Some registrars waive the fee for new customers. After you pay, the transfer request is submitted to GoDaddy.

Step 4: Confirm the transfer via email

Within 24 hours, you will receive an email from your new registrar asking you to confirm the transfer. The email will contain a link or a code. Click the link or enter the code on the registrar's website to confirm. This step is required — without your confirmation, the transfer will not go through.

If you do not confirm within five days, the transfer request will expire and you will need to start over. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email. If you still cannot find it, log into your new registrar's account and look for a pending transfer section.

What happens after confirmation

Once you confirm, GoDaddy releases the domain and your new registrar takes control. This usually happens within 24 to 48 hours. You will receive a second email from your new registrar confirming that the transfer is complete. At that point, you can update your domain settings, renew it, or point it to a new website host — all through your new registrar's account.

Your website and email will continue to work the entire time. The transfer does not interrupt service. If your website or email stops working after the transfer, it is usually because the nameservers were changed by accident. Contact your new registrar to restore the correct nameservers.

Reasons a transfer might fail or be delayed

If your domain is fewer than 60 days old, ICANN rules prevent it from being transferred. You must wait until the 60-day window has passed. If your domain was recently renewed at GoDaddy, you may also have to wait 60 days from the renewal date. Contact GoDaddy support to find out the exact date you can transfer.

If the authorization code does not work, double-check that you copied it correctly with no extra spaces. If it still does not work, request a new code from GoDaddy. If your domain is locked, the code will not function — go back and unlock it first.

If you do not confirm the transfer email within five days, the request expires. You will need to start the process over at your new registrar. If you confirm but the transfer still fails after a week, contact your new registrar's support team — they can see what went wrong and resubmit if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my website go down during the transfer?

No. Your website and email remain active throughout the transfer. The domain name itself is what is moving from one registrar to another, not your website files or email accounts. As long as your nameservers are not changed, everything keeps working.

What if I need to cancel the transfer after I start it?

You can cancel before you confirm the transfer email. Once you confirm, the transfer is locked in and cannot be stopped — it will complete within 24 to 48 hours. If you change your mind after confirmation, contact your new registrar immediately to see if they can halt it, though this is rarely possible.

Do I need to renew my domain before transferring?

No. Your domain's expiration date does not change during a transfer. If your domain expires in six months, it will still expire in six months after the transfer. Your new registrar will send you renewal reminders as the date approaches.

Can I transfer my domain if I have a website or email hosted with GoDaddy?

Yes. Your domain and your hosting are separate services. You can transfer your domain to a new registrar and keep your website and email with GoDaddy, or move everything at once. If you keep hosting with GoDaddy, you will just update your nameservers at your new registrar to point back to GoDaddy's servers.

What if GoDaddy will not give me the authorization code?

GoDaddy is required by ICANN to provide the code if your domain is old enough and not locked. If they refuse, contact their support team and reference ICANN's transfer policy. If the domain is less than 60 days old or was recently renewed, they may legitimately be unable to provide it — ask them for the exact date you become may be able to access.