Moving your domain name to GoDaddy allows you to manage everything in one place and take advantage of their bulk discounts and customer support.
Unlike an outgoing transfer, the most important work for an inbound transfer happens at your current registrar first. Follow these 12 steps to ensure a fast, successful, and stress-free move to GoDaddy.
✅ Step 1: Check the Eligibility Requirements
Before starting, ensure your domain meets the basic transfer rules set by ICANN:
- The 60-Day Lock: Your domain cannot be transferred if it was registered, transferred, or had its registrant contact information updated within the last 60 days.
- Active Status: The domain must be “Active” and not expired or expiring soon.
🔑 Part 1: Preparation at Your Current Registrar
You must make changes at your current domain provider (e.g., Namecheap, Wix, Hostinger, etc.) to allow the transfer to occur.
| Step | Action | Details & Location |
| 1. | Unlock the Domain | Log into your current registrar’s account. Find the Domain Lock or Transfer Lock setting for your domain and turn it OFF (Unlocked). |
| 2. | Disable Privacy | If you have WHOIS/Domain Privacy Protection enabled, you must temporarily turn it OFF or cancel it. The registry needs to verify the contact information. |
| 3. | Verify Admin Email | Confirm that the Administrative Contact Email listed for your domain is correct and accessible. This is where your Auth Code and final approval emails will be sent. |
| 4. | Get the Auth Code | Request the Authorization Code (also known as the EPP Code, Transfer Key, or Auth Code). This code is a unique password you will need for GoDaddy. Your current registrar will usually display it or email it to the administrative email. |
| 5. | Copy and Save | Copy the Authorization Code immediately. This code is often complex and case-sensitive. |
🛒 Part 2: Initiating the Transfer on GoDaddy’s Website
Once you have the code and your domain is unlocked, you can start the process on GoDaddy.
| Step | Action | Details & Location |
| 6. | Go to GoDaddy Transfers | Log into your GoDaddy account and navigate to their Domain Transfer Page. |
| 7. | Enter Your Domain | Type the domain name you want to transfer into the search bar and select “Transfer.” |
| 8. | Verify Unlock Status | GoDaddy will check your domain’s status. If it’s correctly unlocked (from Step 1), you should see a green checkmark or an “Unlocked” status. |
| 9. | Enter the Auth Code | Paste the Authorization/EPP Code you saved in Step 5 into the required field. |
| 10. | Complete the Checkout | Choose any desired Domain Protection plans, review your order, and complete the payment. The transfer fee usually includes a free one-year extension of your domain registration. |
📬 Part 3: Finalizing the Transfer
The request is now submitted, and you simply need to wait for the process to complete.
| Step | Action | Details & Location |
| 11. | Monitor Your Email | Check the administrative email address frequently for a final Transfer Approval email. This email allows you to accept the transfer instantly, speeding up the process. |
| 12. | Wait for Completion | The entire transfer process typically takes 5 to 7 calendar days (ICANN standard). You can monitor the status at any time in your GoDaddy account under “Transfers In.” |
💡 Important: DNS and Website Continuity
Will my website go down during the transfer?
No! A domain transfer only moves the registration from one company to another. It does not change where your website is hosted.
- To keep your website and email running, do not change your nameservers until the transfer is fully complete and the domain is in your GoDaddy account.
- After the transfer is finalized, you can then update your nameservers within your GoDaddy account to point to your new hosting provider (if you are also moving hosts).
