What happens when you transfer a domain from GoDaddy

When you transfer a domain from GoDaddy to another registrar, you are moving the registration records from GoDaddy's servers to a different company's servers. Your website and email keep working during the transfer — the domain itself just changes hands. The process takes a few days to a week, and you will need an authorization code (also called an auth code or EPP code) from GoDaddy before you can start.

GoDaddy will not delete your domain or charge you extra for leaving. The new registrar will ask you to pay for the remaining time on your current registration, or you can let it expire and start fresh with them. Your domain will continue to point to your website the entire time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must unlock your domain in GoDaddy and request an authorization code before any transfer can begin.
  • The authorization code is a string of characters that proves you own the domain and want to move it.
  • Your new registrar will guide you through entering the code and paying any transfer fees during the process.
  • The transfer typically takes three to five business days, and your domain stays active the whole time.
  • After the transfer completes, you manage your domain through the new registrar's account, not GoDaddy.

Unlock your domain in GoDaddy

Before you can transfer, your domain must be unlocked in GoDaddy. Domains are locked by default to prevent accidental transfers. Sign into your GoDaddy account, go to your domain list, and find the domain you want to move. Click on it to open the domain details page.

Look for a lock icon or a section labeled "Domain Lock" or "Security." Click the lock to unlock it. GoDaddy will ask you to confirm — this is a security step to make sure you really want to unlock it. Once unlocked, the lock icon will change appearance (usually to an open lock). This step must be complete before you request the authorization code.

Request your authorization code from GoDaddy

After unlocking, you need to request the authorization code. In the same domain details page in GoDaddy, look for an option labeled "Get Authorization Code," "Request Auth Code," or "EPP Code." Click it, and GoDaddy will generate a code — a string of letters and numbers that looks something like abc123def456ghi789.

GoDaddy will display the code on screen and also email it to the email address associated with your account. Save this code somewhere safe — you will need it to complete the transfer at your new registrar. The code does not expire when ready, but do not wait weeks to use it. Most registrars ask you to enter it within 60 days.

Choose your new registrar and start the transfer

Pick the registrar where you want to move your domain. Common options include Namecheap, Porkbun, Google Domains, Cloudflare, and others. Go to that registrar's website and look for a "Transfer Domain" or "Transfer In" option — it is usually on the homepage or in a menu labeled "Domains."

Enter your domain name in the transfer tool. The registrar will check whether the domain can be transferred and show you the cost. Most registrars charge a transfer fee (often $8 to $15) and will renew your domain for one additional year. Some offer discounts on transfer fees during promotions. Review the total cost before you proceed.

Enter your authorization code and complete the transfer

The new registrar will ask you to paste your authorization code into a form field. Copy the code from your GoDaddy email or from where you saved it, and paste it exactly — spaces and capitalization matter. The registrar will validate the code against GoDaddy's records.

Once the code is accepted, you will be asked to confirm your contact information and payment method. The registrar will charge your card for the transfer fee and any renewal costs. After payment, the transfer request is sent to GoDaddy. You should receive a confirmation email from both GoDaddy and your new registrar.

Wait for the transfer to complete

The transfer process typically takes three to five business days. During this time, your domain continues to work — your website loads, your email functions, and visitors can reach you normally. You do not need to do anything else while you wait.

GoDaddy may send you an email asking you to confirm the transfer. If you receive this, click the confirmation link. Some transfers complete automatically without this step. Once the transfer is done, your new registrar will send you a final confirmation email. At that point, you can log into your new registrar's account and see your domain listed there. You are now managing it through the new registrar, not GoDaddy.

What to do if the transfer fails or stalls

If your transfer does not complete within a week, check your email for messages from GoDaddy or your new registrar. Common reasons for delays include an incorrect authorization code, a domain that is too new (less than 60 days old), or a domain that is on hold for non-payment.

If you entered the wrong code, you can request a new one from GoDaddy and try again. If your domain is too new, you may need to wait a few more days before transferring. If there is a hold, contact GoDaddy to resolve it first. Your new registrar's support team can also tell you why the transfer stalled and what to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my website or email when I transfer my domain?

No. Your website and email keep working throughout the transfer. The domain just changes registrars — it still points to the same place. You do not need to move your website files or reconfigure anything.

Can I transfer a domain that is locked?

No. You must unlock it in GoDaddy first. A locked domain cannot be transferred to any other registrar. Unlocking takes less than a minute and is done in your GoDaddy account settings.

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

The cost varies by registrar and domain type. Most charge between $8 and $15 for the transfer itself, plus the cost of renewing your domain for one year. Some registrars offer discounted transfer rates. Check the new registrar's pricing before you start.

What if GoDaddy asks me to confirm the transfer?

If you receive a confirmation email from GoDaddy, click the link in it to approve the transfer. This is a security step. If you do not confirm within a set time (usually several days), the transfer may be cancelled and you will need to start over.

Can I transfer my domain back to GoDaddy later?

Yes. The process is the same — you unlock the domain at your current registrar, get an authorization code, and start a transfer into GoDaddy. You can move your domain between registrars as many times as you want.