How to Transfer a Domain to GoDaddy: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Transfer a Domain to GoDaddy: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Transfer a Domain to GoDaddy blog image

Transferring your domain to GoDaddy is a straightforward process when broken down into manageable steps.

If you want to learn how to transfer a domain to GoDaddy, continue reading this guide and complete the entire process hassle-free.

Takeaways
  • Transferring your domain to GoDaddy from another domain registrars requires you to unlock the domain and copy the authorization code
  • It may take anywhere from 5 to 7 days for the domain transfer process to complete
  • The domain transfer process starts from $9.99 depending on the domain extension you use, which covers one year of domain management on GoDaddy

How to Transfer a Domain to GoDaddy with Authorization Code

The process of transferring a domain to GoDaddy will depend on how your domain registrar or hosting provider manages your domain name.

We broke down the transferring process for you to easily transfer a domain to GoDaddy.

1. Unlock the Domain You Want to Transfer at the Current Registrar

The first step in transferring a domain to GoDaddy involves unlocking the domain at your current registrar. This is a security measure that will prevent unauthorized transfer.

  • Login to your current registrar’s website
  • Navigate to your domain settings and follow the instructions to unlock your domain
  • Get the authorization code for your domains (the auth code, EPP code, transfer code or transfer key)

Keep in mind that the specifics may vary depending on your registrar.

Note

If you struggle with finding the EPP code for your domains, contact your current registrar to get help. Before proceeding, it’s also important to verify the contact info on your domain name.

2. Search for Your Domain Using GoDaddy Transfer Tool

Now that you unlocked your domain and retrieved the auth code, sign in to your GoDaddy account or create a new one if you haven’t yet.

  • Navigate to GoDaddy transfers page where you’ll search for your domain
  • Enter the domain name you wish to transfer

This tool will check for the eligibility of your domain for transfer. Make sure your domain name is spelled correctly to avoid any issues.

Once the GoDaddy transfer tool finds your domain and verifies it’s unlocked, it’ll show a green status bar, which means it’s unlocked.

If you recently unlocked your domain and the transfer tool doesn’t show that the domain is eligible for transfer, try refreshing by selecting Refresh Status for GoDaddy to check the unlock status for your domain.

3. Enter the Authorization Code to Accept the Domain Transfer on GoDaddy

After confirming the eligibility, you’ll need to enter the authorization code (also known as an EPP code) from your current registrar.

If you entered the wrong info, don’t worry, there’s an option that enables you to edit the auth code in your account.

Once you enter the auth code, the unlock and auth code sections should show green status bars. Once that’s completed, click Continue to finalize the domain name purchase process.

You can choose an option for domain protection or add-ons. If you don’t want to opt for them, select the No Thanks checkmark. Go through the checkout process and finalize the domain purchase process.

4. Check the GoDaddy Domain Transfer Status

Once the authorization code is entered, GoDaddy will initiate the transfer process. It’s crucial to keep an eye on any notifications or emails from GoDaddy regarding the transfer, as there may be additional steps or information required.

Alternatively, you can monitor the status of the transfer in your GoDaddy account. Here’s how.

  1. Sign in to your GoDaddy account
  2. Select the Transfers button. Search for the domain you’re currently transferring by accessing the search field above your domain list. You can access Transfers In which are the domains transferring to your GoDaddy account. Transfers Out shows the domains being transferred from your GoDaddy account.
  3. Check the Status column next to the domain name to see the current status of the domain transfer until you get the success confirmation

5. Wait 5-7 Days for the Domain Transfer to Complete

The final step is to wait for the domain transfer to be completed, which typically takes 5-7 days. This period allows for any final validations and for your previous registrar to release the domain.

During this time, it’s wise not to make any changes to your domain settings to ensure a smooth transfer. Once the transfer is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation from GoDaddy via email, and your domain will now be managed through your GoDaddy account.

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How to Transfer a Domain into GoDaddy from Specific Registrar

The steps below explain how to transfer a domain name into GoDaddy account from specific domain registrars like Google, Wix, Shopify, and more.

How to Transfer Wix Domain to GoDaddy

Source: Wix.com

  1. Login to your Wix account and navigate to the Domains page.
  2. Click the More Actions icon that looks like a minus next to the domain you’d like to transfer and click Transfer Away from Wix.
  3. Click Transfer Domain and click I Still Want to Transfer when prompted whether you’re sure you’d like to transfer your domain.
  4. Wait for the registrar to email you the transfer authorization code.
  5. Login to the GoDaddy account and navigate to the GoDaddy transfers page.
  6. Enter the domain you just unlocked and check whether the domain name is unlocked.
  7. If your domain name is unlocked, paste the auth code you received on your email.
  8. Complete the checkout process and opt for the protection or add-on offers provided by GoDaddy.

How to Transfer Shopify Domain to GoDaddy

  1. Login to your Shopify domain management account and go to Settings and then Domains.
  2. Click the name of the domain you’d like to transfer and then navigate to Domain settings and Transfer to another provider.
  3. This will unlock your domain. Review the information and prompts and click Confirm. Navigate to your domain’s information page and note down or copy the domain authorization code.
  4. Navigate to your GoDaddy account and go to GoDaddy transfers page
  5. Enter the domain name you’d like to transfer and verify that it’s unlocked.
  6. Enter the auth code you previously noted down or copied.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate and complete the transfer process.

How to Transfer Squarespace Domain to GoDaddy

Image Source: Squarespace (Printscreen)

  1. Login to your Squarespace account and open the Domains panel.
  2. Select the domain you want to transfer and switch the Domain Lock toggle off.
  3. Click on the three dots button and then select Send Transfer Authorization Code. This will prompt Squarespace to send the auth code to the registrant email address. Make sure to copy or note down the auth code.
  4. Navigate to your GoDaddy account and go to GoDaddy transfers page.
  5. Enter the domain name you wish to transfer and make sure it’s unlocked. If it’s not, click the refresh button for GoDaddy to check again.
  6. Enter the auth code you previously copied
  7. Follow the instructions on GoDaddy website to finalize the transfer process. Keep in mind it takes five to seven days to complete the transfer.

How to Transfer Namecheap Domain to GoDaddy

Before commencing the transfer process make sure that the domain is more than 60 days old, and that it wasn’t transferred between registrars in the last 60 days. Here’s how to transfer Namecheap domain to GoDaddy:

Image Source: Namecheap (Printscreen)

  1. Log in to your Namecheap account and navigate to the Domain List. Find the domain you want to transfer and click Manage.
  2. Go to the Sharing & Transfer tab to unlock the domain and get the auth code.
  3. Go to your email and wait for Namecheap to send you the auth code you’ll note down or copy.
  4. Now, navigate to GoDaddy account and go to GoDaddy transfers page.
  5. Type in the domain name you’d like to transfer and hit enter. If the domain is unlocked it’ll be displayed with green color.
  6. Enter the auth code you received to your email address.
  7. Follow the instructions to finalize the domain registration process and track your domain transfer status until it’s completed.

How to Transfer Google Domain to GoDaddy

  1. Sign into your Google Domains account and navigate to your domain settings.
  2. Select the domain name you wish to transfer and then select Registration settings. In these settings verify that you unlocked the domain under the Domain registration section. Click on the toggle button to unlock the domain.
  3. Click Get auth code in the Transfer out section and enter your password. After that, you can either copy the auth code or note it down for later.
  4. Now, navigate to your GoDaddy account or create a new one.
  5. Go to GoDaddy transfers page and enter the domain you just unlocked. If your domain name is listed as red, select Refresh Status for GoDaddy to recheck if the domain is unlocked.
  6. Paste or enter the auth code for your domain.
  7. Navigate through the checkout process and select whether you want to include the Domain Protection and add-ons into your domain. Select No Thanks if you’d like to opt out of Domain Protection offering. Once the process is completed, the domain transfer process will begin.

Transferring a Domain to GoDaddy Account: What You Need to Know

If you’re transferring your domain to GoDaddy account, here are some things you need to know.

How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Domain to GoDaddy?

Transferring a domain to GoDaddy typically takes between 5 to 7 days. Keep in mind that you can check the status of your domain transfer on your GoDaddy account by navigating to “Transfers” and then to “Transfer Ins”, where you can check the domains that are currently being transferred to your GoDaddy account.

Is It Free to Transfer Domain to GoDaddy?

Transferring your domain to GoDaddy domain registrar is not free. Instead, it carries a flat fee of $9.99. This fee also includes a free year of registration. There are also bulk transfer options that GoDaddy offers if you want to transfer multiple domains.

Why Can’t You Transfer Your Domain to GoDaddy?

There are several factors that could potentially hinder the process of transferring a domain to GoDaddy web hosting services.

  • Domain Eligibility: Domains are not eligible for transfer if they are pending a contact update approval, within one day of expiration, expired, or already pending a transfer​.
  • Registry Lock: If your domain is locked at the registry level, your current registrar will need to remove the lock before you can proceed with the transfer to GoDaddy​.
  • ICANN’s 60-day Lock: ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) prevents transfers for 60 days from a registration update, which could delay your transfer process​.
  • Ownership Verification: Before initiating the transfer process, it’s crucial to ensure that you’ve had ownership of the domain for at least 60 days, as this is a standard requirement for most registrars. Additionally, your domain name needs to be unlocked to make it available for transfers.

Final Word: Understanding GoDaddy Domain Transfer Process

Domain transfer process to GoDaddy is straightforward and doesn’t take long, other than the wait times between transfers. Still, the process also depends on your previous domain registrar. Setting up your domain is just the beginning. Check out our selection of the best website builders and choose the best web hosting for your website here and browse the most suitable web hosting plans for your needs.

Next Steps: What Now?

Next Steps: What Now?

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to transfer a domain from GoDaddy?

Transferring a domain from GoDaddy to another registrar is a straightforward process. The process entails signing into your GoDaddy domain portal, selecting the domain you wish to transfer, and following through the transfer steps provided.

It’s essential to ensure that domain privacy is turned off, and the domain is unlocked before initiating the transfer. A verification process is also required if domain protection is enabled on the domain you wish to transfer.

How can I move my domain to GoDaddy?

To move a domain to GoDaddy, there are preliminary steps to be taken with your current registrar such as unlocking the domain and obtaining the authorization code for your domain. The full process is described in the guide above.

Once prepared, you can sign in to your GoDaddy account, go to the GoDaddy transfers page, search for your domain, ensure it is unlocked, enter the authorization code, and proceed to complete the checkout process to officially start your domain transfer.

Can I take a domain from GoDaddy and host elsewhere?

Yes, you can host a domain registered with GoDaddy on a different hosting provider. You would need to update the DNS settings of your domain to point to the new host.

Does GoDaddy charge for domain transfer?

Transferring a domain to GoDaddy involves a flat fee of US$9.99, which also includes a free year of domain registration.

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