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

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

Transferring a domain name from GoDaddy requires different steps depending on the new domain registrar.

In this guide, you will learn how to transfer a domain, how much time it takes, and the costs involved in the process.

Takeaways
  • Domain transfers usually take 5-7 days to complete
  • Make sure that you unlock your GoDaddy domain for the transfer
  • Increase security with two-step verification during the process
  • Be aware of the 10-day window for the new owner to accept the transfer

How to Transfer a Domain Away from GoDaddy: General Steps

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to transfer a domain away from GoDaddy:

Step 1: Sign in to Your GoDaddy Domain Portfolio

Begin by signing in to your GoDaddy account.

Step 2: Select the Specific Domain

Once logged in, navigate to your Domain Portfolio within GoDaddy.

You should see a list of your registered domains.

Choose the specific domain that you intend to transfer.

Source: GoDaddy.com

Confirm that you’ve selected the correct domain to avoid any errors in the process.

Step 3: Initiate the Transfer

In the domain management settings, locate the “Transfer to Another Registrar” option under the “Transfer” category. option.

Source: GoDaddy.com

If your domain isn’t eligible for transfer, GoDaddy will provide a message with more information.

Step 4: Turn Off Domain Privacy

GoDaddy will automatically turn off Domain Privacy after this step.

Source: GoDaddy.com

This is necessary to ensure that your domain contact information can end up in a successful domain transfer to the new registrar.

Step 5: Continue with Transfer

Once you’ve reviewed your contact info and the domain privacy is off, select “Continue with transfer”.

Source: GoDaddy.com

If your domain has Domain Protection enabled, you may need to verify your identity.

This can be done by entering a code sent via SMS if you have two-step verification (2SV) confirmed or a one-time password sent to your email address.

Step 6: Get Authorization Code

If required by your new registrar, you can obtain an authorization code.

Source: GoDaddy.com

To do this, select “Click here to see Authorization Code” and then select “Copy to Clipboard” to copy your auth code.

GoDaddy will also send this code to the administrative contact associated with your domain.

Step 7: Return to Your Domain List

After completing the necessary steps, return to your list of domains by selecting “My Domains.”

It’s important to ensure that your domain is unlocked before proceeding with the transfer to the new registrar.

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How to Transfer a GoDaddy Domain to Another Registrar

You can transfer your domain name to any domain registrar, using the following step-by-step instructions to complete the domain transfer process.

How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap

To transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
  2. Unlock the domain, which takes a few minutes.
  3. Get the Auth Code (EPP code) from GoDaddy, typically sent via email within an hour.
  4. Disable GoDaddy’s privacy protection, if enabled, allowing 24-48 hours for it to take effect.
  5. Create a Namecheap account or log in.
  6. Start the transfer on Namecheap, providing domain details and Auth Code. The cost varies from $7.98 to $24.98.
  7. Pay for the transfer and check your email for approval requests.
  8. Verify domain settings on Namecheap. Your domain is now successfully transferred.
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How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Shopify

Here’s a simplified list of steps to transfer your GoDaddy domain to Shopify:

  1. Prepare your Shopify account.
  2. Check if your GoDaddy domain is transfer-eligible.
  3. Unlock the domain in GoDaddy.
  4. Get the authorization code (EPP code).
  5. Initiate the transfer on Shopify.
  6. Confirm and pay the transfer fee.
  7. Complete ownership verification.
  8. Adjust DNS settings in Shopify.
  9. Confirm the domain transfer.
  10. Contact Shopify support for troubleshooting if needed.
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How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Bluehost

Here’s a simplified list of steps to transfer your GoDaddy domain to Bluehost:

  1. Unlock your GoDaddy domain.
  2. Obtain the EPP code from GoDaddy.
  3. Sign in to your Bluehost account and navigate to the domain settings page.
  4. Enter your domain name and the EPP code.

Source: Bluehost.com

  1. Review and confirm the transfer.
  2. Check the transfer’s progress and expect DNS changes to propagate in 24-72 hours.
  3. After completion, your domain is hosted on Bluehost.
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How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Hostinger

Here’s a simplified list of steps to transfer your GoDaddy domain to Hostinger:

  1. Point the domain to Hostinger’s nameservers by updating DNS settings in your GoDaddy account.
  2. Unlock your domain at GoDaddy by disabling the default domain lock.


Source: Hostinger.com

  1. Get the necessary Authorization Code (EPP code) from GoDaddy.
  2. Start the domain transfer on Hostinger’s website by entering your domain name and selecting the transfer period.
  3. Complete your payment, providing the EPP code, and confirming the transfer.
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How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to WordPress

Here’s a simplified list of steps to transfer your GoDaddy domain to WordPress:

  1. Ensure your domain is eligible. It must be more than 60 days old, not transferred recently, and supported by WordPress.
  2. Unlock your domain with your current provider and obtain the authorization code (EPP code).

Source: WordPress.com

  1. Start the transfer on WordPress by navigating to “Upgrades” > “Domains” in your dashboard.
  2. Add your domain, choose to transfer it, and follow the setup steps.
  3. Confirm the domain transfer by entering the authorization code.


Source: WordPress.com

  1. Check the transfer status on your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Change DNS records if necessary.
  3. Set your primary address for your site.

Source: WordPress.com

How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Google

In 2023, Google Domains was bought by another registrar.

They moved all their domain registrations to Squarespace, which means you can’t register or transfer domains with Google Domains anymore.

If you want to transfer a domain, you’ll have to look for other options, not using Google Domains.

How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Wix

Here’s a simplified list of steps to transfer your GoDaddy domain to Wix:

  1. Get the Wix-specific authorization code from your current domain registrar.
  2. Be sure your domain is unlocked for transfer to Wix.
  3. Disable DNSSEC if it’s activated, as Wix doesn’t support it.
  4. Start the domain transfer process on Wix’s platform.


Source: Wix

  1. Enter your domain name and specify where you purchased it.
  2. Log into your current domain host’s account while logged into your Wix account.
  3. Paste the provided authorization code and select your desired extension period.


Source: Wix

  1. Pay your fees and complete the transfer process.
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How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace

To transfer your domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
  2. Make sure your domain contact information is accurate.
  3. Unlock your domain.
  4. Request an authorization code from GoDaddy.
  5. Start the transfer in your Squarespace Domains panel and enter the authorization code.
  6. Review and confirm registration details and payment information.
  7. Review your order and complete the transfer.
  8. Check the transfer status in your Squarespace Domains panel.
  9. Review DNS settings.
  10. Confirm the transfer process.

Final Word: GoDaddy Domain Transfer Made Simple

Transferring a domain name is not a recurring task. It is something you, as a website owner, decide to do for strategic reasons.

If part of this strategy is improving your website, we recommend checking our curation of Best Web Hosting. This way, your new domain registrar can be followed by a new website structure.

Next Steps: What Now?

Learn More About Transferring a Domain

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to transfer a domain from GoDaddy?

Transferring a domain from GoDaddy is not too hard. You need to unlock it, get a code, and start the transfer.

However, if you are not familiar, it might seem a bit tricky, so pay attention to the step-by-step guide we provided for an easy transfer.

Can I take a domain from GoDaddy and host elsewhere?

Yes, you can take a domain registered with GoDaddy and host it with another service or hosting provider.

This process involves changing the domain’s DNS settings to point to the new hosting provider’s servers.

It’s a common practice and allows flexibility in choosing where your website is hosted.

Does GoDaddy charge for domain transfer?

Yes, GoDaddy typically charges a fee for transferring a domain to another registrar or hosting provider.

Transferring a domain to GoDaddy costs $10.99, and you get a free year of registration.

How do I get my domain transfer code from GoDaddy?

To get your domain transfer code from GoDaddy, log into your GoDaddy account and navigate to the domain management system.

Find the domain you want to transfer and select “Get Authorization Code”.

GoDaddy will provide the code, which you’ll need for the transfer process with another registrar.

Sonja Vitas
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Sonja Vitas
Content Editor

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