How to Transfer a Domain From GoDaddy (Without Downtime)

Moving a domain away from GoDaddy is a standard process every registrar supports, but it has a few checkpoints, and missing one is what makes transfers stall for days. The two that catch most people are the 60-day rule and the email address the authorization code goes to. Check both before you start.

Before you start: is your domain eligible?

Check	Why it matters
Registered or transferred over 60 days ago	Domains can't move within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer
No recent 60-day lock after an owner change	Changing the registrant can add a 60-day lock if it was chosen
Bundle domains over 120 days old	Bundled domains have a longer wait
Registrant email works	The authorization code and approvals can go there

If you changed the owner's name or organisation recently and agreed to a 60-day lock, you'll have to wait it out. Many people only find this out when the transfer is refused.

How to transfer a domain from GoDaddy

1. Sign in to GoDaddy and open your domain portfolio.
2. Select the domain and open its settings.
3. Under Transfer, switch the lock off. On means locked, off means unlocked and eligible to transfer.
4. Use the Transfer to Another Registrar option and follow the checklist.
5. Get the authorization code (also called an auth or EPP code). You can view it in your account, or have it sent to the registrant email address.
6. Go to your new registrar and start a transfer in.
7. Enter the authorization code when asked.
8. Approve any confirmation emails from GoDaddy or the new registrar.
9. Wait for the transfer to complete, usually 5 to 7 days.

The catch: privacy turns off during the transfer

GoDaddy turns off Domain Privacy as part of the transfer process, so your contact details may become visible in public domain records until the new registrar's privacy is switched on. Check your new registrar's privacy settings as soon as the transfer completes. If your domain has GoDaddy's Domain Protection, you may also need to verify your identity before the transfer is allowed.

Don't break your website and email

A transfer moves the registration, not your website or email. But if your DNS records are hosted at GoDaddy and you cancel anything there, your site and email can go down. Before you transfer:

• Write down or export your DNS records, especially those for your website and email.
• Check where your nameservers point. If they point to your web host, the transfer usually doesn't affect your site.
• Recreate the DNS records at the new registrar before switching nameservers there.
• Don't cancel GoDaddy hosting or email until everything is working at the new place.

My explainer on website builders helps if you're moving your site at the same time.

Transferring several domains

If you're moving a lot of domains, GoDaddy lets you export a .csv file with the authorization codes for the eligible ones, rather than opening each domain. Switch off the lock on each one first, export the codes, then use your new registrar's bulk transfer option.

Why a transfer gets stuck

• The domain is still locked. Check the Transfer lock is off.
• The code was wrong or expired. Get a fresh code and re-enter it.
• It's within 60 days of registration, a transfer or an owner change.
• Approval emails weren't actioned. Check the registrant inbox and spam folder.
• Identity checks are waiting for domains with Domain Protection.

After the transfer completes

• Switch on privacy at the new registrar.
• Check auto-renew is set, so the domain doesn't lapse.
• Check your website and email still work.
• Re-lock the domain at the new registrar to stop unauthorised transfers.

What happens to the time left on your domain

A transfer between registrars normally adds a year to your registration, and the time you had left carries over, so you don't lose what you'd already renewed. Check the new registrar's transfer page for the exact terms before you start. It's also a good moment to tidy up: make sure the registrant name and email on the domain are yours, not a former web designer's, so you're never locked out of your own domain.

Choosing where to move your domain

Look for a registrar that includes privacy, makes DNS easy to edit, and has clear renewal terms you can see before you buy. If your website host also offers domains, keeping both in one place can be simpler, but some people prefer their domain at a separate registrar so a hosting problem never puts the domain itself at risk. Either is fine. What matters most is that the account is in your name, with an email address you'll always have access to.

For a wider look at building or moving a site, see my notes on web design and tips for choosing a web designer.

My verdict

Check the domain is past its 60 days, switch off its transfer lock in GoDaddy, get the authorization code, and start the transfer at the new registrar. Approve every confirmation email and expect 5 to 7 days. The two things to protect are your privacy, which switches off during the move, and your DNS records, which keep your site and email running. Re-lock the domain once it's settled. For showcasing your work on the new site, see website builders for photographers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to transfer a domain from GoDaddy?

Usually 5 to 7 days.

Why can't I transfer my GoDaddy domain?

It may be locked, within 60 days of registration or a transfer, or under a 60-day lock after an owner change.

Where do I find my GoDaddy authorization code?

In your GoDaddy account for eligible domains, or it can be sent to the registrant email address.

Will transferring my domain take my website offline?

Not if your DNS records are kept working. Copy them before you start.

Does GoDaddy turn off domain privacy during a transfer?

Yes. Switch on privacy at the new registrar once it completes.

Can I transfer a domain I bought in a bundle?

Not within 120 days of new registration.