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

Transferring your domain to GoDaddy can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, the process is straightforward. Whether you're consolidating multiple domains or seeking better pricing and features, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully transfer domain to GoDaddy.

Why Transfer Domain to GoDaddy?

Before diving into the transfer process, it's worth understanding why many website owners choose to transfer domain to GoDaddy. GoDaddy is one of the world's largest domain registrars, offering competitive pricing, robust security features, and excellent customer support. When you transfer domain to GoDaddy, you gain access to their comprehensive management tools, including easy DNS configuration, domain forwarding, and integrated hosting services.

Before transferring, you might want to use our domain checker tool to verify your domain's current status and explore available alternatives across 1,500+ extensions.

Prerequisites Before You Transfer Domain to GoDaddy

Before you can transfer domain to GoDaddy, ensure you meet these essential requirements:

Domain Eligibility: Your domain must be at least 60 days old and not recently transferred between registrars. This 60-day waiting period is an ICANN requirement that applies to all domain transfers.

Domain Unlock: You'll need to unlock your domain at your current registrar. A locked domain cannot be transferred, so this step is crucial when you prepare to transfer domain to GoDaddy.

Authorization Code: Request an authorization code (also called an EPP code or transfer key) from your current registrar. This unique code proves you own the domain and is required to transfer domain to GoDaddy.

Contact Information: Ensure your domain's administrative contact email is current and accessible. GoDaddy will send transfer confirmation emails to this address.

Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Domain to GoDaddy

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain

Start by logging into your current domain registrar's account. Navigate to your domain management panel and unlock your domain. Most registrars have a toggle or checkbox to change the domain status from "Locked" to "Unlocked." This is the first critical step to transfer domain to GoDaddy successfully.

Next, request your authorization code. Different registrars have various names for this code, but it serves the same purpose. Some registrars email the code automatically, while others display it in your account dashboard. Save this code securely as you'll need it to transfer domain to GoDaddy.

Step 2: Initiate the Transfer at GoDaddy

Visit GoDaddy's domain transfer page and enter your domain name in the search box. GoDaddy will verify if your domain is eligible for transfer. If eligible, add the domain to your cart and proceed to checkout.

During checkout, you'll be prompted to enter your authorization code. Carefully input the code you received from your previous registrar. GoDaddy typically includes one year of domain registration when you transfer domain to GoDaddy, extending your current registration period.

Step 3: Confirm Transfer Emails

After initiating the transfer, GoDaddy will send a confirmation email to the domain's administrative contact address. This email contains a link to approve the transfer. Click the approval link promptly to expedite the process.

Your current registrar may also send an email asking you to confirm or reject the transfer. Some registrars allow you to approve the transfer immediately, while others wait for the standard five-day transfer period to elapse. Approving at both ends speeds up the process to transfer domain to GoDaddy.

Step 4: Wait for Transfer Completion

Domain transfers typically complete within 5-7 days, though they can finish sooner if both registrars approve quickly. During this period, your website and email services remain operational. The transfer process doesn't cause downtime when you transfer domain to GoDaddy.

You can check the transfer status in your GoDaddy account under "Domain Transfers." GoDaddy will email you once the transfer completes successfully.

Understanding Transfer Domain to GoDaddy Costs

When you transfer domain to GoDaddy, you'll pay for one year of domain registration at GoDaddy's current pricing. This payment isn't a transfer fee but rather extends your domain registration by one year. For example, if your domain expires in six months, transferring to GoDaddy adds another year, giving you 18 months total.

GoDaddy often runs promotions on domain transfers, offering discounted rates. Check their promotions page before you transfer domain to GoDaddy to potentially save money. You can also use our GoDaddy domain checker to verify pricing and availability before initiating the transfer.

Common Issues When You Transfer Domain to GoDaddy

Transfer Failed: If your transfer fails, verify that your domain is unlocked and that you entered the correct authorization code. Ensure your domain meets the 60-day age requirement.

Email Verification Issues: If you don't receive confirmation emails, check your spam folder and verify that your domain's contact email is correct and accessible.

Transfer Delay: If the transfer takes longer than expected, contact GoDaddy support. They can often expedite the process or identify any issues preventing completion.

Post-Transfer Steps After You Transfer Domain to GoDaddy

Once you successfully transfer domain to GoDaddy, take these important steps:

Configure DNS Settings: Review and update your DNS records in GoDaddy's DNS management panel. If you're using custom nameservers, verify they're correctly configured.

Enable Domain Privacy: GoDaddy offers domain privacy protection to keep your personal information private in WHOIS databases. Consider enabling this feature for added security.

Set Up Auto-Renewal: Enable auto-renewal to prevent accidental domain expiration. GoDaddy will automatically renew your domain before it expires, ensuring continuous ownership.

Update Domain Lock: After the transfer completes, lock your domain in GoDaddy's control panel to prevent unauthorized transfers.

Benefits of Using GoDaddy After Transfer

After you transfer domain to GoDaddy, you'll enjoy several advantages:

Centralized Management: Manage all your domains from one dashboard, making it easier to track renewals, update DNS records, and configure domain settings.

Competitive Pricing: GoDaddy frequently offers renewal discounts and bulk domain pricing, potentially saving you money on annual registration fees.

Customer Support: Access 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email. GoDaddy's support team can assist with technical issues and domain management questions.

Additional Services: Easily integrate your domain with GoDaddy's hosting, email, and website builder services for a complete web presence solution.

Conclusion

Learning how to transfer domain to GoDaddy is a valuable skill for any website owner. By following this guide, you can confidently transfer domain to GoDaddy while avoiding common pitfalls. The process typically takes 5-7 days and requires your domain authorization code, unlocked domain status, and email confirmations.

Whether you're consolidating domains, seeking better pricing, or wanting access to GoDaddy's comprehensive tools, transferring your domain is a straightforward process. Remember to prepare your domain properly, keep your authorization code secure, and respond promptly to transfer confirmation emails.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Domain?

Before you transfer domain to GoDaddy, explore these helpful tools:

Domain Expansion Tool - Use AI to discover creative domain variations if your preferred name is taken
Domain Extension Checker - Check availability across 1,500+ TLDs in seconds
Bulk Domain Checker - Verify multiple domains at once for efficient management
Domain Age Checker - Research your domain's history and registration date

Visit Best-URL for all your domain discovery needs, and when you're ready, follow this guide to smoothly transfer domain to GoDaddy!