To transfer a domain away from GoDaddy, log into your account and downgrade any active domain protection plans. Next, unlock the domain and request your authorization (EPP) code. Finally, take that code to your new registrar, initiate the transfer, and approve the release email sent by GoDaddy to complete the move.
What Is a Registrar Transfer?
A registrar transfer moves your domain from one domain provider to another. Your website stays online, your DNS settings transfer over, and you gain a fresh year of registration at the new registrar's pricing.
Transfers don't affect your website hosting, only where you manage DNS and pay renewal fees. Your domain points to the same servers before and after.
The process requires an EPP authorization code from your current registrar and typically takes 5-7 days to complete.
Why It Matters: Escape Renewal Shock
GoDaddy's promotional pricing disappears at renewal. That $9.99 domain becomes $21.99+ annually, plus aggressive upsells for privacy, security, and email.
- WHOIS privacy: $9.99/year
- "Full Domain Protection": $9.99/year
Compare to transparent pricing elsewhere: same domain, fraction of the cost, privacy included.
Transferring saves money every year for the life of the domain.
Decision Framework: When to Transfer
| |
Domain expires in 7+ days | |
| |
Domain expires in <7 days | Renew first, then transfer |
| Wait 60 days (ICANN rule) |
Transfer now if: Your domain has 7+ days before expiration and isn't within 60 days of registration or previous transfer.
Wait if: You're in the 60-day ICANN lock period. Attempting transfer will fail.
Renew first if: Expiration is imminent. Expired domains complicate transfers. Pay GoDaddy one more year, then transfer, you keep that time.
Implementation Steps: GoDaddy Transfer Out
Step 1: Downgrade Domain Protection Critical step. If "Full Domain Protection" is active, the transfer option is hidden. Go to Domain Settings → Domain Protection → Downgrade or remove.
Step 2: Unlock the Domain In Domain Settings, find "Domain Lock" and toggle OFF.
Step 3: Request Authorization Code Click "Transfer domain away from GoDaddy." GoDaddy emails the EPP code.
Step 4: Initiate Transfer at New Registrar Enter domain name and EPP code at your new registrar. Pay transfer fee.
Step 5: Approve the Transfer GoDaddy sends a confirmation email. Click approve to release. Without approval, transfer auto-completes in 5 days.
Step 6: Verify Completion After 5-7 days, confirm the domain appears in your new dashboard.
Common Mistakes
Leaving Domain Protection active: GoDaddy's protection hides the transfer option. Downgrade before attempting to unlock.
Forgetting to unlock: Even without protection, domain lock must be toggled off.
Transferring too close to expiration: Give yourself at least 7 days before expiry.
Not checking email: EPP code and approval request go to your registered email. Check spam.
What This Means for You
At 5,000+ domains, you also qualify for the Expired Domains Auction Rebate Program, earning 20% of auction revenue from your expired domains.
WHOIS privacy is free forever, no annual upsell, no surprise fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to transfer away from GoDaddy?
GoDaddy charges nothing. The new registrar charges a transfer fee (includes 1 year).
Will my website go down during a GoDaddy transfer?
No. DNS continues working throughout unless the domain is using the losing registrars nameservers.
How long does a GoDaddy transfer take?
5-7 days, faster if you approve the release email.
How do I get my GoDaddy authorization code?
Unlock domain → click "Transfer domain away from GoDaddy."
Why is my GoDaddy domain locked?
Registrar lock or Domain Protection is active. Disable both.
Do I lose my remaining time when I transfer?
No. Unused time carries over plus one year unless you are transferring within 45 days of renewing the domain.
Can I transfer an expired GoDaddy domain?
Only during the grace period. Renew first.
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