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How do I transfer my domain to GoDaddy?

You can move your domain from another registrar (the company where it's registered) to GoDaddy. Your remaining registration time carries over, and GoDaddy adds an extra year of registration.

Talk to Gate 39 before you start. Transferring a domain only moves the domain registration, not your website or email. If your current registrar also manages your DNS records, your website and email could stop working after the transfer. We can check your setup and help plan the move so nothing goes offline.

Before you start

Do these steps at your current registrar:

  1. Save your DNS records. Take a screenshot or export of all your domain's DNS records, especially your A, CNAME, MX (email) and TXT records. Send a copy to Gate 39.
  2. Unlock the domain. Turn off the domain lock or "transfer lock" in your registrar's domain settings.
  3. Get the authorization code. This may be called an auth code, EPP code, transfer code or transfer key. Get it just before you start, because codes often expire after about two weeks.
  4. Check your contact details. Make sure the domain's contact email address is one you can access. Your registrar may email you to approve the transfer.

Please note:

  • Recent changes may block a transfer. Domains usually can't be transferred shortly after they're registered or transferred. This lock is traditionally 60 days, and is being shortened to 30 days as registrars adopt new ICANN rules in 2026. Changing the domain's contact details may also trigger a temporary lock at some registrars.
  • Some country-code domains (such as .uk, .ca, .eu and .au) have special transfer requirements.

Start the transfer at GoDaddy

  1. Go to the GoDaddy domain transfer page and search for your domain.
  2. Check that the unlock status shows green. If it doesn't, confirm the domain is unlocked at your current registrar, then click Refresh Status.
  3. Enter your authorization code. A green status means it's valid. If you enter it incorrectly, you can update it later in your GoDaddy account.
  4. Click Continue once both show green.
  5. Choose whether to add Domain Protection, or click No Thanks.
  6. Complete checkout to start the transfer.

After you start

  • Approve the transfer if your current registrar emails you about it. This can speed things up.
  • Timing. Most transfers take 5–7 days. GoDaddy will email you if there's a problem, and you can check the transfer status in your GoDaddy account.
  • Check your DNS. Once the transfer finishes, confirm your website and email still work. If your DNS records need to be recreated at GoDaddy, send us the copy you saved and we'll help.

Need help? Contact the Gate 39 team through the Customer portal.

 

References
[1] GoDaddy Help – Transfer my domain to GoDaddy (current)
[2] MaxiNames – Why Can't I Transfer My Domain? The 60-Day Lock
[3] Domain Incite – ICANN to kill off 60-day domain transfer lock
[4] OpenSRS – Transfer Policy changes: what do you think?