If you want to take advantage of the favorable rates that Godaddy is known for, then you should consider transferring your domain from your old registrar to them. The process will take around 5-7 days. The results of your Godaddy domain transfer though, will depend on how you prepared and did the actual transfer. You should therefore ensure that you get these processes right.
Preparing Your Domain for the Transfer
The Whois database needs to have your administrative contact details. These details will be used to provide you with the transfer information from both registrars. You must therefore confirm that the administrative contact has a valid email address. If your private registration service has hidden such details, you must cancel that service.
You need to ensure that your domain is available for transfer at your old registrar by unlocking it. After that, you should get your authorization code (EPP code/Transfer key). This will be displayed on your account or emailed to the valid email address you confirmed.
If your domain name has private registration, a service that hides your personal information from the public, you cannot verify your admin email address in the Whois database. You must contact your current registrar to cancel the private registration, and then you can update the email address, if necessary.
Pro Tips (Before‑You‑Transfer Checklist)
- Ensure the domain is unlocked before you start the process
- Ensure registrant contact email is current as it will be used during the process
- Disable WHOIS privacy or WHOIS guard
- Confirm domain is older than 60 days (ICANN rule)
- Have renewal or expiration dates in view
- Check or confirm that the domain is not under dispute or close to expiration
- Backup DNS settings or zone files (so you can restore custom records)
The Transfer Process
If you do not have a Godaddy account, you should create one. to set up one, visit Godaddy here. After that, you need to log in, and then place the transfer order. You will be prompted to input the domain name to be transferred, after, which you should go to the checkout section. You will need to confirm your credit card details, accept the terms and conditions, place the order for the transfer and wait for the Godaddy mail on your admin email address.
The transactional IDs you receive will be used for the transfer process. You can the log back into your Godaddy account, use the IDs to launch your domains, by authorizing the pending transfers. You will also be required to use the EPP code, confirm the transfer process, then sit back and wait for the completion.
Godaddy Domain Transfer Process – Step By Step
| Step | Action | GoDaddy Interface Location | Time Estimate |
| Unlock Domain | Unlock lock in domain settings | “Domains” → “Domain Settings” | < 1 min |
| Disable WHOIS Privacy | Turn off private registration | “Privacy” tab in settings | < 1 min |
| Obtain EPP Code | Get authorization code | “Domain Settings” → “Transfer” | < 1 min |
| Request Transfer | Initiate transfer at new registrar | Enter domain/EPP code | 1‑2 min |
| Approve Email | Accept confirmation emails | Inbox of registrant | Varies |
| Wait for Completion | Wait for registry transfer | Usually 5‑7 days | 5‑7 days typical |
Comparison of Domain Transfer Costs and Policies (Major Registrars)
| Registrar | Transfer Fee (USD) | Free 1-Year Extension | Restrictions / Waiting Period | Estimated Transfer Time | Special Conditions & Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudways | N/A | N/A | Not a domain registrar; uses third-party providers | N/A | Domains must be managed externally (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy) |
| GoDaddy | $11.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 5–7 days | Includes WHOIS privacy; bulk transfer discounts available |
| Namecheap | $11.48 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 30 min – 6 days | Free WHOIS privacy for life; DNS & email forwarding |
| Google Domains | $12.00 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 5–7 days | Free DNS, email forwarding, and WHOIS privacy |
| Hover | $17.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 5–7 days | Free WHOIS privacy; no upsells; simple UX |
| Bluehost | $12.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 5–7 days | Free domain transfer with hosting plan; SSL included |
| Domain.com | $9.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 5–7 days | Free DNS & email forwarding; WHOIS privacy is extra |
| Dynadot | $10.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 5–7 days | Free WHOIS privacy, DNS, and email forwarding |
| NameSilo | $9.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 2–7 days | Free WHOIS privacy; bulk pricing available |
| Name.com | $9.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 5–7 days | Clean dashboard; WHOIS privacy is paid |
| Hostinger | $8.99 | Yes | 60-day ICANN lock; EPP code required | 2–5 days | Free WHOIS privacy; transfer is free with hosting |
Benefits of Godaddy Domain Transfer
Transferring of domains is not something that most people like. However, there are certain advantages of selecting a Godaddy domain transfer as opposed to another registrar option. Some of these benefits are listed below.
- The transfer process does not cost much. In fact, the fees charged are some of the most fairly priced as far as domain transfer is concerned.
- At various stages of the domain transfer to Godaddy, you will get prompts to enable you to halt the process if you have changed your mind. This ensures that you have flexibility to halt the process until you can be more confident that your new registrar Godaddy is the best choice for you.
- If you do not have a valid email address for the administrative contact, it means that you cannot access the security and transaction IDs or codes. This kind of limitations may seem fussy, but they ensure that unauthorized parties cannot transfer your domain without your permission.
Evidently, the process of Godaddy domain transfer will take quite a bit of time. However, it is quite simple and very secure, which means that the process may be a good option for your needs.