How to Transfer a Domain: Complete Guide
Updated: January 2026•10 min read
5-7
Days to complete
~$10
Transfer cost (.com)
+1 Year
Added to registration
Before You Start
⚠️ Check These First
- Domain must be at least 60 days old
- No transfers within 60 days of registration or previous transfer
- Domain must not be expired (renew first if needed)
- No pending WHOIS contact changes (triggers 60-day lock)
Step 1: Unlock Your Domain
Every domain has a "transfer lock" to prevent unauthorized transfers. You need to turn this off.
Where to find it:
- GoDaddy: My Products → Domains → [Domain] → Domain Settings → Domain Lock → OFF
- Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Domain tab → Transfer Lock → OFF
- Squarespace: Domains → [Domain] → Advanced → Domain Lock → OFF
Step 2: Get Your Authorization Code
The auth code (also called EPP code or transfer key) proves you own the domain.
Where to find it:
- GoDaddy: Domain Settings → Transfer domain away → Continue → Email code
- Namecheap: Domain List → Manage → Sharing & Transfer → Auth Code
- Squarespace: Domains → [Domain] → Advanced → Transfer Away
Auth codes are case-sensitive and typically expire in 7-30 days.
Step 3: Start Transfer at New Registrar
- Go to your new registrar (e.g., Spaceship)
- Find "Transfer" or "Transfer Domain"
- Enter your domain name
- Paste the authorization code
- Pay the transfer fee (usually includes 1 year extension)
Step 4: Approve the Transfer
Your old registrar will email you asking to confirm. You have two options:
- Approve immediately: Click the link in the email to complete transfer in 1-2 days
- Do nothing: Transfer auto-completes in 5-7 days
Keep Your Website Up During Transfer
If you're using your old registrar's nameservers, update DNS before transferring:
- Point your domain to your web host's nameservers BEFORE starting transfer
- Wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation
- Then initiate the transfer
Best Registrars to Transfer To
| Registrar | Transfer Cost | Renewal After |
|---|---|---|
| Spaceship ⭐ | $9.68 | $10.18 |
| Cloudflare | $9.77 | $10.44 |
| Porkbun | $9.73 | $10.67 |
| Dynadot | $10.49 | $10.99 |
Ready to Transfer?
Spaceship offers the lowest transfer and renewal prices. The transfer fee includes a 1-year extension.
Transfer to Spaceship →Affiliate Disclosure
We earn commissions from Spaceship and Dynadot. Cloudflare and Porkbun have no affiliate programs. We recommend these registrars based on their transfer costs and renewal prices.