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How to Transfer Domains Away from GoDaddy (2026 Guide)

Updated: January 2026•8 min read
~30 min
Total time
$9.68
.com transfer
+1 Year
Added free

Step 1: Unlock Your Domain at GoDaddy

  1. Log into GoDaddy → My Products → Domains
  2. Click on the domain you want to transfer
  3. Go to Domain Settings → Domain Lock
  4. Toggle the lock to OFF

Step 2: Get Your Authorization Code

  1. In Domain Settings → Transfer domain away from GoDaddy
  2. Click Continue
  3. Choose "Email authorization code"
  4. Check your email for the EPP/auth code (case-sensitive!)
⚠️ Important

Auth codes expire in 7-30 days. Copy it exactly as shown—they're case-sensitive.

Step 3: Start Transfer at New Registrar

  1. Go to Spaceship.com (or your chosen registrar)
  2. Click Transfer in the navigation
  3. Enter your domain name
  4. Paste the authorization code
  5. Complete payment ($9.68 for .com at Spaceship)

Step 4: Approve the Transfer

GoDaddy will send you an email asking to confirm the transfer. Click the approval link to speed things up—otherwise it auto-completes in 5 days anyway.

Avoid Website Downtime

If you're using GoDaddy's nameservers, your site may go down after transfer. To prevent this:

  • Option A: Point to external nameservers (your host) BEFORE transferring
  • Option B: Set up DNS at the new registrar before transfer completes
Ready to Save $100+ Per Domain?

Transfer to Spaceship and start paying $10.18/year instead of $31.98. The transfer fee includes a 1-year extension.

Start Transfer at Spaceship →
Affiliate Disclosure

We earn a commission from Spaceship transfers at no cost to you. We've transferred our own domains this way. Direct link: spaceship.sjv.io/QjVbn3