How to Transfer Your GoDaddy Domain to Another Person or Platform
TL;DR – How to Transfer a GoDaddy Domain
Unlock your domain in GoDaddy and turn off privacy protection.
Get the EPP/Auth code if transferring to a new registrar like Namecheap, Shopify, or Squarespace.
For GoDaddy-to-GoDaddy transfers, just enter the recipient’s email or customer ID.
Most transfers take 5–7 days, but GoDaddy-to-GoDaddy can be done in minutes.
Watch your inbox for confirmation emails, missing one can stall the whole process.
More than 360 million domain names are registered worldwide and thousands are transferred every single day. Whether you're selling a domain, switching registrars, or simply moving it to a new account, the process can be surprisingly easy if you know what to expect.
Transferring a GoDaddy domain (what is Godaddy?) doesn’t have to be confusing or technical. You don’t need to be a developer. You just need the right steps, in the right order.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to transfer your GoDaddy domain, whether you’re handing it off to someone else, switching platforms like Shopify or WordPress, or consolidating your online presence. I’ve included platform-specific instructions, common pitfalls to avoid, and what to do if things go sideways.
What Does It Mean to Transfer a Domain?
Transferring a domain means you're moving the control of your domain name to another person, account, or domain registrar. The website itself (content, design, emails, etc.) won’t move unless you migrate it separately.
Why People Transfer Domains:
Selling or gifting a domain
Managing domains in one account
Switching to a registrar with better support or pricing
Connecting it to a new website platform (like Shopify or WordPress)
Before You Start: Get These Things Ready
No matter where or who you’re transferring to, a few things always apply:
Your domain must be more than 60 days old (per ICANN rules)
It can’t be within 1 day of expiring
Unlock the domain in GoDaddy
Turn off domain privacy (like WHOIS protection)
Make sure your contact info is up to date
Get the authorization code (EPP code) if you're moving to a new registrar
How to Transfer a Domain Between GoDaddy Accounts
If you're just moving a domain to another GoDaddy user:
Steps:
Log in to your GoDaddy account.
Go to My Products > Domains.
Select the domain you want to transfer.
Click Transfer to Another GoDaddy Account.
Enter the recipient’s email or GoDaddy customer number.
Choose whether to keep or update domain contact info.
Click Send Transfer Request.
The recipient will get an email to accept the domain. Once accepted, the domain appears in their account. DNS settings stay the same, but hosting or email won’t move with it (according to GoDaddy’s official help article).
How to Transfer a Domain from GoDaddy to Another Registrar
Transferring to platforms like Namecheap, Squarespace, or Shopify? The steps are similar.
General Steps:
Unlock your domain in GoDaddy.
Disable privacy protection (if it's on).
Get your EPP/Auth code from GoDaddy.
Go to the new registrar and start the domain transfer.
Enter the EPP code when asked.
Confirm the transfer via email.
Let’s go over how this works with specific platforms.
Transfer from GoDaddy to Namecheap
Unlock domain and get EPP code as above.
Head over to Namecheap and initiate the transfer.
Paste in your EPP code.
Approve the email request to complete the process.
Namecheap says the transfer can take 5–7 days (source: Namecheap Knowledgebase).
Transfer from GoDaddy to Squarespace
Unlock your domain.
Get the EPP code.
In Squarespace, go to Settings > Domains > Use a domain I own.
Follow the prompts to enter the code and verify ownership.
It takes a few days, but you can start designing your site while you wait.
Transfer from GoDaddy to Google Domains
Unlock domain + grab the EPP code.
Go to Google Domains.
Select Transfer In and follow the prompts.
Enter the EPP code and confirm ownership via email.
Transfers usually finish within 5–7 days.
Transfer from GoDaddy to Shopify
Unlock domain.
Get EPP code.
In Shopify, go to Settings > Domains > Transfer Domain.
Enter the domain name and EPP code.
If you don’t want to transfer, you can also just connect your domain by pointing the DNS.
Transfer from GoDaddy to WordPress
If you're using WordPress.com:
Go to Domains > Add a domain > Use a domain I own.
Enter your domain, then follow prompts to enter EPP code and verify.
If you're using WordPress.org:
You’ll transfer the domain to your hosting provider (e.g., Bluehost or SiteGround), then update DNS settings.
How to Transfer a Domain to Someone Else
If you’re selling or giving away a domain:
Log in to GoDaddy.
Go to the Domain Settings page.
Click Transfer Ownership.
Enter recipient’s info.
Choose whether to keep contact info the same or update it.
Click Send.
The recipient needs to accept the domain transfer via email. This process is well outlined in this article from Chron.
How Long Does It Take to Transfer Domains?
GoDaddy to GoDaddy: A few minutes to a few hours
GoDaddy to another registrar: Up to 7 days
Accepting the transfer quickly helps speed it up
Does GoDaddy Charge for Domain Transfers?
To another GoDaddy account: Free
To another registrar: Free from GoDaddy, but the new registrar may charge for a one-year renewal (usually ~$10–15)
Expired domains or premium domains: May involve extra fees
Common Domain Transfer Problems (And How to Fix Them)
1. Domain is Locked
Make sure you unlock it from GoDaddy’s domain settings.
2. Wrong Contact Info
Update your email so you don’t miss confirmation requests.
3. Expired or Too New Domain
Domains must be older than 60 days and not close to expiration.
4. EPP Code Not Working
Double-check that you copied the entire code. Request a new one if needed.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Always double-check the recipient’s email or ID if transferring within GoDaddy.
Keep your domain unlocked until the transfer finishes.
Save your DNS settings before starting.
Monitor your email (and spam folder) for approval links.
Final Thoughts: Moving Your Domain the Right Way
Transferring a GoDaddy domain doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you're moving it to another GoDaddy account, switching to a new platform like Namecheap, Squarespace, or Shopify, or handing it off to someone else entirely, the process is manageable when you know what to expect.
We covered the core steps: unlocking your domain, disabling privacy protection, retrieving your EPP code, and confirming the transfer through email. We also dug into platform-specific guidance, common issues like locked domains or invalid codes, and the difference between transferring ownership and simply pointing DNS records.
Be prepared, double-check your info, and follow each step with intention.
If you're a business owner looking for a smoother transfer, or just don’t want to deal with the tech side, Schulze Creative can help. We offer hands-on support for domain transfers, website migrations, and personalized digital marketing strategies that reflect your brand.
Ready to move your domain without the headaches? Get in touch with us here.
FAQs About Transferring a GoDaddy Domain
How do I transfer a GoDaddy domain without downtime?
By keeping your DNS settings the same or reconnecting them quickly on the new platform, you can avoid interruptions.
Can I cancel a domain transfer from GoDaddy?
Yes—if it hasn’t gone through yet. You can cancel from within your GoDaddy account or contact support.
Does transferring my domain affect my email or website?
Yes, it can—especially if you’re using GoDaddy for hosting or email. Make sure you back up everything and plan the transition carefully.
What happens if someone doesn’t accept the GoDaddy domain transfer?
The domain won’t move, and you’ll need to resend the request.
How do I transfer a GoDaddy domain to a family member?
Follow the same steps as transferring to another GoDaddy user. Just make sure they accept the transfer request by email.
Can Schulze Creative help me transfer a GoDaddy domain?
Yes! We walk clients through transferring domains to platforms we manage, like WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify.
Do I need to give Schulze Creative access to my GoDaddy account?
We typically guide you through the process or request limited access. Your security is always a priority.
Can Schulze Creative help me move my entire website, not just the domain?
Absolutely. We handle full migrations—including content, DNS settings, and email setups.
