To transfer your domain from GoDaddy to another host, you need to obtain the authorization (EPP) code from GoDaddy, unlock the domain, and then initiate the transfer at the new registrar. If you only want a different hosting provider without changing registrars, simply updating your nameservers is all it takes.
This guide covers both scenarios: a full domain transfer to a new registrar and the faster method of changing nameservers to point your domain to a new host.
Transfer the Domain or Just Change DNS?
Start by deciding which route makes sense for your situation:
- Change nameservers (DNS): The domain stays registered at GoDaddy, but your website is hosted elsewhere. Propagation takes 24–48 hours and there's no 60-day waiting period.
- Full transfer: You move the domain to a different registrar entirely. This takes 5–7 days and requires the domain to be at least 60 days old with no recent transfer history.
For most people, changing nameservers is simpler and faster. Only pursue a full transfer if you want to leave GoDaddy as your registrar.
Option A: Change Nameservers in GoDaddy
This method points your domain at the new host without moving it away from GoDaddy. All you need are the nameservers your new provider gives you.
- Log in to godaddy.com and go to My Products → Domains.
- Click on the domain and select Manage DNS.
- Scroll to the Nameservers section and click Change.
- Choose Enter my own nameservers and type the ones provided by your new host (e.g.,
ns1.yournewhost.comandns2.yournewhost.com). - Save the changes.
Propagation takes anywhere from 2 to 48 hours. During that window, some visitors may see the old site while others see the new one — this is completely normal.
Option B: Full Domain Transfer to Another Registrar
If you want the domain registered elsewhere, follow these steps.
1. Confirm the domain is eligible for transfer
Your domain must meet all of these requirements:
- Registered or last transferred more than 60 days ago.
- Not locked by GoDaddy's transfer lock.
- Not expiring within the next 15 days (some registrars require 30).
- The registrant's email address must be accessible — a confirmation email will be sent there.
2. Unlock the domain in GoDaddy
- Go to My Products → Domains → Manage.
- Under the Settings tab, find Transfer lock and turn it off.
3. Get the authorization code (EPP / Auth Code)
- Still in the Settings tab, click Get authorization code.
- GoDaddy will email the code to the domain registrant's email address.
- Save this code — you'll need it at the new registrar.
4. Start the transfer at the new registrar
- Log in to your new registrar or hosting control panel and find the Transfer domain option.
- Enter your domain name and paste the EPP code when prompted.
- Complete payment (transfers usually renew the domain for one year).
- Check your email: GoDaddy will send a message asking you to confirm the outgoing transfer. Accept it to speed up the process.
Without manual confirmation, GoDaddy waits 5 days before automatically releasing the domain.
Comparison: Change DNS vs. Full Transfer
| Criteria | Change Nameservers | Full Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Time to complete | 2–48 hours | 5–7 days |
| EPP code required | No | Yes |
| Domain stays at GoDaddy | Yes | No |
| Cost | Free | Renewal fee at new registrar |
| 60-day rule applies | No | Yes |
Tips to Avoid Downtime During Migration
- Set up the new hosting first — have your site live on the destination server before you change DNS, so traffic lands somewhere the moment propagation hits.
- Lower your DNS TTL to 300 seconds (5 min) at least 24 hours in advance to speed up the changeover.
- Take a full backup — files and database — before making any changes.
- Verify you can access the email address linked to the domain at GoDaddy; without it you can't confirm the transfer.
- If you use email through GoDaddy (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or basic mail), update your MX records at the new host so incoming messages don't bounce.
Need professional help with the migration? The team at elenlace.com specializes in zero-downtime website moves.
Browse more domain and hosting guides in our comparisons and tutorials section.
Key Takeaways
- If you only need a different hosting provider, changing nameservers is the fastest path — no full transfer required.
- For a full transfer you need: an unlocked domain, the EPP auth code, and a domain older than 60 days.
- Accept GoDaddy's confirmation email to cut the transfer time from 5 days to 1–2 days.
- Configure your destination hosting before changing DNS to prevent downtime.
- Don't forget to migrate MX records if you use corporate email on the domain.
Ready to make the switch? Reach out to the experts at elenlace.com and we'll handle your domain and website migration without any interruption to your service.
FAQ
How long does it take to transfer a domain from GoDaddy?
A full transfer takes 5–7 days, though it can be shortened to 1–2 days if you accept GoDaddy's outgoing transfer confirmation email. Changing only the nameservers takes 2–48 hours.
Will my website go down during the transfer?
Not if you set up the destination hosting before updating your DNS. There may be a brief inconsistency period during propagation, but your site won't disappear entirely.
Do I have to pay to transfer my domain?
A full transfer to a new registrar typically requires paying one year of renewal at the new provider. Changing nameservers (keeping the domain at GoDaddy) is completely free.
What happens to my email when I transfer the domain?
If you use email hosted at GoDaddy, you must also migrate or update your MX records at the new host before or during the DNS change — otherwise incoming emails will bounce during the propagation window.
Further reading
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