Godaddy is expensive, but there is no denying that they are still one of the most popular domain registrars around.
They were the first domain name registrar I used back in the day when I got my first handful of domain names. Mostly because I did not know better.
Registering a domain name at a website builder, web host or domain registrar company is the same exact thing.
So you should shop around for the lowest price point because why pay more for no reason? This is why I now use Namecheap for all my domain names and suggest you do the same.
So let’s get into how to transfer a domain name to Namecheap from Godaddy.
It’s not too hard.
First, make sure the domain name is eligible to be moved
According to ICANN, you’re not able to move a newly registered domain name within the first 60 days.
You also can’t transfer a domain name if it is within 45 days of it’s renewal date.
So as long as both these things are not true, your domain name is eligible to be moved.
Next, unlock your domain name to prepare it for transfer
You will need to unlock your domain name.
This will enable you to make changes to the domain name and allow you to move it to a new registrar. Normally, domain names are locked by default to prevent unwanted, unauthorized or even accidental changes to a domain name.
To unlock a domain name is not complicated at all, you can “unlock” at the click of a button.
Within your GoDaddy domain name registrar admin, find where your settings are and change the domain name from locked to unlocked.
Next to the “domain lock” option, there is an edit button.
Here is where you toggle “lock and unlock” for your domain name.
Then request an authorization code from GoDaddy
All registrar must provide you with this code within 5 days. Some will email you the authorization code, others will allow you to generate it yourself like GoDaddy.
To find this, navigate your your admin settings in GoDaddy and find the link that says “get authorization code.”
You need this code to authorize the movement of the domain from one registrar to another.
Once you click to get an authorization code you’ll be on a “domain transfer out” screen where GoDaddy will give you the code to complete the transfer.
Head over to Namecheap
You’ll need to visit Namecheap.com. I’m going to assume you have an account already setup with them, if not then go ahead and do that first.
At Namecheap, mouse over the “domains” menu item. You’ll get a drop down and one of those drop down items will say “Domain Transfer.”
Just enter the domain name you want to transfer, Namecheap will detect if it’s unlocked and ready to move (it should be if you did everything correctly).
Then simply input the authorization code you got from GoDaddy. GoDaddy will most likely send you an automated email asking to approve the transfer.
Once you confirm then transfer, you’ll have to pay Namecheap a domain transfer fee.
Done.
Now it’s time to wait.
Wait for the transfer to complete
Once your domain name has been submitted to be transferred, it will take 3 to 7 business days to complete the transfer.
Sorry it’s not automatic, you will have to wait.
Namecheap should update the DNS settings to whatever web host you’re using but always check and verify.
Namecheap
Low prices on domain names, low renewal rates, free WHOIS protection and good support.
I use Namecheap for all my domains and use them in my tutorial videos.
For a helpful video tutorial on how to do this, checkout my free video on how to transfer a domain name.
Till next time,
-David
