Moving your website’s domain name to GoDaddy from another web hosting provider involves several steps. The process, known as domain transfer, requires some preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a simplified guide to help you through the transition:

  1. Prepare for Transfer
    • Unlock Your Domain: Access your current registrar’s control panel and unlock your domain. Domain locks are security measures that prevent unauthorized transfers.
    • Get Your Authorization Code: Also known as an EPP code or transfer key, this code is necessary to initiate the transfer process. You can usually find it in your current registrar’s dashboard.
    • Verify Contact Information: Ensure that your administrative contact information is up-to-date. GoDaddy will use this information to contact you about the transfer.
    • Check Transfer Eligibility: Domains must be at least 60 days old and not recently transferred between registrars within the last 60 days.
  2. Initiate Transfer on GoDaddy
    • Purchase the Transfer: Go to GoDaddy’s website, search for the domain transfer section, and enter the domain you want to transfer. You’ll be prompted to purchase the transfer service.
    • Enter the Authorization Code: After purchasing, you will be asked to enter the authorization code you obtained from your current registrar.
    • Verify Domain Contact Information: Review and confirm the contact information. It’s crucial as it will be used for the domain’s WHOIS records.
  3. Approval and Confirmation
    • Approve the Transfer: GoDaddy will email the administrative contact’s email address after initiating the transfer. You must approve the transfer by following the instructions in the email.
    • Wait for the Transfer to Complete: Domain transfers can take 5 to 7 days. You can check the status of your transfer on GoDaddy’s website.
  4. Verify the Transfer
    • Check Domain Status: Once the transfer is complete, log into your GoDaddy account and go to the ‘My Domains’ section to ensure the domain is listed there.
    • Update DNS Settings (If Necessary): If your website and email services were hosted elsewhere, you might need to update your DNS settings within your GoDaddy account to point to your existing hosting services.
  5. Cancel Services with Previous Registrar – Close Account or Remove Domain: After successfully transferring your domain, you might want to cancel any remaining services or close your account with your previous registrar to avoid unnecessary charges.

 

Additional Tips

  • Backup Your Website: Before starting the transfer process, ensure you have a complete backup of your website and email data.
  • DO NOT Cancel Your Old Hosting Prematurely: Wait until the domain transfer is complete and your website is fully operational with GoDaddy before canceling your old hosting account to avoid downtime.
  • Check for Any Transfer Lock: Some registrars might place a temporary lock on your domain after certain actions (like changing contact information). Ensure these locks are removed before initiating the transfer.

Transferring a domain can seem daunting, but by following these steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth transition to GoDaddy. Remember, if you encounter any issues during the transfer process, GoDaddy’s customer support is there to assist you.