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GoDaddy logo→Namecheap logo

How to Transfer a Domain From GoDaddy to Namecheap

The exact, ICANN-compliant steps — unlock at GoDaddy, grab the authorization code, and bring the domain into Namecheap. Mechanics grounded in each registrar's own documentation.

Last updated 2026-06-21Prices checked monthlyHands-on testedScored, not surveyedTransparent methodology
Short answer

To move a domain from GoDaddy to Namecheap: unlock it at GoDaddy, request the authorization (auth/EPP) code, then start the transfer at Namecheap and pay — for most gTLDs the fee adds a year to your registration. The domain must be at least 60 days old (ICANN rule), and the move typically takes 5–7 days. On our scoring, Namecheap rates higher for clearer pricing and cheaper renewals.

Step 1 — At GoDaddy: unlock and get the auth code

First, clear the prerequisites: unlock the domain, turn off domain privacy, fully downgrade domain protection to none.

  1. Open your GoDaddy Domain Portfolio and select the domain
  2. Under the Transfer section, choose "Transfer to Another Registrar"
  3. Review the transfer checklist, then select "Continue with transfer" (verify your identity if Domain Protection is on)
  4. Select "Click here to see Authorization Code", then "Copy to Clipboard" — GoDaddy also emails the code to the registrant address

Source: GoDaddy transfer documentation.

Step 2 — At Namecheap: start the transfer

What it costs

A transfer renews the domain for one year at Namecheap's price (Namecheap pricing is sample/preview on this site pending verification — check Namecheap for the current figure).

The transfer adds one year to your registration (standard for most gTLDs), so you don't lose remaining time.

Source: Namecheap transfer documentation.

The full transfer process, step by step

These steps apply to every gTLD transfer between ICANN-accredited registrars, including GoDaddy → Namecheap.

  1. 1. Confirm the domain is eligible

    Under ICANN's Transfer Policy a domain can only move once it has been registered for at least 60 days and has not been transferred in the previous 60 days. A change of registrant can also start a fresh 60-day lock. A domain that recently expired and was renewed may need to wait ~45 days.

  2. 2. Unlock the domain

    Remove the registrar/transfer lock in your current registrar's dashboard. While locked, the gaining registrar cannot pull the domain.

  3. 3. Disable WHOIS privacy if needed

    Some registrars route the auth code or the transfer-approval email to the registrant address. If privacy masks that address, turn it off until the transfer completes.

  4. 4. Get the authorization code

    Request the authorization code (also called the auth code, EPP code, authInfo code, or transfer code) from your current registrar. These codes are time-limited, so use one promptly.

  5. 5. Start the transfer at the new registrar and pay

    Begin the transfer at the gaining registrar and enter the code. For most gTLDs the transfer includes a one-year renewal, so the fee is essentially one year at the new registrar's price.

  6. 6. Approve and wait

    Approve the transfer from the confirmation email (or in-dashboard) to speed it up; otherwise it auto-completes. Transfers typically take about 5–7 days.

What you gain by moving to Namecheap

CategoryGoDaddyNamecheap
Overall7.18.6
renewals6.07.5
DNS7.58.0
pricing5.09.0
WHOIS privacy8.09.5
developer/API tooling7.58.0
support9.09.0

Moving to Namecheap mainly buys you clearer pricing, cheaper renewals, stronger WHOIS privacy, better DNS, better developer/API tooling. Scores use the same methodology applied site-wide.

Read the full Namecheap review →GoDaddy review →

FAQ

How long does transferring from GoDaddy to Namecheap take?+
Most gTLD transfers complete in about 5–7 days. You can speed it up by approving the transfer from the confirmation email instead of waiting for it to auto-complete.
Will I lose the time left on my registration?+
No. For most gTLDs the transfer includes a one-year renewal that is added on top of your remaining time, so you don't lose the period you already paid for.
Can I transfer a domain I just registered at GoDaddy?+
Not immediately. ICANN's Transfer Policy requires a domain to be at least 60 days old and not transferred in the previous 60 days before it can move registrars.
Is WHOIS privacy included after I move to Namecheap?+
Free WHOIS privacy, included with all eligible domains.

Sources

See other moves on the switch-registrar hub.