Every step below is from an official source
Switch from GoDaddy to Namecheap
What to do at GoDaddy before you leave, what Namecheap needs when you join, and everything else the switch touches. Your full plan is built in your browser and stays there.
Official sources reviewed . How we review sources
The rules that apply: ICANN
These apply whichever domain registrar you're moving between.
Get the authorization (AuthInfo) code from your registrarBefore
You need an Auth-Code, also called an AuthInfo or transfer code, to move a domain to another registrar. Your registrar must give it to you within five calendar days of your request, or may let you generate it yourself online.
FAQs for registrants: transferring your domain nameICANN. ReviewedCheck the 60-day limits before you request a transferBefore
Under the current Transfer Policy, your registrar may deny a transfer within 60 days of the domain's creation or within 60 days after a previous transfer. After a change of registrant it must apply a 60-day transfer lock, but it may let you opt out beforehand.
Transfer PolicyICANN. ReviewedAsk your current registrar to remove the transfer lockBefore
When you ask, your current registrar must remove the lock, or give you a reasonable way to remove it yourself, within five calendar days. It may deny a transfer only in specific cases listed in the policy, such as evidence of fraud.
Transfer PolicyICANN. ReviewedExpect one year added to your registrationAfter
A completed transfer adds one year to the existing registration. The total unexpired term can never be more than ten years.
Transfer PolicyICANN. ReviewedNote ICANN has adopted new transfer rulesBefore
On 7 June 2026 the ICANN Board adopted the Transfer Policy Review recommendations and directed ICANN to implement them, subject to prioritization. The resolution does not give an effective date.
Approved ResolutionsICANN. ReviewedExpect the post-registration and post-transfer lock to become 30 daysBefore
The new recommendations require registrars to block transfers to a new registrar for 720 hours (30 days) after initial registration and after a completed transfer. They also remove the 60-day lock after a change of registrant.
At GoDaddy, before you leave
Unlock the domain and get the auth codeBefore
GoDaddy lists unlocking your domain as a step to prepare for a transfer away. You can copy the authorization code in your account, and GoDaddy also emails it to the domain's registrant email address.
Transfer my domain away from GoDaddyGoDaddy. ReviewedExpect Domain Privacy to be turned offDuring
GoDaddy turns off Domain Privacy when you continue the transfer. This is so your contact info transfers to the new registrar.
Transfer my domain away from GoDaddyGoDaddy. ReviewedAllow 5 to 7 days and approve the transferDuring
GoDaddy says transfers typically take 5 to 7 days. Approving the transfer can help it go faster.
Transfer my domain away from GoDaddyGoDaddy. Reviewed
At Namecheap, when you join
Log in and start the transfer with your EPP codeBefore
Log in to your Namecheap account and start from the transfer page, which is also under the Domains menu. You will be asked to provide the Auth/EPP code.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. ReviewedUnlock the domain and check the 60-day ruleBefore
The domain must be unlocked at the current registrar, with a Whois status of OK or Active. It must have been registered or transferred at least 60 days ago.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. ReviewedSet up DNS first, nameservers stay the sameBefore
Your nameservers stay the same after the transfer and are not switched to Namecheap DNS. If you use your old registrar's default DNS, it will delete your DNS zone soon after the transfer, which can take down your website or email, and you cannot change nameservers once the transfer starts.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. ReviewedAllow up to 8 days for the transferDuring
Namecheap says transfers can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 days.
How do I transfer my existing domain to Namecheap?Namecheap. Reviewed
Then: everything else the switch affects
The steps above are what GoDaddy and Namecheap say. Your full checklist adds the accounts, codes, payments and devices that depend on your domain registrar, in a safe order. It's built from your answers, in your browser.