ChangeChecklist

Every step below is from an official source

Switch from GoDaddy to Squarespace Domains

What to do at GoDaddy before you leave, what Squarespace Domains 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

Read the domain registrar guide

The rules that apply: ICANN

These apply whichever domain registrar you're moving between.

  1. 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. Reviewed

  2. Check 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. Reviewed

  3. Ask 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. Reviewed

  4. Expect 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. Reviewed

  5. Note 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. Reviewed

  6. Expect 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.

    ICANN Board Briefing Materials, 7 June 2026: Transfer Policy RecommendationsICANN. Reviewed

At GoDaddy, before you leave

  1. 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. Reviewed

  2. Expect 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. Reviewed

  3. Allow 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 Squarespace Domains, when you join

  1. Start the transfer in your Domains panelBefore

    Start the transfer from the Domains panel of your Squarespace site.

    Transfer a domain to a Squarespace siteSquarespace. Reviewed

  2. Unlock the domain and get an authorization codeBefore

    The domain cannot transfer while locked, so unlock it and get an authorization code from your current provider. The domain must have been with that provider for at least 60 days.

    Transfer a domain to a Squarespace siteSquarespace. Reviewed

  3. Leave MX records in place during the transferDuring

    During the transfer, the DNS Settings panel only shows MX, TXT, A, CNAME, and SRV records. Leave the MX records for a custom email address in place, and add any missing records after the transfer finishes.

    Transfer a domain to a Squarespace siteSquarespace. Reviewed

  4. Contact your provider if pending after 15 daysDuring

    If the transfer is still pending after 15 days and you followed all the steps, contact your current provider. The transfer adds one year to your registration.

    Transfer a domain to a Squarespace siteSquarespace. Reviewed

Then: everything else the switch affects

The steps above are what GoDaddy and Squarespace Domains 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.