ChangeChecklist

Every step below is from an official source

Switch from Squarespace Domains to GoDaddy

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

  1. Record your DNS settings before transferringBefore

    Squarespace says most domain hosts cannot keep your settings in place during a transfer. Record your current DNS settings, for example with a screenshot, before you start.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

  2. Turn off Domain Lock and get the emailed codeBefore

    Switch the Domain Lock toggle off, then request the code. Squarespace emails it to the domain's contact email, which may differ from your Squarespace login, and you do not need to turn off Whois privacy.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

  3. Allow up to 15 days for the transferDuring

    Squarespace says the transfer process can take up to 15 days.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

  4. Update MX records at your new providerAfter

    If Google Workspace is attached to the domain, update your MX records with the new provider after the transfer so email keeps working. You keep managing the Google Workspace subscription through Squarespace unless you cancel it.

    Transferring a domain away from SquarespaceSquarespace. Reviewed

At GoDaddy, when you join

  1. Start from the GoDaddy transfers pageBefore

    Go to the GoDaddy transfers page and search for your domain to begin.

    Transfer my domain to GoDaddyGoDaddy. Reviewed

  2. Unlock the domain and get its authorization codeBefore

    Before you transfer, make sure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar and get its authorization code.

    Transfer my domain to GoDaddyGoDaddy. Reviewed

  3. Allow 5 to 7 days for the transferDuring

    GoDaddy says most domain transfers take 5 to 7 days to complete.

    Transfer my domain to GoDaddyGoDaddy. Reviewed

Then: everything else the switch affects

The steps above are what Squarespace Domains and GoDaddy 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.