Transfers: Start an Incoming Transfer from GoDaddy

Answer ID: 9038

How do I start an incoming transfer from GoDaddy?

Overview

This page takes you step by step through the procedure for transferring a domain away from Go Daddy and into an account with us.

The transfer process involves the tasks that are described below. Following the transfer tasks, we provide information about tracking the progress of the transfer, and ICANN rules regarding rejections.

Transfer Task 1: Verify that the domain name is eligible for transfer

To make sure your domain name can be transferred, check the following:

• The domain name has been registered for at least 60 days, and has been at Go Daddy for at least 60 days.
• The Registrant contact information has not changed for at least 60 days.
• The domain name is not in "client update prohibited" status.

Transfer Task 2: Update Administrative contact information

Before you can transfer a domain, the Administrative contact information (especially the email address) must be up-to-date at Go Daddy, because the Administrative contact receives the transfer request and okays the transfer.

Note: Go Daddy regards any changes to the Registrant contact information to be an "internal transfer" and will reject any transfer requests for 60 days after changes to the Registrant contact information. We recommend that you leave Registrant contact information as-is at Go Daddy. As long as either the Registrant or Admin email address is correct and you're using the Auto Verification method, you can make any needed changes once the domain name has successfully transferred to us.

To update the Administrative contact at Go Daddy:

1. Log on to your account at GoDaddy.com.
2. On the "Domains" menu, click "My domain names".
3. Click the domain name you want to transfer.
4. If the Administrative contact information is incorrect, click the "edit" link next to the Administrative contact at the bottom of the page.
5. Update the Administrative contact information and click "OK".

Transfer Task 3: Obtain the authorization code or retag the domain name

Some TLDs require that you provide an authorization code for your domain name, to provide an extra level of assurance that the transfer request comes from an authorized source.

To transfer a .com, .net, .org, .info, or .biz domain name, obtain the authorization code from Go Daddy:

1. On the "My domain names" page, click the domain you want to transfer.
2. In the "Domain Information" section, find the "Authorization Code" row and click "Send by email".
3. Click "OK".

To retag a .uk domain name:

• Contact Go Daddy and ask them to retag the domain name to IPS tag ENOM (our domain partner).
• Alternatively, you can retag/detag directly through Nominet, for a fee.
• When you transfer a .uk domain name, use the Auto verification transfer method.
• You can submit the transfer requests to eNom and Go Daddy in any order.
• If you submit the transfer request to eNom first, you must submit the request to Go Daddy within a week.
• If you submit the transfer request to Go Daddy first, you must submit the request to eNom by the next 8th day of the calendar month.

Transfers of TLDs other than those named above do not require any codes or tags.

Transfer Task 4: Unlock the domain name

Before you can transfer a domain name away from Go Daddy, it must be unlocked. Locking is a feature most registrars offer to prevent unauthorized transfers (hijacking) of domain names.

To unlock:

1. On the "My domain names" page, click the domain name you want to transfer.
2. In the "Domain Information" section, find the "Locked" row and click "Manage".
3. Select the "Unlock domains" check box and click "OK".

Transfer Task 5: Transfer the domain name to us (on our site)

Once you have prepared the domain name at Go Daddy, you're ready to transfer the domain.

To transfer your domain name:

• Log into your account with us.
• Select the menu option "Domain > Transfer a Domain"
• Enter the domain name(s) and the associated EPP key. (domain name and its EPP key separated by a comma, and each domain on a new line)
• Set the desired settings:
  • Registrar-Lock: If enabled, this prevents the domain from being transferred away once it's in your account.
  • Auto-Renew: If enabled, our system will automatically attempt to renew the domain 30 days prior to expiration.
  • Apply WhoIs Info: If enabled, the whois information at the time of transfer will be applied to the domain. If disabled, the system will apply the contact information that you provided when the order was created.

  • In most cases, you'll want to choose the Auto-Verification (email) method.

  • Domain Password: Setting this password will allow you to log into the domain control at http://access.enom.com. This is an optional control panel.
• Follow any additional prompts that are displayed.
• Click Submit Order.

No further action is required by you to transfer the domain away.  We will submit the transfer request to the registry. There is a five day waiting period that begins once the Registrar of Record has been notified of the transfer request by the registry.  This typically occurs within 12-24 hours after the transfer has been submitted.

Note: With the new GDPR policy (See article: "New GDPR Privacy Policy (May 25th, 2018)"), public WHOIS domain contact information will not be available anymore. Therefore, a transfer verification email (form of authorization, or FOA) email is not required during the transfer process anymore. We will now submit the transfer request immediately after receiving the EPP key. More information on the transfer policy change with the GDPR can be found here: https://www.enom.com/blog/changes-to-the-domain-transfer-process/

Tracking: Interpreting status messages

After you submit a transfer request, status messages help you track progress and correct any problems that arise.

If Your Transfer Is Rejected: ICANN rules regarding transfer rejections

If your transfer is rejected, reviewing ICANN transfer rules may help you correct the reasons for rejection.

Note: A few links in this article go to enom.com. Enom is our domain affiliate