How to Transfer Your Domain from GoDaddy to Porkbun

Published October 19, 2026

GoDaddy rewrote its terms in February 2026, reclassifying every customer as a business customer — stripping EU consumer protections in the process. If that’s the last straw, here’s how to leave.

Before you start

• Your domain must be older than 60 days and not transferred in the last 60 days (ICANN rules).
• Cancel any GoDaddy “domain protection” add-ons — they can block transfers.
• Make sure your admin email is current — approval emails go there.

Step 1: Unlock your domain at GoDaddy

1. Go to your GoDaddy Domain Portfolio → select the domain.
2. Under Settings, find Domain lock and turn it Off.
3. If you have “Full Domain Privacy,” consider downgrading to standard privacy during the transfer.

Step 2: Get your authorization code

1. In the domain settings, look for Transfer → Get authorization code.
2. GoDaddy emails the code to the admin contact. Copy it.

Step 3: Start the transfer at Porkbun

1. Go to Porkbun’s transfer page.
2. Enter your domain and the auth code.
3. Pay the transfer fee — one year of registration is included, so you’re extending, not paying a penalty.

Step 4: Approve at GoDaddy

1. GoDaddy emails you to confirm. Approve it to skip most of the 5-day ICANN wait.
2. Alternatively, in your GoDaddy panel: Domain settings → Transfer → Approve transfer out.

Step 5: Verify at Porkbun

1. Your domain appears in Porkbun’s panel within 5 days (usually faster with approval).
2. Turn on free WHOIS privacy.
3. Check DNS — GoDaddy sometimes parks your DNS on their servers; point it where you want it.

What you’ll save

GoDaddy’s .com renewals run ~$20+/year with privacy as a paid extra. Porkbun: ~$11/year, privacy free. On a portfolio of 10 domains, that’s $100+/year back in your pocket — every year.