You can move it. Unlock the domain, get a transfer code, then start the transfer at the new registrar and paste the code in. Most transfers finish within a week. The two things that trip people up are timing and email.
Before you start: what could break?
- Your email. If your email runs on the domain (you@yourbusiness.com), it depends on records called MX records. Screenshot every DNS record on the domain before you touch anything. Email is the thing that breaks quietly.
- The 60-day rule. A domain can't move to a new registrar within 60 days of being bought or last transferred. That's an industry rule, not your provider being difficult.
- The registrant email. The transfer code goes to the email address listed as the domain's owner. Make sure you can get mail there before you start.
- Your site stays put. Moving the domain doesn't move the website. Keep your current plan running until the new site is live.
How do I move a domain out of Wix?
- Go to the Domains page in your Wix account.
- Next to the domain, open the More Actions menu and choose Transfer away from Wix.
- Click Transfer Domain, then I Still Want to Transfer.
- Wix emails the transfer code (also called an EPP code) to the domain's registrant address.
- At your new registrar, start a transfer in and paste the code.
How do I move a domain out of Squarespace?
- In Squarespace, open Settings, then Domains.
- Next to the domain, open the menu and choose the option to transfer it away. This unlocks the domain.
- Request the transfer code. Squarespace emails it to the domain's contact address.
- At your new registrar, start a transfer in and paste the code.
Squarespace won't release a domain registered or transferred in within the last 60 days.
How do I move a domain out of GoDaddy?
First, check whether you need to. If the domain is already in your name at GoDaddy and you can sign in, you can usually keep it there and point it at the new site. Moving makes sense when someone else holds the account or you want everything in one place.
If you do want to move it:
- Sign in and open your Domain Portfolio.
- Select the domain.
- Under Transfer, choose Transfer to Another Registrar. If the domain isn't eligible yet, GoDaddy tells you why.
- Review the checklist and choose Continue with transfer. This turns off Domain Privacy so your contact details carry over to the new registrar.
- If the domain has Domain Protection, confirm it's you with a code by text, app or email.
- Choose Click here to see Authorization Code and copy it. GoDaddy also emails it to the domain's registrant address.
- At your new registrar, start a transfer in and paste the code.
GoDaddy says transfers usually take 5 to 7 days. You can speed it up by approving the transfer in your GoDaddy account when the email arrives. If your email also comes from GoDaddy, ask them how it works after the move before you start.
Where should the domain go?
Any well-known registrar in your own name, with an account you control. Use a login only you and your manager hold, turn on two-factor sign-in and set the domain to auto-renew. Transferring usually costs about one year of renewal, and that year gets added to the registration.
Do I need help with this?
It's an afternoon of clicking and a week of waiting. If you'd rather not, moving the domain into your name is part of every site I build, and you approve each step. See how it works.