If you have more than a few domains with GoDaddy then preparing them for transferring away can be a time-consuming process. To help, we’ve put together this guide.
Prerequirements
Before transferring all domains that will be transferred need to fit the following requirements:
- 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.
- The domain does not have privacy protection enabled.
Step-by-Step
Once these requirements are met follow these steps:
1.) Go to https://godaddy.com/ and log in.
2.) Under My Products click on Domain Manager
3.) Check the box next to each domains, press the Locking icon, uncheck the Lock check box and press OK.
4.) Go to Tools > Exportable Lists
5.) Click “Add New Export”
6.) In step 1 select “All My Domains” and press “Next”
7.) In step 2 check “Authorization Codes” and press “Next”. You may also check other boxes if you want to have that information handy while doing transfers.
8.) Select “CSV” for the “File Type” and “GZ” for the “Compression” and enter a name such as godaddy-domains and press “Finish”. If you are worried about being able to open a GZ compressed file then you may always change “Select compression:” to none.
9.) Once the list is generated by GoDaddy you will receive an email from them with a link to get to the page where the list may be downloaded.
10.) To download the list click on the “Download Now” link for the list.
Now you should have a file that you can open with Excel or Numbers or even a text editor and you can copy each of the authorization codes from the file as you add the domains into your account.
Update: Recently a DNSimple customer pointed out this help article on GoDaddy’s site about how to speed up transfers out by explicitly approving them: http://help.godaddy.com/article/6040?locale=en - this is good to know since without it you may have to wait 5 days for the transfer to complete.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at support@dnsimple.com – we’re always happy to help.
My business partner registered a domain 6 years ago in her name. Domain is coming up for renewal, but she can’t determine the email account/user/password to get in to renew (I am urging her to transfer but she can’t get in to initiate that, either). She submitted a scan of her license to prove she was who she said she was, and GoDaddy then told her that they required a business license for this domain reg – which she doesn’t have (it’s a dba situation) and which she never had and certainly didn’t indicate when she registered the domain. No one is helping sort this out for her, they just keep asking for different (and irrelevant) information. If there is any other route (I’ve already suggested emailing Mr. Big Game), would be grateful for suggestions. Myself, I am currently removing all domains from GD – and sites on DreamHost, but that’s another story…