Domain Name Authorization Codes

Domain name authorization codes provide an additional level of security when domain names are registered. When a new domain name is registered, a domain name authorization code is generated and stored with the domain name. Only the registrar at which a domain name was registered has access to the domain name authorization code.

Registries that assign domain name authorization codes include:

Verisign (the .com and .net registry)
Public Interest Registry (the .org registry)
Afilias (the .info registry)
NeuLevel (the .biz registry)
NeuStar (the .us registry)

If you want to transfer a domain name, access to the domain name authorization code is required. The domain name authorization code is sent to the administrative email address on record for the domain name at the time when a domain name transfer is requested. Requests for the domain name authorization code is normally submitted through the backend domain name manager used to manage your domain name.

Not every registrar provides a free account for managing a domain name, so it's important to make sure such a tool is available when you decide to purchase domain names. If you do not have access to a domain name manager application, an email request sent to the registrar from the email address address authorized to manage the domain name should suffice, but check with your current registrar for special forms to submit.

Godaddy is a good place to register and manage your domain names using their domain manager, which is made available to you when a domain name is purchased. You simply sign up for a FREE account from the home page.

The following outlines the use of a domain name authorization code when you transfer a domain name to Godaddy. Signup with Godaddy for a FREE account. Accounts do not cost you anything to maintain and they give you the ability to more easily manage domain names such as purchasing, auctioning, setting up private registration, auto renewal options, and more.

Verify the Administrative Email Address

It is very important that the administrative email address is up to date before a domain name transfer is initiated. A domain name transfer authorization code and security code is sent to this email address and is the first step to transferring a domain name. If you no longer have access to the email address used when the domain name was purchased, be sure to get the email address updated either through logging into the domain name manager at your current registrar or sending a request to the current registrar to update the email address for you.

Unlock the Domain Name

Domain names cannot be transferred if they are locked. Locking domain names prevents unauthorized transfers. Log into your domain manager at the current registrar (if available) and initiate an unlock request on the domain name. If you do not currently have a domain name manager application with your current registrar, contact them to see what steps are necessary to unlock the domain name, and, while you're at it, ask them how to obtain the domain name authorization code.

Request a Domain Name Transfer

Go the Godaddy home page and click the Transfer a Domain Name to Godaddy link.

click the Transfer Domain Names to Godaddy option

In the domain name transfer form, enter the domain name to be transferred and click enter. This will check that the domain name can be transferred and the domain name is unlocked. On the verification screen add additional domain names to transfer or click the Checkout button and pay the domain name registration fee for the selected period(s). This will generate a Request for Approval email that will be sent to the administrative contact email address. This email will contain an authorization code and the security code (both of which should not be confused with the domain name authorization code), as well as contains a link to the faqs on how to proceed.

Pay the Domain Name Registration Fee

You must pay a domain registration fee for the selected renewal length whenever domain names are transferred. Renewal lengths are normally from 1 to 10 years but some registrars do allow registration for a domain name up to 20 years. Godaddy allows registration renewal lengths of up to 10 years only. All additional time remaining on the domain name before transfer will be added to your registration renewal length after transfer.

Generate the Domain Name Authorization Code

Obtain the domain name authorization code from your current registrar. If your current registrar provides a domain name manager, generating the domain name authorization code will be an option available to you from within your domain manager. The authorization code will be sent to the administrative email address on record for the domain name.

Authorize the Transfer to the New Registrar

An email will be generated from the new registrar with a transaction code and a security code and will be sent to the administrative email address on record at the Whois database for the domain name. The purpose of this email is to authorize the transfer. Therefore, before a domain name transfer is initiated, it is essential that the administrative email address associated with the domain name is up to date or you will not receive the authorization email. If for some reason the email is not received, the entire transfer process will have to be re-initiated.

Initiate the Transfer at the New Registrar

Log into your Godaddy domain name manager and go to the My Products section and click the Domain Manager link. From the domains menu click the "Pending Transfers" link where your domain name will be listed. Click the checkbox beside the domain name and then click the "Authorization" menu button and then the "Begin Transfer Authorization" link. Enter the Transaction ID and the Security Code received .You will then be prompted for the domain name authorization code that was sent to you from your current registrar.

Authorize the Transfer from the Current Registrar

You will receive a notice from your current registrar that the domain name is being transferred away. If you do nothing, the transfer will be completed in about 5 days. If your current registrar provides an account manager, you should also be able to login to your account and immediately transfer the domain name instead of waiting the 5 days.

Orangetree Internet Service LLC, located in Santa Cruz, CA., provides technical assistance to small and medium sized businesses with Domain Registration Services, including domain portfolio management. Contact us at 830-212-1884 for more information.