Guide 02 · Registry signals
Domain and EPP status codes, explained
EPP domain status codes describe locks, pending operations and lifecycle states in WHOIS and RDAP records. Here is what each common code means and when you should act.
Last reviewed 1 August 2026
Client and server statuses
A client status is normally set by the registrar. A server status is set by the registry. Similar-looking statuses can therefore require different organisations to remove them.
Registrar-set statuses begin with client; registry-set statuses begin with server. Codes beginning withpending show that an operation is in progress. Several codes can appear at once, so interpret the combination rather than a single label in isolation.
All common domain status codes
- addPeriod
- A short period after initial registration when the registrar may be able to delete the domain and receive a registry credit. It is not an expiry warning.
- autoRenewPeriod
- The registry has automatically renewed the domain after its registration term ended. The registrar may still cancel that renewal during a limited window.
- inactive
- The domain has no associated nameservers in the registry and is not active in DNS. Contact the registrar if the domain should be working.
- ok
- No pending operation or prohibition is currently reported. It does not certify that the website, email or registrant is trustworthy.
- pendingCreate
- A request to create the domain has been received and is being processed by the registry.
- pendingDelete
- Deletion is being processed. If this follows redemptionPeriod, normal restoration is generally no longer available.
- pendingRenew
- A renewal request has been received and is waiting for the registry to complete it.
- pendingRestore
- A request to restore a domain from redemption has been received and is awaiting completion.
- pendingTransfer
- A transfer between registrars has been requested and is waiting to complete or be rejected.
- pendingUpdate
- A change to the domain record has been requested and is being processed.
- redemptionPeriod
- The domain was deleted and is in a limited recovery period. Restoration normally goes through the previous registrar and may cost more than renewal.
- renewPeriod
- The domain was explicitly renewed and the registry provides a short period in which the registrar may reverse the transaction.
- transferPeriod
- The domain recently transferred between registrars and the registry provides a limited period for reversing the transaction.
- clientDeleteProhibited
- The registrar has blocked deletion. This can be a useful security control; ask the registrar to remove it only when deletion is intended.
- clientHold
- The registrar has asked the registry not to publish the domain in DNS. Websites and email may stop resolving.
- clientRenewProhibited
- The registrar has blocked renewal. Contact it promptly, especially if the expiry date is close.
- clientTransferProhibited
- The registrar has locked transfers. This is a common protection against unauthorised movement to another registrar.
- clientUpdateProhibited
- The registrar has blocked changes to the domain record until the lock is removed.
- serverDeleteProhibited
- The registry has blocked deletion. The registrar will usually need to investigate the reason with the registry.
- serverHold
- The registry is not publishing the domain in DNS. Websites and email may stop resolving.
- serverRenewProhibited
- The registry has blocked renewal. This needs prompt investigation through the sponsoring registrar.
- serverTransferProhibited
- The registry, rather than the registrar, has blocked a transfer. The registrar may need to resolve a dispute, policy or registry restriction.
- serverUpdateProhibited
- The registry has blocked changes to the domain record. Ask the registrar for the reason before attempting another update.
Is clientTransferProhibited a problem?
Usually not. clientTransferProhibited is commonly called a registrar lock. It helps prevent an unauthorised transfer. If you plan to move the domain, sign in to the current registrar, confirm account security, unlock the domain and request the transfer code. Relock it if the transfer is cancelled.
When should you investigate?
Transfer and update locks are often healthy security controls. Holds, redemption and pending deletion deserve attention because they can affect service or indicate that renewal action is needed. Always confirm unexpected statuses with the sponsoring registrar.
- Act quickly: clientHold, serverHold, clientRenewProhibited, serverRenewProhibited, redemptionPeriod and pendingDelete can affect service or recovery.
- Verify an expected action: pendingTransfer, pendingRenew, pendingRestore and pendingUpdate should match a recent request you recognise.
- Usually protective: transfer, update and delete prohibitions are often deliberate locks when no change is planned.
How to check a domain's current status
Run the free domain lookup, then read the “Domain status” section. Domain Readout preserves the registry's code while adding a plain-English severity and explanation. If a code is unexpected, use the displayed registrar and authoritative source link before changing anything.