Domain Name Status Codes Explained

When you look up a domain name’s WHOIS record, you’ll often see one or more domain status codes. These codes are defined by ICANN and the registry, and they indicate what actions can be taken with the domain. Some are set by the registrar (the company you register the domain with), while others are set by the registry (the operator managing the domain extension, like Verisign for .com).

Here’s a breakdown of the most common statuses:

1. Active / OK

Set by: Registry

Meaning: The domain is active, properly registered, and has no restrictions. It can be renewed, updated, transferred, or deleted.

2. ClientHold

Set by: Registrar

Meaning: The registrar has put the domain on hold. This often happens if payment hasn’t been received, or if there’s a legal or policy issue. When a domain is on ClientHold, it will not resolve on the internet.

3. ServerHold

Set by: Registry

Meaning: The registry has suspended the domain, usually because of serious issues like abuse, fraud, or ICANN compliance violations. Like ClientHold, the domain will not resolve.

4. ClientTransferProhibited

Set by: Registrar

Meaning: The domain cannot be transferred to another registrar. This is often enabled by default to protect against unauthorized transfers. The owner can request the registrar to remove it if they want to transfer.

5. ServerTransferProhibited

Set by: Registry

Meaning: Similar to ClientTransferProhibited, but enforced at the registry level. Even if the registrar removes restrictions, the registry prevents transfers.

6. ClientUpdateProhibited

Set by: Registrar

Meaning: The domain cannot be updated (e.g., WHOIS info, name servers). It’s typically used during disputes or security locks.

7. ServerUpdateProhibited

Set by: Registry

Meaning: The registry blocks all updates to the domain. This usually happens if the domain is under investigation.

8. ClientDeleteProhibited

Set by: Registrar

Meaning: The domain cannot be deleted by the registrant. This prevents accidental or malicious deletion.

9. ServerDeleteProhibited

Set by: Registry

Meaning: The registry prevents the domain from being deleted, often for legal, dispute, or policy reasons.

10. RedemptionPeriod

Set by: Registry

Meaning: The domain has expired but can still be restored (usually within 30 days) for an additional fee.

11. PendingDelete

Set by: Registry

Meaning: The domain is scheduled for deletion and cannot be restored. After this period, the domain becomes available for new registration.

12. PendingTransfer

Set by: Registry

Meaning: A transfer request has been submitted, and the domain is in the process of moving to another registrar.

✅ In summary:

Registrar-set codes (Client*) are mainly for account-level protections or restrictions.

Registry-set codes (Server*) are stricter and often involve compliance, disputes, or abuse cases.

Expiration-related codes (RedemptionPeriod, PendingDelete) show where a domain is in its life cycle.