DNS and Domain ToolsDomain status codes explained
The status values show locks, holds and the stage of a domain's life.
The common statuses
ICANN's page on EPP status codes explains them. In short:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ok / active | The domain is registered and in normal use |
| client transfer prohibited | The registrar has locked the domain against transfer to another registrar |
| client delete prohibited | The registrar has locked it against deletion |
| client update prohibited | The registrar has locked it against changes |
| server transfer / delete / update prohibited | The same locks, set by the registry |
| client hold / server hold | The domain is not activated in the DNS, so it does not resolve |
| inactive | No name servers are set, so the domain does not resolve |
| redemption period | The domain was deleted or expired and can still be restored by its owner, usually for a fee |
| pending delete | The domain is going to be deleted |
ICANN says that the three client locks (transfer, delete, update) can help to prevent unauthorized transfers, deletions or updates, so seeing them on your domain is normal and good.
What to do
- Locks on an active domain: nothing. Ask the registrar to remove the transfer lock only when you want to move.
- Hold: contact the registrar. ICANN describes client hold as uncommon and usually linked to legal disputes, non-payment or deletion.
- Redemption or pending delete: act at once if the domain is yours: contact the registrar to restore it. Fees often apply.
- Inactive: set the name servers at your registrar.
Check
Use the domain lookup page: it lists the statuses of a domain with this kind of explanation. The wording of statuses in RDAP uses spaces ("client transfer prohibited") where EPP uses camel case ("clientTransferProhibited").
Why can I not transfer my domain?
A transfer lock is probably on. Unlock it at your registrar and get the authorization code.
Does expired mean gone?
Not at once. There are grace and redemption periods, but their length varies and the fees are higher.
Sources
- ICANN: EPP status codes, what do they mean, and why should I know? (icann.org/resources/pages/epp-status-codes-2014-06-16-en)
- RFC 7483: RDAP JSON responses
Read on 14 November 2026.
This is an independent guide. It is not connected with Cloudflare, Google, ICANN, IANA, GitHub or any registry named here. Facts were read on 14 November 2026 from the documents named on each page. Lookups are made from your browser to the services named in the result.