Domain status codes, also known as Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) status codes, indicate the current state of a domain name. Every domain has at least one EPP status, and often more than one. These codes help you determine whether:
- Your domain is at risk of deletion.
- It's locked against unauthorized changes.
- There are restrictions or pending actions.
Why These Codes Matter
Understanding your domain’s EPP status is essential. These codes explain:
- Why your domain might not be functioning.
- Whether it's protected from hijacking.
- If it’s nearing expiration or about to become publicly available.
You can view your domain's EPP status by running a Whois lookup at internic.net/whois.html or via your registrar’s website.
Two Types of EPP Status Codes
- Client Status Codes – Set by your registrar (e.g., clientHold, clientTransferProhibited).
- Server Status Codes – Set by the registry (e.g., serverHold, serverTransferProhibited). These override client codes.
Key EPP Domain Status Codes Explained
OK
What it means: Your domain has no restrictions.
Action: Consider adding protection like clientTransferProhibited to prevent unauthorized changes.
serverTransferProhibited
What it means: Prevents transfer to another registrar, usually due to legal disputes or redemption period.
Action: Contact your registrar to resolve issues or remove this status.
serverRenewProhibited
What it means: Your domain can’t be renewed by the registrar, often due to disputes or pending deletion.
Action: Contact your registrar to investigate and request removal if needed.
pendingTransfer
What it means: A transfer request is in progress.
Action: If unauthorized, contact your registrar immediately to deny it.
pendingUpdate
What it means: An update request is being processed.
Action: If you didn’t request this, contact your registrar immediately.
pendingRenew
What it means: A renewal request is being processed.
Action: Contact your registrar if you did not request a renewal.
pendingCreate
What it means: Domain creation is in progress.
Action: If unexpected, contact your registrar. If delayed, follow up.
inactive
What it means: No DNS/nameserver info. Domain won’t resolve.
Action: Add DNS info through your registrar to activate it.
serverHold
What it means: Domain won’t resolve, often due to disputes or pending deletion.
Action: Contact your registrar to resolve the issue.
serverDeleteProhibited
What it means: Prevents deletion, often for security or during disputes.
Action: Contact your registrar to remove the restriction if necessary.
serverUpdateProhibited
What it means: Prevents updates, often for security or during redemption.
Action: Contact your registrar for details or to lift the restriction.
addPeriod
What it means: Grace period (5 days) after initial registration.
Action: Informational only – no action needed.
autoRenewPeriod
What it means: Grace period after automatic renewal.
Action: Contact registrar if you didn’t request renewal.
renewPeriod
What it means: Grace period after manual renewal.
Action: Contact registrar if you want to cancel and avoid the fee.
transferPeriod
What it means: Grace period (5 days) after a registrar transfer.
Action: If unauthorized, contact your original registrar.
redemptionPeriod
What it means: Domain has expired and is in a 30-day period before deletion.
Action: You can still recover it by contacting your registrar and paying a redemption fee.
Understanding and monitoring your domain's EPP status codes can protect you from unwanted changes, data loss, or domain expiration. If anything seems off, contact your registrar promptly.
