Introduction: Why Domain Status Codes Matter

For domain owners, these codes determine:

• Whether your domain resolves

• Whether you can update or transfer it

• Whether it can be renewed or restored

• Whether the registry or registrar has placed restrictions

• Whether the domain is in an abuse, legal, or lifecycle process

Most users see codes such as:

…but do not understand what they mean.

As an ICANN accredited registrar, Nicenic provides this complete guide to help you interpret every domain status code clearly.

Section One: Basic "Normal" Status Codes

1. ok / active

Impact: Domain resolves normally

            Can be updated, transferred, or renewed

Common scenarios:     

  Domain just registered

  Domain transferred without setting DNS

  All nameservers removed

Impact:  Domain will not resolve

             Website and email will not work

Section Two: Registrar Controlled Status Codes (“client” status)

1. clientHold — Domain does not resolve

Reasons:

• Payment issue

• Mild abuse or policy violation

• Manual suspension requested by user

Impact:

• Domain will not resolve

• Website and email will be offline

2. clientTransferProhibited — Transfer is locked

Reasons:

• Transfer lock enabled for security

• WHOIS verification pending

• User-enabled domain protection

Impact:

• Registrar transfer is blocked

Reasons:

• Security protection

• Ongoing verification

• Temporary lock requested by user

Impact:

• Cannot modify contact info or DNS records

4. clientDeleteProhibited — Deletion is blocked

Reasons:

• High-value domains

• Active disputes

• Customer protection

5. clientRenewProhibited

Rare status.

Section Three: Registry Controlled Status Codes (“server” status)

1. serverHold — Domain does not resolve (Registry level)

Reasons:

• Malware or phishing

• Law enforcement request

• Court order

• Policy violation

• Inaccurate registrant data

Impact:

• Domain is fully offline

• Registrar cannot remove this status

Reasons:

• UDRP or legal dispute

• Pending investigation

• Registry policy enforcement

Impact:

• Transfer cannot be performed under any registrar

3. serverUpdateProhibited

4. serverDeleteProhibited

5. serverRenewProhibited

Often appears when the registry has decided to delete or withdraw a domain.

Section Four: Domain Lifecycle Status Codes

These codes describe the life cycle of a domain. Understanding them helps domain owners avoid losing important domains.

1. addPeriod — Add Grace Period

Domain has just been registered and may be deleted with partial refund.

2. autoRenewPeriod — Automatic Renewal Window

Registrar has renewed the domain automatically for one year. User may still cancel during this period.

Domain is in a post-renewal transition.

4. transferPeriod

Domain just completed a transfer and received an additional year (for most TLDs).

5. redemptionPeriod — High-cost restore window

Length: ~30 days.

Impact:

• Domain does not resolve

• Restore costs are high, controlled entirely by the registry

Impact:

• Cannot be renewed

• Cannot be restored

• Must wait for deletion to re-register

7. pendingTransfer

Transfer is in progress.

8. pendingCreate

Registry is processing creation.

9. pendingRenew / pendingRestore

Domain renewal or restore request is pending registry confirmation.

Section Five: How to Instantly Understand Any Domain Status

Here is the simple rule Nicenic uses internally:

✔ If the code starts with client

✔ If the code starts with server

✔ If the code contains period

It refers to a lifecycle stage such as redemptionPeriod or pendingDelete.

Conclusion

• Security

• Abuse handling

• Lifecycle stage

• Legal or policy restrictions

• Registry versus registrar authority

With this guide, Nicenic customers and partners can now interpret any Whois or RDAP status immediately and know what action to take next. Understanding domain status is essential for protecting your online identity, preventing domain loss, and ensuring stable operation.

Nicenic will continue providing transparent, expert level domain guidance to every user.