Domain Status Code Checker
Check and decode the EPP status codes for any domain name. FetchWhois reads the live RDAP record and explains what each status code means — whether your domain is locked, pending transfer, in redemption, or in any other state.
How to check domain status codes
Live EPP status codes from the authoritative RDAP record.
Enter the domain name
Type the domain name into the search box. Domain status codes are set at the apex-domain level in the registry and registrar record.
FetchWhois reads EPP status from RDAP
We query the authoritative RDAP server and extract the status array from the domain record. Both registry-level and registrar-level status codes may be present.
View and understand each status code
Status codes appear as badges in the results. Common codes include clientTransferProhibited (transfer locked), serverTransferProhibited (registry lock) and pendingDelete (awaiting deletion).
Understanding EPP domain status codes
Domain status codes are standardized EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) codes that describe the current operational state of a domain registration. They are set by the registry (server-prefixed codes like serverHold) or the registrar (client-prefixed codes like clientTransferProhibited) and appear in both WHOIS and RDAP records. Understanding these codes is essential for managing domain transfers, renewals and security.
The most common status code is clientTransferProhibited, which means the registrar has placed a transfer lock on the domain to prevent unauthorized outbound transfers. This is a security feature enabled by default at most registrars. To transfer the domain, you must first unlock it in your registrar's control panel. Similarly, clientUpdateProhibited prevents changes to the domain's registration data, and clientDeleteProhibited prevents deletion.
More serious codes include serverHold (the registry has suspended the domain, typically for non-payment or abuse) and pendingDelete (the domain has passed its redemption period and is queued for deletion). If a domain shows pendingDelete, it will be released to the public within five days and cannot be recovered without going through the expensive redemption process.
Domain Status Checker — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about WHOIS, ICANN and RDAP domain lookups.