Domain names have statuses also known as EPP status codes that determine their current state and usability. It is very handy to keep track of your domain name's status as it can give you valuable information about it. You may use this information and save yourself a lot of headaches as sometimes your domain name could be taken down for weeks should there be a status code that is left unattended. Let's go over the most commonly seen statuses and what they actually mean for your domain:
- Active/OK - This is a status that is set by the domain registry. The domain name can be edited on a registrar level and can be renewed. The domain name will resolve on a server, as long as it is pointed via at least one nameserver.
- Registry-lock - This is another status set by the domain registry. The registrar will not be able to edit this domain until this status is removed, however, it can be renewed. The domain name will continue resolving during this status if it is pointed by at least one name server.
- Registrar-lock - This is a status set by the domain registrar. The domain cannot be modified or deleted but it can be renewed. Unless this status is removed, the registrar will not be able to edit the domain. The domain will keep resolving during this status if it is pointed to at least one name server.
- Registry-hold - This is a status set by the domain registry. The domain cannot be modified or deleted but can be renewed by the registrar. The domain name will not resolve while this status is shown.
- Registrar-hold - This status will be set by the domain registrar. The domain name cannot be modified or deleted but it can be renewed. The domain name will not resolve while this status is active.
- RedemptionPeriod - This status is set by the registry when the registrar itself sends a deletion request for a specific domain. During this period, the domain name may not be modified in any way and will not resolve. You may renew it, however, this will be at an increased cost. Last 30-60 days, based on the domain Registrar.
- PendingRestore - This status is set by the registry when the domain registrar sends a restore request for a domain currently in the RedemptionPeriod. This status lasts for up to 7 days, in which the Registrar needs to provide the requested documentation so that the domain can be restored. While in this status the domain will resolve, however, no changes from the Registrar will be accepted and if the requested documents are not provided within the requested period, the domain name will revert back to the RedemptionPeriod status.
- PendingDelete - This status is set by the registry once the RedemptionPeriod is over and no restoration requests have been made by the Registrar. The domain name will not resolve while in this status and all attempts made from the registrar to update or change it will be denied. After 5 to 7 days, the domain name will be cleared from the registry and will be available for registration once again.
