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Understanding Domain Transfer Status

Your domain transfer status determines whether you can move it to a new registrar. Find out your domain's status code quickly using ICANN's WHOIS lookup or your registrar's WHOIS service.

Below is an example:

Domain Status

Important: At any given time, your domain name is in a particular status that controls the management features available to you. ICANN defines 17 standard status codes. You can learn more about them in this article: EPP Status Codes | What Do They Mean, and Why Should I Know?

Domain Status Prohibited for Transfer

In some statuses, a domain name cannot be transferred. Contact your current registrar to learn more about these and possibly be able to resolve any issues.

If your domain is in one of the following statuses, then it cannot be transferred:

DomainStatus Description Options
pendingDelete Your domain name has gone past both its normal expiration and redemption periods.Domains only stay in this status for a few days before becoming available for re-registration on the open market. Contact your current registrar as soon as possible to put a back order on the domain.
pendingCreate The domain name registration request is being processed. You cannot transfer newly registered domain names until 60 days have passed. You may also check the current status of your domain transfer in the Account Manager at any time.
pendingTransfer A transfer request is already being processed for this domain name. Please contact your current provider and ask them to reject the transfer request onyour behalf.
redemptionPeriod Your domain name will enter this status for 30 days if it is not renewed or recovered for approximately 40 days after its expiration date. If the domain name is in this period, you may still be able to restore your domain name for a fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. Please contact your provider to determine how to recover your domain.
clientTransferProhibited(or any other "client" holds) The domain is locked from being transferred at the registrar level. The current registrar must unlock the domain before it can be transferred. Please contact your current registrar to understand the next steps to remove the lock and allow the transfer.
serverHOLD(or any other "server" holds) The domain has been locked from being transferred at the registry level. These locks must be removed with coordination between the current registrar and the registry directly. Please contact your current registrar to determine the next steps.

Review

Don’t forget that the most important factor in the smooth transfer of a domain name is the comprehension of the domain’s status. Knowing the various ICANN codes used in the transfer of a domain name helps one to prevent any problems with the domain transfer process. Should there be any issues however, do not forget to contact the registrar of the domain and request for solutions.

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