List of Domain Statuses

Terminology

We have listed the following terms because we believe they are important. Additional definitions can be found here.

Registry 

The "Registry" is the authoritative, master database of all domain names registered in each Top Level Domain. The registry operator keeps the master database and also generates the "zone file" which allows computers to route Internet traffic to and from top-level domains anywhere in the world. Internet users don't interact directly with the registry operator; users can register names in TLDs including .biz, .com, .info, .net, .name, .org by using an ICANN-Accredited Registrar.

Registrar

Domain names ending with .biz, .com, .info, .name, .net, .org, can be registered through many different companies (known as "registrars") that compete with one another. A good registrar example is us: Funio!

The registrar you choose will ask you to provide various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrar will then keep records of the contact information and submit the technical information to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you an e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be required to enter a registration contract with the registrar, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.

Top-Level Domain (TLD)

TLDs are the names at the top of the DNS naming hierarchy. They appear in domain names as the string of letters following the last (rightmost) ".", such as "net" in "www.example.net". The administrator for a TLD controls what second-level names are recognized in that TLD. The administrators of the "root domain" or "root zone" control what TLDs are recognized by the DNS. Commonly used TLDs include .com, .net, .edu, .jp, .ca, etc. 

Domain Statuses

Depending on the Top Level Domain (TLD), there can be different status names used by the underlying registry. 

For .COM and .NET domain names

ACTIVE
This is the normal state of a domain name. It is registered and working properly, pointing to a website or emails.

REGISTRAR-HOLD
The domain has been placed on hold by the registrar and cannot be used. If you encounter this, contact your domain registrar.

REGISTRY-HOLD
The domain has been placed on hold by the registry and cannot be used. If you encounter this, contact your domain registrar.

REGISTRAR-LOCK
The registrar, often at the request of the domain registrant, has locked down the domain so that its settings cannot be modified.

REGISTRY-LOCK
The registry has locked down the domain so that its settings cannot be modified.

RedemptionPeriod
The domain has expired and the registry is waiting for 30 days as a precautionary measure before releasing it.

PendingRestore
A domain that had expired is now being restored to ACTIVE status.

PendingDelete
The domain expired 75 days ago and the registry is about to erase it. A domain remains in this status for five days before it is deleted.

For .ORG, .BIZ, and .INFO

OK
The domain is active and can be used for Web sites, for email, or to register name servers.

CLIENT_DELETE_PROHIBITED

The registrar has locked the domain so that it cannot be deleted.

SERVER_DELETE_PROHIBITED
The registry has locked the domain so that it cannot be deleted.

CLIENT_HOLD
The registrar has placed the domain on hold, and it cannot be used.

SERVER_HOLD
The registry has placed the domain on hold, and it cannot be used.

CLIENT_RENEW_PROHIBITED
The registrar has locked the domain so that it cannot be renewed.

SERVER_RENEW_PROHIBITED
The registry has locked the domain so that it cannot be renewed.

CLIENT_TRANSFER_PROHIBITED
The registrar has locked the domain so that it cannot be transferred to another registrar.

SERVER_TRANSFER_PROHIBITED
The registry has locked the domain so that it cannot be transferred to another registrar.

CLIENT_UPDATE_PROHIBITED
The registrar has locked the domain to prevent its settings from being changed.

SERVER_UPDATE_PROHIBITED
The registry has locked the domain to prevent its settings from being changed.

INACTIVE
The domain cannot be used because there is a problem with the name servers that were entered for it, or name servers have not been entered.

PENDING_DELETE
The registration for the domain is about to be deleted by the registry, as when the domain expires.

PENDING_TRANSFER
The domain is in the process of being transferred from one registrar to another. It may not be modified during this period.

PENDING_VERIFICATION
The registry is in the process of creating the domain record.

For .CA domain names

.CA domains use the same statuses you will find above, but also have certain statuses particular to them.

REGISTERED
This is the normal state of a domain name. It is registered and working properly, pointing to a website or emails.

AUTO-RENEW GRACE
The domain has expired and can be renewed by the current owner. 

REDEMPTION GRACE
The domain has expired and the registry is waiting for 30 days as a precautionary measure before releasing it.

TO BE RELEASED
The domain is available to be registered during a special registration session known as a TBR session. The TBR process allows registrars to compete for TBR domain names.  

We would like to thank SSLcatacombnetworking.com for compiling most of the list we are using here. Link to their version here.

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