Sometimes doubts arise in which state a certain domain is, how long it can be in a certain state and what is involved in each state. In this article we clarify which domain states exist, applicable to the most common extensions.
The status of a domain can be consulted in the public WHOIS information. Learn how to check a domain's WHOIS.
OK / ACTIVE
This can be considered the normal / common state of a domain after registration. In this state, the domain is in full operation and is not limited to any operation. It can be edited and accessed. This can be further complemented by the following states:
clientTransferProhibited - Domain is blocked and the transfer of domain management to another entity is not possible.
clientDeleteProhibited - The domain is locked and cannot be removed.
clientUpdateProhibited - Domain is locked and its settings cannot be changed.
INACTIVE
The INACTIVE status indicates that the domain does not yet have correctly configured nameservers that allow it to respond to DNS requests.
autoRenewPeriod
It is a domain state entered in the 'Grace Period'. The 'Grace Period' starts immediately after a domain's expiration date. The autoRenewPeriod status indicates that the domain is being automatically renewed by the Registry.
pendingDelete
This state can be associated with redemptionPeriod or pendingRestore. In this case, depending on the status shown in the domain name (Ex: redemptionPeriod or pendingRestore), you should take into account the respective descriptions for each of the statuses, which we indicate below.
If this state is not associated with redemptionPeriod or pendingRestore, pendingDelete by itself means that the domain has not been restored within 30 days (Redemption Period). The domain may remain in this state for a few days, being later deleted and removed from the Registry's database. After the domain is deleted, it is available for registration again, in accordance with the Registry's policies.
redemptionPeriod
This state indicates that the Registrar has requested that the domain to be removed. The domain will be kept in this state for 30 days. Five more days after the end of the 'redemption period', the domain is removed from the Registry's database and becomes available for registration again, in accordance with the Registry's policies. During this period (Redemption Period) it is not possible to make any changes to the domain. It is only possible to restore it, upon regularisation of an additional administrative fee. The associated fee varies depending on the TLD.
pendingRestore
This state indicates that the Registrar has requested the domain restore, during the 'redemption period'. The Registry will keep the domain in this state – pendingRestore – while the domain restoration process is in progress. If for any reason the restore process is not completed, the domain will revert to the 'redemptionPeriod' state. If the restore process is successfully completed, the domain will go to 'OK / ACTIVE' state.
pendingRenew
This status indicates that the domain is undergoing a renewal process.
pendingTransfer
This status indicates that the transfer process between Registrar entities is in progress. During this period the domain cannot be modified.
ClientHold
This status indicates that your domain no longer resolves the DNS zone associated with it. It's an uncommon status, usually applied in the course of legal disputes, non-payments or in situations where your domain is subject to deletion.