RDAP status codes.

EPP codes versus RDAP status values

EPP is the provisioning protocol registrars and registries use to manage domain names. RDAP presents the resulting state as a status value in its JSON response. The values often correspond closely, but the spelling is not always a simple formatting change: for example, EPP clientTransferProhibited is returned by RDAP as client transfer prohibited, while ICANN documents EPP ok as the RDAP active state.

Use the RDAP value when reading a response, and the machine value when matching the same state in provisioning documentation or registrar tooling. See ICANN's EPP status-code guide for the published mappings.

Client statuses versus server statuses

Client statuses are set by the sponsoring registrar. They commonly express registrar-level protections, such as a transfer, update, or deletion lock. Server statuses are set by the registry. They take precedence over client requests and may reflect registry policy, a dispute, a legal process, or a registry lock.

The prefix identifies who applied the status, not whether the status is good or bad. A client transfer lock can be a normal security safeguard; a server hold usually needs an explanation from the registrar.

Lifecycle and grace-period statuses

Some statuses describe where a domain is in its registration lifecycle rather than a fault. Pending states mean an operation such as creation, renewal, transfer, update, or restore is still being processed. Add, renew, auto-renew, and transfer periods are temporary grace periods. redemption period and pending delete are time-sensitive end-of-life states.

Why a domain can have multiple statuses

A domain can have several independent conditions at once. For example, a domain may be in a renewal period while also carrying client transfer prohibited for protection. One status can describe its lifecycle, another can describe a lock, and another can describe whether it is active in DNS. Read the complete list together rather than treating one badge as the domain's single overall state.

When a status requires action

Informational grace-period statuses are usually expected and temporary. Contact the registrar promptly for an unexpected hold, a pending operation you did not request, an inactive domain that should resolve, or any redemption or pending-delete status if you want to keep the name. A client lock can often be changed by the registrar; a server lock normally requires the registrar to coordinate with the registry.

Status ownership and the EPP-to-RDAP mappings in this guide follow ICANN's reference; individual registries may apply additional policies.