Free · live registry data · no login
Domain Lock Status Checker
Is the domain protected against transfer and changes?
How it works
Domain lock status checker: is your name protected against transfer?
We read the live EPP status codes for a domain from its registry via RDAP and translate each one into plain English. You see immediately whether clientTransferProhibited (the standard registrar lock) is set, whether the stronger registry lock is in place, whether updates and deletes are blocked, and whether anything alarming such as a pending transfer or a hold is present. An unlocked domain can be moved to another registrar by anyone who obtains its authorisation code.
Results appear here after you click Check lock status.
How this works
- 1
Query the registry
We fetch the domain's RDAP record, which contains the authoritative EPP status codes set by the registrar and registry.
- 2
Translate the codes
Each code such as clientTransferProhibited or serverHold is matched to what it actually prevents or signals.
- 3
Grade the protection
Transfer lock is weighted highest, then update and delete locks, pending transfers, holds and expiry.
Frequently asked questions
- What does clientTransferProhibited mean?
- It is the standard registrar lock. While set, the registry rejects any transfer request for the domain. You remove it in your registrar panel when you genuinely want to move the domain, then re-enable it afterwards.
- What is the difference between registrar lock and Registry Lock?
- Registrar lock (client* statuses) is set by your registrar and can be switched off from your account. Registry Lock (server* statuses) is set at the registry and needs manual, out-of-band verification to change, so a hacked account alone cannot unlock it. It usually costs extra and is used for high-value domains.
- Is my domain safe if it shows 'ok' only?
- No. A bare 'ok' status means no locks are present. Anyone who obtains the authorisation code, through phishing or a compromised email account, can transfer the domain away. Enable the transfer lock immediately.
- Why can't I see status codes for my country-code domain?
- Some ccTLD registries do not publish RDAP or use their own status vocabulary. If the lookup fails, check your registrar's control panel directly; the lock setting is still there even when the public record does not show it.
- Does the lock stop my domain from expiring?
- No. Locks only block transfers, updates and deletion requests. Keep auto-renew on and your payment method current; an expired domain is lost regardless of its locks.
Every MailShrine domain includes WHOIS privacy, transfer lock, Anycast DNS with DNSSEC and two business mailboxes.