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DOMAIN GLOSSARYUPDATED 2026-05-06

EPP

EPP (Extensible Provisioning Protocol) is the standard protocol that registrars use to communicate with registries. It defines how to register, renew, transfer, update, and delete domains. EPP is XML-based, runs over TCP with TLS, and is specified in RFC 5730 (and extensions). The EPP "status codes" you see in WHOIS (clientHold, pendingDelete, etc.) are part of the EPP specification.

Also known as: Extensible Provisioning Protocol

In depth

EPP is the wire protocol between registrars and registries. When you register a domain at GoDaddy, GoDaddy sends an EPP <create> command to the registry. When you renew, they send <renew>. When you transfer to another registrar, they exchange <transfer> commands.

EPP defines a set of status codes that are returned in queries and visible in WHOIS/RDAP responses. The "client*" codes (clientHold, clientTransferProhibited) are set by the registrar; "server*" codes (serverHold, serverTransferProhibited) are set by the registry. Other codes describe lifecycle phases (pendingDelete, redemptionPeriod, autoRenewPeriod).

For domain monitoring tools, the EPP status codes returned via RDAP are the canonical signal of where in the lifecycle a domain sits. A status transition (e.g., autoRenewPeriod → redemptionPeriod) is typically the meaningful signal worth alerting on.

Examples

  • A domain in active state: EPP statuses might be ["ok", "clientTransferProhibited"].
  • A domain about to drop: ["pendingDelete"] — the strongest signal in the EPP set for a buyer.
  • A domain under legal hold: ["serverHold", "serverTransferProhibited", "serverUpdateProhibited", "serverDeleteProhibited"].

Frequently asked questions

What does EPP stand for?

Extensible Provisioning Protocol. It is the standard protocol for domain registration operations between registrars and registries.

Where do EPP status codes come from?

They are defined in RFC 5731 (EPP Domain Name Mapping) and related RFCs. Both the registry and the registrar can apply status codes; the prefix ("client" vs "server") indicates which.

Are EPP statuses standardised across all registries?

Yes for gTLDs — all gTLD registries support the standard EPP status set. ccTLDs may add registry-specific extensions but the core set is universal.

Can end-users access EPP directly?

No. EPP is between registrars and registries. End-users interact through registrar dashboards or APIs.

Where can I see a domain's EPP statuses?

In a WHOIS or RDAP lookup. The "Domain Status" field shows all active EPP codes.

Related terms

References

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