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EPP STATUS CODESUPDATED 2026-05-06

serverTransferProhibited: registry has locked the domain against transfer

serverTransferProhibited is a registry-applied EPP status that blocks transfer at the registry level. Unlike clientTransferProhibited, the registrar cannot remove it. Common triggers: ICANN-mandated 60-day post-transfer lock, court order, or registry-level dispute resolution.

serverTransferProhibitedTakenVariable — 60 days for new registrations, indefinite for legal holdslow buyer signal
TakenGraceExpiredRedemptionPending deleteAvailable

Combined with serverHold or serverDeleteProhibited it can indicate a legally constrained domain. Alone it usually just means a recent transfer.

Quick facts

EPP codeserverTransferProhibited
Categorylock
Typical durationVariable — 60 days for new registrations, indefinite for legal holds
Buyer signal strengthlow

What this status means

serverTransferProhibited is most often applied automatically by the registry for the 60 days following a successful transfer. ICANN policy mandates this lock to prevent rapid hijacker re-transfers.

It is also applied during UDRP/URS dispute resolution and after court orders. In those cases the lock is paired with other server-prohibited statuses to fully freeze the domain.

Unlike clientTransferProhibited, the registrar cannot remove this status. The registrant must wait it out (post-transfer lock) or address the underlying legal issue.

Timeline

  1. 01

    Applied

    Registry sets the status. For post-transfer lock this happens automatically; for legal cases by registry action.

  2. 02

    Active

    Domain cannot be transferred regardless of registrar or registrant action.

  3. 03

    Removed

    For 60-day post-transfer lock: automatic at day 60. For legal cases: only when the registry decides.

What to do if you are watching a domain in this status

  • Generally not actionable for availability. This is a freeze, not a path to drop.
  • If you are in a private sale negotiation, ask the seller when they last transferred the domain — a recent transfer means the lock is automatic and you must wait for the 60-day window.

Real-world examples

  • A domain transferred from GoDaddy to Namecheap. For 60 days the WHOIS shows serverTransferProhibited. After 60 days it falls off automatically.
  • A domain involved in a UDRP case shows serverTransferProhibited along with serverUpdateProhibited until the case resolves.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the post-transfer lock last?

Exactly 60 days, set by ICANN policy. It cannot be shortened.

Can a registrar remove serverTransferProhibited?

No. This is a registry-level status. Only the registry can lift it.

Does this prevent the domain from being sold?

It prevents the domain from being moved to a new registrar. The owner can still change registrant info within their existing registrar (if other locks permit).

How is this different from clientTransferProhibited?

clientTransferProhibited is registrar-applied and registrant-removable. serverTransferProhibited is registry-applied and only the registry can remove it.

Will this status appear on a normal active domain?

Yes, if it was transferred within the last 60 days. Otherwise rarely — usually only on domains under legal action.

Related statuses

References

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