serverDeleteProhibited status

The registry has locked the domain against deletion, which is typical of a registry lock and of domains in the redemption period.

serverDeleteProhibited at a glance
EPP status codeserverDeleteProhibited
RDAP statusserver delete prohibited (per RFC 8056)
Set byRegistry
CategoryServer status (set by the registry)
Defined inRFC 5731
ICANN referenceicann.org/epp#serverDeleteProhibited

What serverDeleteProhibited means

serverDeleteProhibited makes the registry reject any request to delete the domain. It is the registry-level counterpart of clientDeleteProhibited and can only be removed by the registry. In RDAP it appears as server delete prohibited.

It is part of the usual registry lock, alongside serverTransferProhibited and serverUpdateProhibited. ICANN also lists legal disputes and the redemption period as common reasons for it.

The status does not affect day-to-day use: the domain resolves normally and can be renewed, unless other statuses say otherwise.

Official definition: ICANN, EPP Status Codes: What Do They Mean, and Why Should I Know? (serverDeleteProhibited)

Why a domain has this status

  • The owner ordered a registry lock through the registrar.
  • The domain is the subject of a legal dispute or court order.
  • The domain is in redemptionPeriod.

What you should do

  • If the domain is yours and you don't want to delete it, there's nothing to do; the status protects it.
  • To delete a registry-locked domain, ask your registrar to have the registry remove the status first. This takes longer than removing clientDeleteProhibited because the request has to go through the registry.
  • If the status appeared without a request from you, contact your registrar.

Check a domain's status

Look up any domain to see its current status codes, registrar, expiration date and name servers from the registry's RDAP or WHOIS service.

  • clientDeleteProhibited: The registrar has locked the domain against deletion, protecting it from being deleted by mistake or by an attacker.
  • serverTransferProhibited: The registry has locked the domain against transfers to another registrar, often as part of a registry lock or during a dispute.
  • serverUpdateProhibited: The registry has locked the domain against changes such as new name servers or contacts; only the registry can lift the lock.
  • redemptionPeriod: The domain was deleted and no longer resolves, but its owner can restore it for a fee during the redemption period (30 days for gTLDs).
  • pendingDelete: The domain is being deleted. After the redemption period it can't be restored, and gTLD domains are released about 5 days later.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my domain have serverDeleteProhibited?

Usually because the domain is protected by a registry lock, which you or your organization may have ordered through the registrar. Registries also set it during some legal disputes and while a domain is in redemptionPeriod. Your registrar can confirm which applies.

Does serverDeleteProhibited affect my website?

No. It only blocks delete requests at the registry. DNS, email and renewals keep working normally unless other statuses are present.

Further reading