How To Check Domain is Locked or Transfer Prohibited

To check whether a domain is locked / transfer prohibited, you’re basically checking the domain’s EPP status codes (registry-level). The common “lock” status is:

• clientTransferProhibited = registrar lock (most common)
• serverTransferProhibited = registry lock (stronger; often needs manual removal)
• Sometimes you’ll also see clientUpdateProhibited, clientDeleteProhibited, etc.

Check via WHOIS (fastest)

A) Use any WHOIS lookup (web)

1. Open a WHOIS lookup site (ICANN WHOIS / your registrar WHOIS / any reliable WHOIS tool) or else using the Domtake WHOIS Checker.
2. Search your domain.
3. Look for “Domain Status” lines.

If you see this → domain is locked (like the below image):

• Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited ...
• or Domain Status: serverTransferProhibited ...

If you do NOT see transferProhibited codes → domain is usually unlocked (but it can still be blocked for other reasons like “60-day lock”, pending transfer, etc.).

Mostly you can check inside your Registrar panel (most practical)

Almost all registrars show a toggle like:

• Registrar Lock / Transfer Lock
• Domain Lock
• Transfer Prohibited
• Unlock domain

If it says Locked, transfers won’t work until you Unlock.

What to do

1. Login to your registrar.
2. Open Domain Management → select your domain.
3. Find Domain Lock / Transfer Lock.
4. If enabled, switch to Unlocked.
5. Save changes (some registrars require email/OTP confirmation).

After unlocking, WHOIS/RDAP may take a few minutes to reflect changes. For further queries, contact via live chat.