If you do a WHOIS Lookup on a Domain, it will show a status code. Below is a breakdown of the domain status codes along with a brief description of each.
ACTIVE
This is the default status of a domain at registration time. The domain can be transferred, renewed, or modified at any time, and will actively load websites and mail.
REGISTRY-LOCK
The domain can be renewed or modified at any time, and will actively load websites and mail. The domain cannot be transferred to another registrar unless this lock is removed (please contact your current registrar to remove the lock if you need to transfer the name elsewhere). This acts as an extra safety measure to prevent a domain being transferred out to an unauthorized user without the current owner’s explicit knowledge and consent.
The domain cannot be transferred or modified in this status, which appears once a domain has expired. You must renew the name with its current registrar or the domain will lapse. Websites and mail will NOT actively load for a domain in this status. If the domain is not renewed within a specified number of calendar days (currently thirty) it will enter REDEMPTIONPERIOD status and be considerably more difficult (and expensive) to regain.
REGISTRY-DELETE-NOTIFY
A domain is set on this status if it has expired and has child name servers that are hosting other domains. Websites and e-mail will actively load if the domain has at least one associated name server.
The domain deletion process progresses through the following stages.
REDEMPTIONPERIOD
A domain reaches REDEMPTIONPERIOD status when it has exceeded the allowable grace period during which it may be renewed. The domain cannot be transferred or modified in this status, and websites and mail will NOT actively load. It may be restored via a special process (and for a substantially higher fee) with the original registrar, and only by the original owner. Unless restored, the domain will be held in REDEMPTIONPERIOD for a specified number of calendar days (currently thirty), after which time it will enter PENDINGDELETE.
PENDINGDELETE
A domain name is placed in PENDINGDELETE status if it has not been restored during the Redemption Period. The domain cannot be transferred, renewed, or modified, and websites and mail will NOT actively load. After a specified number of calendar days (currently fourteen), the domain will be deleted from the registrar and become available for new registration by any interested party.
PENDINGRESTORE
A domain name is placed in PENDINGRESTORE status when a registrar requests restoration of a domain that is in REDEMPTIONPERIOD status. The domain cannot be transferred, renewed, or modified, but websites and mail will actively load. A domain in PENDINGRESTORE status may return to REDEMPTIONPERIOD status if the registrar does not properly complete the restore process. The current length of this Pending Restore Period is seven calendar days.