serverTransferProhibited

ServerTransferProhibited is a domain name status flag used in Domain Name System (DNS) registries and the Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP). It indicates that a domain name cannot be transferred from the current registrar to another registrar until the status is removed. The flag is stored in the domain’s status records and is recognized by registries across many top-level domains (TLDs).

The primary purpose of serverTransferProhibited is to deter unauthorized or accidental transfers, providing an extra layer of protection for domain owners. It is one of several transfer-related statuses used in combination with other security measures. A related, but user-level, flag is clientTransferProhibited, which registrars can apply on request by the registrant; some registrars implement both or allow removal through the registrar’s management interface.

How it works in practice: if a transfer request is submitted to move a domain to a new registrar while serverTransferProhibited is active, the registry will reject the transfer. To proceed, the current registrar or registry administrator must remove the status, typically through the registrar’s control panel or by contacting support. Removal usually requires authentication and may involve confirmation steps to prevent fraud.

Limitations and context: serverTransferProhibited affects transfers between registrars but does not inherently prevent other changes to the domain, such as updating contact information or changing nameservers, unless accompanied by additional prohibitions. It is one of several protective measures used in domain management to help ensure control over domain ownership.