---
title: "What Is Registrar lock? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "A registrar lock is the EPP status clientTransferProhibited. It tells the registry to reject any request to move the domain to another registrar. The..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/registrar-lock
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Registration and DNS

# Registrar lock

A registrar lock is the EPP status clientTransferProhibited. It tells the registry to reject any request to move the domain to another registrar. The owner or registrar sets it to prevent unauthorized transfers.

## Why it matters

Registrar lock is the standard safety switch on a domain. Sellers must unlock it before a buyer's registrar can pull the domain. Leave it on until the sale is ready to close, then unlock it and release the auth code. A common mistake is forgetting this step and stalling a sale for days. Do not confuse it with registry lock, a stronger, manual service from the registry that costs extra.

Source: [icann.org](https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/epp-status-codes-2014-06-16-en)

[Read nextHow Domain Transfers Work: Auth Codes, Transfer Locks, and Push vs Transfer](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-transfer-process)

## Where we use this term

-   [Domain Sale Scams: How to Spot Fake Buyers, Appraisal Scams, and Fake Escrow](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/domain-sale-scams)
-   [How to Sell a Domain Name: A Broker's Step-by-Step Guide](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-sell-a-domain-name)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)