The WHOIS output includes the registration status of a domain name.  There are five different statuses:

Registration request being processed

This status is used after first registration but before the initial registration fee has been received.  Please note that we (Nominet) issue monthly invoices, so it is possible that if this status is displayed your registrar has not yet been invoiced for the domain name.

 
Registered until expiry date

This status is displayed if:

• The domain name has not reached its renewal date and a renewal request has not been received.
  
  
• If the renewal fee has been paid.  The renewal date will move forward two years.

 
Renewal request being processed

This status will be displayed once a renewal request has been received and until the renewal invoice is paid.  The renewal date will move forward two years.  However, please note that until the registration status changes to 'Registered until expiry date' the renewal fee has not been paid.

 
Renewal required

This status will be used if:

• The domain name has passed its expiry date but no renewal request has been received.  The renewal date will be in the past.
  
  
• A renewal request has been received but the domain name has passed its expiry date and the invoice has not yet been paid.  The renewal date will be in the past.

 
Renewal invoice being processed

This status indicates that the domain name was due for renewal, an invoice has been issued but this has not yet been paid.