A domain name is usually ready for use within seconds of registration. However, this is not always the case for .ma domains. You’re about to use your .ma domain name only to discover that it’s not yet active. You check the domain status in the WHOIS database, and you find PendingCreate or ServerHold instead of Active/OK status.
If this happened to you, do not worry. We will explain the reason why this status appears, what this means for your domain name, and what you can do to resolve it.
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What is a PendingCreate/ServerHold Domain Status?
When you register a .MA domain, the request doesn’t go live instantly. It first passes through a validation filter managed by the ANRT (Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications), which is the official registry for .MA domains.
Registrars like us act as intermediaries, but the ANRT has the final say in approving or rejecting a domain.
One common reason a domain gets flagged is that it may contain a reserved term. You can learn more about that in our detailed guide:
How do I register a .MA domain name with a reserved term?
It’s important to note that:
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The reserved terms list is not exhaustive.
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ANRT may place a domain on hold for other reasons, depending on their internal review process.
When this happens, your domain enters PendingCreate/ServerHold and is temporarily on hold until further review.
What to Do If Your Domain is on Hold
If your domain name is pending, you will receive an email notification explaining the situation. This email is crucial, as it tells you what is required to proceed.
In most cases, you will need to:
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Reply to the email with details about how you intend to use the domain name.
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Provide supporting documents if requested. These may include:
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A trademark certificate.
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A business registration document.
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Once you provide the required information to your registrar, ANRT will continue with their review.
What Happens After Submitting the Request?
There are two possible outcomes:
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Domain Approved: If your justification is accepted, the hold is lifted and the domain becomes active.
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Domain Cancelled: If the justification is insufficient or eligibility requirements are not met, the domain registration is cancelled.
What Happens if You Don’t Respond?
If ANRT requests additional information and you don’t respond within five (5) business days, the domain is automatically deleted from the registry. This means you’ll lose your registration and will need to start the process over if you still want that domain.
Important Note
Sometimes domains are placed on hold due to a false alert during the filtering process. In such cases, no action is required from your side — the domain will be activated automatically once the registry clears it.
In summary: PendingCreate/ServerHold is not an error, but rather a review stage. As long as you respond to ANRT’s request promptly and provide the necessary documents, your domain can be released successfully.