You just registered a .ma domain name, but nothing works: the site does not load, DNS looks dead. In WHOIS, instead of Active/OK, you see PendingCreate or ServerHold.
This is not necessarily a hosting outage. For .ma, the registry (ANRT) can place the domain in a validation hold before it becomes fully active.
Why a .ma is not always live immediately
With many TLDs, the domain is usable almost right after payment. .ma is different: registration goes through a registry check. Registrars submit the request, but ANRT has the final say to approve, ask for more details, or reject.
Possible WHOIS outcomes:
- PendingCreate — creation awaiting validation;
- ServerHold — registry-side block / suspension;
- Active/OK — domain operating normally.
PendingCreate vs ServerHold: not the same thing
| WHOIS status | In practice |
|---|---|
| PendingCreate | The domain was just requested; it is not administratively validated yet. |
| ServerHold | Active suspension: DNS resolution / services are often cut until the file is fixed. |
| Active/OK | Domain can be used normally. |
PendingCreate often appears right after purchase while ANRT’s filter runs. ServerHold already means a block — commonly tied to a review (sensitive term, holder file, missing documents, etc.).
For “site down / suspension” holder cases: Suspended .ma domain: what to do?.
For holder verification campaigns: ANRT holder checks and ServerHold risk.
Common reasons for a hold
Several triggers can put a domain on hold:
- A reserved or sensitive term in the name (the list is not exhaustive — ANRT may also hold names outside that list).
- An internal registry review (intended use, extra documents).
- An incomplete or inconsistent holder file (ID / company papers not compliant).
- A false positive in the filter: sometimes no action is required and the domain flips to Active/OK on its own.
Registrars act as intermediaries; the final decision stays with the registry.
What to do if your .ma is on hold
1. Read your registrar’s email
In most cases you receive a notification explaining what is expected. Do not ignore it — it is the roadmap for the case.
2. Reply with a clear justification
You are often asked for:
- how you plan to use the domain;
- supporting documents if requested (e.g. trademark certificate, company registration papers).
Send readable scans under the declared holder name.
3. Respect the deadline
If the registry / your registrar asks for information and you do not reply within five (5) business days, the domain can be deleted from the registry. You then lose the registration and must start over.
4. When “no action” is requested
If no email asks for documents and WHOIS is still PendingCreate, it may be a temporary filter. Watch WHOIS for a few days; the move to Active/OK can be automatic.
After you submit: two outcomes
- Approved — the hold is lifted and the domain becomes active.
- Rejected / cancelled — justification or eligibility is insufficient; registration is cancelled.
If you stay silent past the deadline, the riskiest outcome remains deletion.
Quick checklist
- WHOIS checked (
PendingCreateorServerHold) - Registrar email read in full
- Use justification written
- Requested documents attached (trademark, company papers, ID…)
- Reply sent within 5 business days
- WHOIS rechecked after processing
If your registrar stops answering, contact the registry via www.registre.ma/contact. See also: .ma registrar dispute.
Summary
PendingCreate and ServerHold on a .ma mark an ANRT review step, not a simple DNS bug. Reply quickly, attach supporting documents, and monitor WHOIS. Silence beyond 5 business days can cost you the domain.
To start registration on solid ground: buying a .ma domain and complete .ma guide.