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Whois Domain Lookup

Registrar, dates, nameservers and status for any domain.

What is a WHOIS lookup?

A WHOIS lookup queries a domain's registry to show its public registration data: the registrar, the dates it was created, updated and will expire, its status codes and its name servers. Modern registries also provide this through RDAP, a structured JSON successor to WHOIS.

RDAP first, WHOIS as fallback

We query RDAP first — it returns clean, structured data and is now required for generic domains like .com and .org. For country-code domains whose registry has no RDAP service, we fall back to classic port-43 WHOIS: we ask IANA which server is responsible for the extension and query it directly, following registrar referrals when available. The raw WHOIS text is shown when used.

Reading the result

FieldMeaning
RegistrarThe company the domain is registered through (GoDaddy, Namecheap…)
RegisteredWhen the domain was first created
ExpiresWhen the registration ends unless renewed
StatusEPP codes like clientTransferProhibited (locked against transfer — good) or redemptionPeriod (expired, about to be deleted)
Name serversWhich DNS provider answers for the domain

Why owner details are often hidden

Since GDPR (2018), most registrars redact personal contact data or use privacy services. To contact an owner, use the registrar's contact form or abuse address listed in the record.

Common uses

  • Checking when your own domain expires — an expired domain takes the website and email offline.
  • Researching a domain before buying it or partnering with a site.
  • Finding the registrar to report abuse or phishing.
  • Verifying name servers after moving DNS.

See just the age of several domains with the Domain Age Checker or their DNS with the DNS Records Checker.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out who owns a domain?

Run a WHOIS lookup. Most registrars now hide personal details for privacy, but the record shows the registrar, which can forward messages to the owner.

What is the difference between WHOIS and RDAP?

RDAP is the modern replacement for WHOIS. It returns structured JSON with consistent fields, while WHOIS returns free-form text.

What does clientTransferProhibited mean?

The domain is locked at the registrar to prevent unauthorised transfers. It is a normal, protective status.

How can I see when a domain expires?

The Expires field shows the current expiry date. Owners can renew before then to keep the domain.

Why are some country domains missing data?

Some country registries publish limited data or restrict automated access, so fewer fields are available.