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What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a query and response protocol that provides access to databases storing information about registered internet resources. When you register a domain name, the registrar collects information about the domain owner and stores it in a centralized WHOIS database. This protocol has been a fundamental part of internet infrastructure since the early 1980s, originally created to identify the owners and administrators of network resources.
Every domain registration is required to have associated WHOIS data. While privacy protection services can mask personal details, the WHOIS database remains the authoritative source for domain registration information. Our WHOIS lookup tool queries these databases to retrieve comprehensive registration details for any domain name.
What Information Does WHOIS Reveal?
Registrar Information
The company through which the domain was registered (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains) and their contact details for domain-related issues.
Important Dates
Registration date (when the domain was first registered), last update date, and expiration date showing when the domain registration will lapse if not renewed.
Name Servers
The DNS servers responsible for translating the domain name to IP addresses. These indicate where the domain's DNS records are hosted.
Domain Status
Status codes indicating whether the domain is active, locked, pending transfer, or subject to deletion. These codes help prevent unauthorized transfers.
Contact Information
Registrant, administrative, and technical contact details. Often hidden by privacy protection services but may include name, organization, and email.
DNSSEC Status
Security extensions status showing whether the domain uses DNSSEC to protect against DNS spoofing and cache poisoning attacks.
Why Use WHOIS Lookup?
Domain Research
Investigate domain availability, ownership history, and registration details before purchasing a domain. Verify that a domain is actually available or find out when it expires.
Verify Domain Ownership
Confirm the legitimacy of a website by checking who owns the domain. Essential for verifying business partnerships and identifying potentially fraudulent websites.
Check Expiration Dates
Monitor when domains expire to renew your own domains on time or identify when competitor or desired domains might become available for registration.
Investigate Spam & Phishing
Track down the registrant of domains used in spam campaigns, phishing attacks, or other malicious activities. Report abuse to the appropriate registrar.
Find Contact Information
Locate administrative or technical contacts for a domain to report issues, request partnerships, or resolve technical problems affecting the website.
Trademark Protection
Monitor domain registrations that might infringe on your trademarks. Identify cybersquatters and take appropriate legal action to protect your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information does WHOIS show?
WHOIS records contain comprehensive information about domain registrations, including:
- Registrar details: The company that registered the domain and their contact information
- Important dates: When the domain was created, last updated, and when it expires
- Name servers: The DNS servers responsible for resolving the domain
- Domain status: Codes indicating if the domain is active, locked, or pending transfer
- Contact information: Registrant, admin, and technical contact details (often masked by privacy protection)
The exact information available varies by top-level domain (TLD) and whether the registrant uses privacy protection services.
Why is WHOIS data sometimes hidden?
WHOIS privacy protection (also called domain privacy or WHOIS guard) is a service that masks personal information in WHOIS records. Several factors contribute to hidden WHOIS data:
- Privacy services: Registrars offer privacy protection that replaces personal details with the service provider's information
- GDPR compliance: European data protection regulations have led many registrars to redact personal information from WHOIS records
- Registrant type: Some TLDs distinguish between individual and corporate registrants, with different privacy rules
- Proxy registration: The domain may be registered through a proxy service that keeps the real owner anonymous
Even with privacy protection, you can still see the registrar, registration dates, and name servers.
How do I find out when a domain expires?
Use our WHOIS lookup tool to find the expiration date of any domain. Simply enter the domain name and look for the "Expiration Date" or "Registry Expiry Date" field in the results. This shows when the current registration period ends.
Important things to know about domain expiration:
- Domains typically have a grace period (5-30 days) after expiration where they can still be renewed
- After the grace period, domains enter a redemption period where recovery is more expensive
- Finally, domains are released for public registration again, usually 75-80 days after the expiration date
- Some registrars offer auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration
If you're interested in acquiring an expired domain, monitor it closely as it may be snapped up by automated services the moment it becomes available.
What is WHOIS privacy protection?
WHOIS privacy protection (also called domain privacy, private registration, or WHOIS guard) is a service that hides your personal contact information from public WHOIS records. Instead of showing your name, address, phone number, and email, the WHOIS database displays the privacy service's information.
Benefits of WHOIS privacy protection:
- Spam prevention: Keeps your email address hidden from spammers who harvest WHOIS records
- Privacy: Prevents your home address and phone number from being publicly accessible
- Security: Reduces the risk of identity theft and social engineering attacks
- Reduced solicitation: Minimizes unwanted calls from domain brokers and marketers
Most registrars offer WHOIS privacy as a free or low-cost add-on. However, some domain types (.gov, .edu) and uses (trademark registration) may require public WHOIS information.
Is WHOIS lookup legal?
Yes, performing WHOIS lookups is completely legal. WHOIS is a publicly accessible database designed specifically to provide information about domain registrations. The protocol was created to promote transparency and accountability on the internet.
Legitimate uses of WHOIS lookup include:
- Researching domain availability and ownership
- Verifying the legitimacy of websites
- Investigating spam, phishing, or other abuse
- Contacting domain owners for business purposes
- Monitoring domains for trademark protection
- Technical troubleshooting and network administration
However, using WHOIS data for illegal purposes (harassment, stalking, identity theft) is prohibited. Additionally, ICANN policies and laws like GDPR restrict how WHOIS data can be used and require registrars to limit access to certain information.