What is WHOIS?
WHOIS is a widely used query and response protocol for querying databases that store the registered users or assignees of an Internet resource, such as a domain name or IP address.
WHOIS Information
- Registrar: The company where the domain was registered The company where the domain was
registered (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
- Registration Date: When the domain was first created When the domain was first
registered.
- Expiration Date: When the domain registration expires When the domain registration
expires and may become available.
- Nameservers: DNS servers authoritative for the domain DNS servers authoritative for the
domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is WHOIS information hidden?
Many registrars offer WHOIS privacy protection (also called proxy registration) to hide personal contact details from public WHOIS lookups.
Is WHOIS lookup legal?
Yes. WHOIS data is publicly available information. However, using it for spamming or harassment may violate laws.
WHOIS Lookup retrieves domain registration information including registrant, registrar, creation/expiration dates, and nameservers for domain research and cybersecurity.
Key Facts
- WHOIS protocol established in 1982
- Over 350 million domain names registered worldwide
- GDPR led to redaction of personal data since 2018
- RDAP is replacing WHOIS as standard protocol
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WHOIS?
A protocol for querying databases storing domain registration data including owner info, dates, and nameservers.
Why is WHOIS hidden?
Privacy protection and GDPR regulations require registrars to redact personal data from WHOIS records.
How to find who owns a domain?
Use this WHOIS tool. If privacy enabled, contact registrar or check historical records.
What do status codes mean?
clientTransferProhibited prevents transfers, serverHold means suspended, ok/active means functioning normally.
How long before expired domain is available?
~65-75 days: 30-day grace period, 30-day redemption, 5-day pending delete.