WHOIS / Domain Lookup
Look up domain registration details, registrar, nameservers, expiry date and WHOIS status flags via RDAP.
What is WHOIS / Domain Lookup?
A WHOIS lookup tool lets you retrieve public registration information about any domain name, including who registered it, which registrar manages it, when it was registered and when it expires, its current nameservers, and its WHOIS status codes. This information is published as part of the global Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure.
This tool uses the modern RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) standard rather than the older plain-text WHOIS protocol. RDAP returns structured, machine-readable data and is now the preferred method for domain lookups according to ICANN. It provides the same registration data as WHOIS but in a more consistent format across all registries.
WHOIS and RDAP lookups are useful for many purposes. Domain buyers use them to check whether a domain is available or to find contact details for the current owner. Security researchers check registration dates and registrar details to assess whether a domain is likely to be fraudulent. IT teams use nameserver records to verify DNS delegation. Webmasters check expiry dates to avoid accidental lapses. Legal and compliance teams use them for domain ownership verification.
Note that ICANN privacy regulations (GDPR and similar laws) have led most registrars to redact personal contact information from public WHOIS records. You will typically see registrar and nameserver data, but registrant name and email may be withheld or replaced with proxy contact details.
How to Use WHOIS / Domain Lookup
- Enter a domain name
Type the domain you want to look up (e.g., example.com). You do not need to include the protocol or www prefix.
- Run the lookup
Click Lookup. The tool queries the RDAP registry for that top-level domain and retrieves the registration record.
- Review the registration data
See the registrar name, registration and expiry dates, nameservers, and domain status codes.
- Interpret status codes
WHOIS status codes like clientTransferProhibited or pendingDelete are explained in plain language.
Key Benefits
Uses the modern RDAP protocol for consistent, structured domain data across all major TLDs.
See exactly when a domain was registered and when it expires — useful for renewal planning and fraud assessment.
View the authoritative nameservers for any domain to verify DNS delegation and hosting configuration.
Check registration age, registrar, and status codes to help assess whether a domain is legitimate or suspicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since GDPR came into effect in 2018, most registrars redact personal contact information from public WHOIS records. You will see registrar details but personal data is typically withheld.
WHOIS is an older plain-text protocol. RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) is its modern replacement, returning structured JSON data with consistent formatting across all registries.
This status code means the registrar has placed a lock on the domain preventing it from being transferred to another registrar. It is a standard protective measure against unauthorised transfers.
RDAP is supported by all major TLDs including .com, .net, .org, and most country-code TLDs. Some smaller or newer TLDs may not yet have RDAP endpoints and may fall back to a WHOIS query.